Gaming news for the rest of us.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Spore on the DS?!??!

Wayne wrote:
Well, it's only speculation that it'll be on the DS, but there is talk of needing people to work on a version of it that is suitable for handhelds. The PSP may be more powerful, but the DS's interface may be more appropriate for the game. I'm excited!

Source: Kotaku

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1615.html

It just won't die!!!

Wayne wrote:
Ok, ok, so Acclaim is only alive as a name alone, much like Atari. Even so, it's a name I didn't want to see again, but it looks like the new Acclaim will be in charge of a free MMO that has something to do with robots.

Doesn't interest me much though. If I wanted an MMO, I'd get World of Warcraft.

Source: GamesDaily.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1614.html

Spore on the DS?!??!

Wayne wrote:
Well, it's only speculation that it'll be on the DS, but there is talk of needing people to work on a version of it that is suitable for handhelds. The PSP may be more powerful, but the DS's interface may be more appropriate for the game. I'm excited!

Source: Kotaku

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1615.html

It just won't die!!!

Wayne wrote:
Ok, ok, so Acclaim is only alive as a name alone, much like Atari. Even so, it's a name I didn't want to see again, but it looks like the new Acclaim will be in charge of a free MMO that has something to do with robots.

Doesn't interest me much though. If I wanted an MMO, I'd get World of Warcraft.

Source: GamesDaily.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1614.html

Black not coming to 360

Eurogamer has a story that Criterion has confirmed that Black will not be coming to the 360. Has anyone checked Black out yet?

"I keep reading all over forums that we're going to make a 360 version of BLACK, and it's just not true," Ward told Eurogamer this week.

Source: Eurogamer
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1613.html

CDC to Gamers: You are fat.

JoeHonkie wrote:
The CDC is trying to encourage people to get out and get some exercise with new print ads. The most contreversial of these uses a fake "screenshot" to depict some fat and somewhat gross looking baseball players sitting around. While I think many of use could use some more sunlight and physical exercise, this is perhaps not the best way to connect with their intended audience.

On the other hand, we are a pretty self-deprecating group, so maybe at least a few of us will take this with a grain of salt and have a good laugh. I'd like to hear what you guys think.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1612.html

Black not coming to 360

Eurogamer has a story that Criterion has confirmed that Black will not be coming to the 360. Has anyone checked Black out yet?

"I keep reading all over forums that we're going to make a 360 version of BLACK, and it's just not true," Ward told Eurogamer this week.

Source: Eurogamer

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1613.html

Telltale Games on Bone and Sam & Max

JoeHonkie wrote:
Gamasutra has an article up on the creators of the new Bone game, mostly talking about the second chapter of that series and the new Sam & Max game. I hope they can shape up, because all of these properties sound like good stuff to me.

I love Bone, and I love point-and-click adventure games, but let's not pull any punches here: the Bone game sucked. Really, the art and voices were great, and really seemed like an animated version of the series, but it was glitchy, nearly impossible to register, and pretty much an unplayable mess (I originally planned to write a review here, but I couldn't bear to!).

I know a lot of these folks have experience with these games in the past, but it didn't show in their first release. The voice and graphics does show a lot of potential, though. I love Sam & Max from the comics and the original game, and if they can shape up by the time they release that game, they'll have a fan for life. Good luck to them.

Source: Gamasutra

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1611.html

CDC to Gamers: You are fat.

JoeHonkie wrote:
The CDC is trying to encourage people to get out and get some exercise with new print ads. The most contreversial of these uses a fake "screenshot" to depict some fat and somewhat gross looking baseball players sitting around. While I think many of use could use some more sunlight and physical exercise, this is perhaps not the best way to connect with their intended audience.

On the other hand, we are a pretty self-deprecating group, so maybe at least a few of us will take this with a grain of salt and have a good laugh. I'd like to hear what you guys think.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1612.html

Dual touch screen DS?

Reports are out that Nintendo has filed a US patent for a system to utilize dual touch screens. Could a new DS be on the horizon? With the DS Lite still awaiting retail deployment I hope that any new variations of the DS are a few years off.

Edit: I should clarify that a DS with 2 touch screens is not what this patent refers to. Instead it refers to a touch screen that can detect 2 simultaneous touches on a single screen.

Source: NextGen.biz
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1610.html

Blu-Ray launch date set

Sony has announced that its Blu-Ray next-generation DVD format will launch in North America on May 23rd, giving a clear timeline for the first time for the arrival of the media format which will be used by the PlayStation 3.


That is fine and dandy, but the inital movie lineup is mediocre and paying $25-40 for a movie I already own on DVD isn't going to fly with and I have a feeling that most consumers would agree.

Source: GI.biz
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1609.html

Telltale Games on Bone and Sam & Max

JoeHonkie wrote:
Gamasutra has an article up on the creators of the new Bone game, mostly talking about the second chapter of that series and the new Sam & Max game. I hope they can shape up, because all of these properties sound like good stuff to me.

I love Bone, and I love point-and-click adventure games, but let's not pull any punches here: the Bone game sucked. Really, the art and voices were great, and really seemed like an animated version of the series, but it was glitchy, nearly impossible to register, and pretty much an unplayable mess (I originally planned to write a review here, but I couldn't bear to!).

I know a lot of these folks have experience with these games in the past, but it didn't show in their first release. The voice and graphics does show a lot of potential, though. I love Sam & Max from the comics and the original game, and if they can shape up by the time they release that game, they'll have a fan for life. Good luck to them.

Source: Gamasutra

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1611.html

Dual touch screen DS?

Reports are out that Nintendo has filed a US patent for a system to utilize dual touch screens. Could a new DS be on the horizon? With the DS Lite still awaiting retail deployment I hope that any new variations of the DS are a few years off.

Edit: I should clarify that a DS with 2 touch screens is not what this patent refers to. Instead it refers to a touch screen that can detect 2 simultaneous touches on a single screen.

Source: NextGen.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1610.html

Blu-Ray launch date set

Sony has announced that its Blu-Ray next-generation DVD format will launch in North America on May 23rd, giving a clear timeline for the first time for the arrival of the media format which will be used by the PlayStation 3.


That is fine and dandy, but the inital movie lineup is mediocre and paying $25-40 for a movie I already own on DVD isn't going to fly with and I have a feeling that most consumers would agree.

Source: GI.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1609.html

Dead or Alive Movie Shots

JoeHonkie wrote:
Looks like someone has some more shots of the Dead or Alive movie. I'm not sure that's a good thing. It looks amazingly bad, even without the help of Uwe Boll, but it's also kind of obvious that they are going for the cheesecake factor here.

You can take a look for some blonde cheesecake and everybody's favorite alien, Devon Aoki.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1608.html

Dead or Alive Movie Shots

JoeHonkie wrote:
Looks like someone has some more shots of the Dead or Alive movie. I'm not sure that's a good thing. It looks amazingly bad, even without the help of Uwe Boll, but it's also kind of obvious that they are going for the cheesecake factor here.

You can take a look for some blonde cheesecake and everybody's favorite alien, Devon Aoki.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1608.html

Monday, February 27, 2006

The Movies Expansion

CVG has a story online that Lionhead is planning a Stunts & Effects expansion to The Movies. I know a lot of people loved that game, but from what I hear it didn't do so well.

Source: CVG
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1607.html

10-12 million 360s by year end

Some analyst out there released a report today that Microsoft is on track to sell 6 Million 360s by June and 10-12 Million by the end of the year. That could be huge for Microsoft especially if the PS3 delay rumors prove to be true.

Source: Next-Gen.biz
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1606.html

The Movies Expansion

CVG has a story online that Lionhead is planning a Stunts & Effects expansion to The Movies. I know a lot of people loved that game, but from what I hear it didn't do so well.

Source: CVG

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1607.html

10-12 million 360s by year end

Some analyst out there released a report today that Microsoft is on track to sell 6 Million 360s by June and 10-12 Million by the end of the year. That could be huge for Microsoft especially if the PS3 delay rumors prove to be true.

Source: Next-Gen.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1606.html

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Review: Need For Speed Most Wanted - Xbox

Title: Need For Speed Most Wanted
Platform: Xbox
Author: Piniata
This game rocks—racing fans should buy it ASAP.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r313.html

Review: Metal Gear Acid - PSP

Title: Metal Gear Acid
Platform: PSP
Author: Piniata
Metal Gear Acid will keep you hooked until the finish, and you will DEFINITELY come back for more.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r312.html

PS3 hard to program for?

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, so we all sort of knew this, and it's not like PS2 was famous for ease of programming, but it looks like it may take a lot of work to properly tap that cell chip. What's news is that IBM is writing a special compiler called the Octopiler to break down single threaded code so it can feed all eight cores on the cell processor. What this means in layman's terms is that a developer can take a simple program without many special optimizations for the newer multi-core processors and the new compiler will split it into threads to most efficiently use all those cores.

The bad news is that this new compiler is a long way off. It won't be fully ready or functional anytime soon. Also not a whole lot of game code has been designed for multiprocessing in the past, so switching to three cores (on the Xbox) is going to take some ramp up time, and eight (on the PS3) is going to take even more. Honestly, I think Sony has a lot more on the line here, and Microsoft's easy programming library (XNA) is pretty much ready to go.

Sony's PS1 beat the Saturn for a number of reasons, but one you hear a lot is that it was easy to program for. It seems they've some a long way from that. Is Sony at risk here? Only time will tell.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1605.html05

PSP v2 with 4 Gigs of memory?

JoeHonkie wrote:
I've seen this rumor a few places, but Joystiq is reporting that there is a rumor of a new PSP on the works with 4 gigs of internal memory and a camera. This way it can be a better iPod killer, I suppose.

Personally I don't want any of that stuff. I just want it to be cheaper so I can check out those Megaman remakes. I also don't want to pay for a huge bundle of stuff I don't need. Let's hope they make those changes, too.

Remember folks, this is still just a rumor, even if it is widely reported.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1604.html

PS3 hard to program for?

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, so we all sort of knew this, and it's not like PS2 was famous for ease of programming, but it looks like it may take a lot of work to properly tap that cell chip. What's news is that IBM is writing a special compiler called the Octopiler to break down single threaded code so it can feed all eight cores on the cell processor. What this means in layman's terms is that a developer can take a simple program without many special optimizations for the newer multi-core processors and the new compiler will split it into threads to most efficiently use all those cores.

The bad news is that this new compiler is a long way off. It won't be fully ready or functional anytime soon. Also not a whole lot of game code has been designed for multiprocessing in the past, so switching to three cores (on the Xbox) is going to take some ramp up time, and eight (on the PS3) is going to take even more. Honestly, I think Sony has a lot more on the line here, and Microsoft's easy programming library (XNA) is pretty much ready to go.

Sony's PS1 beat the Saturn for a number of reasons, but one you hear a lot is that it was easy to program for. It seems they've some a long way from that. Is Sony at risk here? Only time will tell.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1605.html

PSP v2 with 4 Gigs of memory?

JoeHonkie wrote:
I've seen this rumor a few places, but Joystiq is reporting that there is a rumor of a new PSP on the works with 4 gigs of internal memory and a camera. This way it can be a better iPod killer, I suppose.

Personally I don't want any of that stuff. I just want it to be cheaper so I can check out those Megaman remakes. I also don't want to pay for a huge bundle of stuff I don't need. Let's hope they make those changes, too.

Remember folks, this is still just a rumor, even if it is widely reported.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1604.html

Review: From Russia With Love - Xbox

Title: From Russia With Love
Platform: Xbox
Author: Piniata
To be honest, I enjoyed From Russia with Love—more so than I would have ever thought.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r311.html

Review: Crash: Twinsanity - PS2

Title: Crash: Twinsanity
Platform: PS2
Author: Dark Raven X
I would recommend this game if you've got kids... but the sudden geared-up difficulties in places mean that anyone under 12-ish will struggle.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r310.html

Review: Shadow Hearts Covenant - PS2

Title: Shadow Hearts Covenant
Platform: PS2
Author: Hybridial
Shadow Hearts: Covenant is what most RPGs these days are not. It is compelling, innovative and fun.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r309.html

Review: Fable: The Lost Chapters - PC

Title: Fable: The Lost Chapters
Platform: PC
Author: Ben
Overall, itÂ’s an interesting experiment in game design and a pretty darn good action RPG to boot.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r308.html

Friday, February 24, 2006

What was THQ thinking?

Wayne wrote:
Ok... I thought maybe just a couple of minutes, but this was ridiculous! I'm talking about the loading times for the latest Smackdown vs. Raw on the PSP. From turning the game on to finally starting a match in season mode appears to be an extreme trial in patience. It took over six minutes of loading screens to get to the game!!!

The captions added to the clip make it worth watching if you have six minutes to kill, but wow. Did they not test this game before releasing it?

I don't know about anyone else, but I like having a handheld so I can just whip out a game and start playing. If it takes me over five minutes before I get to even play any of the game, that is just wrong.

On a related note, I complained in the forums about Final Fantasy Tactics Advance taking nearly half an hour to get through the intro before I could actually play the game. Same concept. Handhelds are meant for quick and fun gaming! Developers need to remember that.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1603.html

Thursday, February 23, 2006

What was THQ thinking?

Wayne wrote:
Ok... I thought maybe just a couple of minutes, but this was ridiculous! I'm talking about the loading times for the latest Smackdown vs. Raw on the PSP. From turning the game on to finally starting a match in season mode appears to be an extreme trial in patience. It took over six minutes of loading screens to get to the game!!!

The captions added to the clip make it worth watching if you have six minutes to kill, but wow. Did they not test this game before releasing it?

I don't know about anyone else, but I like having a handheld so I can just whip out a game and start playing. If it takes me over five minutes before I get to even play any of the game, that is just wrong.

On a related note, I complained in the forums about Final Fantasy Tactics Advance taking nearly half an hour to get through the intro before I could actually play the game. Same concept. Handhelds are meant for quick and fun gaming! Developers need to remember that.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1603.html

PS3 Phantom Style

It looks like Sony is attempting to put together an Infinium Labs/Phantom style game delivery system for the PS3 for the Asian market. I am still hesitant of things like this until fiber based broadband connections in the 20Mbps range are commonplace.

Source: Ars
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1602.html

PS3 Phantom Style

It looks like Sony is attempting to put together an Infinium Labs/Phantom style game delivery system for the PS3 for the Asian market. I am still hesitant of things like this until fiber based broadband connections in the 20Mbps range are commonplace.

Source: Ars

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1602.html

Classic game screens done with Lego

JoeHonkie wrote:
I'm not sure how I missed this, but the link was down there in Arstechnica and I passed right over it. Some guy has recreated a few classic game scenes in Lego goodness.

Simple, yet awesome.

Source: The New Gamer (via Ars)

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1601.html

Classic game screens done with Lego

JoeHonkie wrote:
I'm not sure how I missed this, but the link was down there in Arstechnica and I passed right over it. Some guy has recreated a few classic game scenes in Lego goodness.

Simple, yet awesome.

Source: The New Gamer (via Ars)

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1601.html

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Xbox 360 Transfer Kit

The Xbox 360 transfer kit will allow you to transfer game saves, downloads, user data, gamer pics and the like. Thanks to the Xchange 360 application, the Xbox 360 transfer kit is very easy to use. Just plug in your memory card into the docking port and connect it to any USB enabled PC.

Nice!

Source: TeamXbox
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1600.html

Review: Ultimate Spider-Man - Xbox

Title: Ultimate Spider-Man
Platform: Xbox
Author: Piniata
While Ultimate Spiderman is not a bad game, it isnÂ’t a great one either.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r307.html

Review: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - DS

Title: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Platform: DS
Author: Chris A.J.
If the courtroom was anything like this in real life, I donÂ’t think anyone would object to jury duty.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r306.html

Vin Diesel to Cut-out the Middle Man with

Villainous Fats wrote:
Midway Games, INC, Paramount/MTV Films and Vin Diesel's own Tigon Studios are planning to release a new video game property entitled The Wheelman. The game and film will be released in conjunction with each other with the game content acting as a prequel to the plot of the movie.

Midwest offered some reserved comments on the whole project:

We believe 'The Wheelman' is a groundbreaking new model for our industry," said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "We intend to create a broad-arcing experience, simultaneously developing entertainment properties across a number of mediums, with Vin Diesel right at the center of it all.

The days of waiting for crappy video game versions of crappy movies is over. Now we can now get them instantly, with Vin Diesel at the center! Yeah!

I guess to be fair, Vin Diesel's company was invovled in Escape from Butcher's Bay, so let us hope for something fun to come out of all of this.

In related news, Uwe Boll is said to be considering embracing this crossover game/movie technique for his projects - only, in his case, the prequel game involves trying to convince investors and drug addicted Hollywood actors to participate in his project.

Sources: ComingSoon.net and Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1599.html

Xbox 360 Transfer Kit

The Xbox 360 transfer kit will allow you to transfer game saves, downloads, user data, gamer pics and the like. Thanks to the Xchange 360 application, the Xbox 360 transfer kit is very easy to use. Just plug in your memory card into the docking port and connect it to any USB enabled PC.

Nice!

Source: TeamXbox

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1600.html

Space Quest and King's Quest Compliations

According to listings on Target and Amazon we are about to see Space Quest and King's Quest released as compilations for $19.99/each. Great news for fans of the games.
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1598.html

Vin Diesel to Cut-out the Middle Man with

Villainous Fats wrote:
Midway Games, INC, Paramount/MTV Films and Vin Diesel's own Tigon Studios are planning to release a new video game property entitled The Wheelman. The game and film will be released in conjunction with each other with the game content acting as a prequel to the plot of the movie.

Midwest offered some reserved comments on the whole project:

We believe 'The Wheelman' is a groundbreaking new model for our industry," said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "We intend to create a broad-arcing experience, simultaneously developing entertainment properties across a number of mediums, with Vin Diesel right at the center of it all.

The days of waiting for crappy video game versions of crappy movies is over. Now we can now get them instantly, with Vin Diesel at the center! Yeah!

I guess to be fair, Vin Diesel's company was invovled in Escape from Butcher's Bay, so let us hope for something fun to come out of all of this.

In related news, Uwe Boll is said to be considering embracing this crossover game/movie technique for his projects - only, in his case, the prequel game involves trying to convince investors and drug addicted Hollywood actors to participate in his project.

Sources: ComingSoon.net and Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1599.html

GameTap to get old Ultima titles

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, so I've been looking at Gametap for a while, but this may be what pushes me over the edge. They will apparently have Ultima 1-6 available for play, soon. I know people who have played every game in this series. I was just addicted to five, but plowing through it and doing all the side quests took a good 100 hours or so out of my life. I don't think I've ever been more drawn into an RPG.

I'm not sure I can pump 100 hours into this game again, but I may get Gametap anyways.

Source: GameSetWatch

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1597.html

Space Quest and King's Quest Compliations

According to listings on Target and Amazon we are about to see Space Quest and King's Quest released as compilations for $19.99/each. Great news for fans of the games.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1598.html

GameTap to get old Ultima titles

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, so I've been looking at Gametap for a while, but this may be what pushes me over the edge. They will apparently have Ultima 1-6 available for play, soon. I know people who have played every game in this series. I was just addicted to five, but plowing through it and doing all the side quests took a good 100 hours or so out of my life. I don't think I've ever been more drawn into an RPG.

I'm not sure I can pump 100 hours into this game again, but I may get Gametap anyways.

Source: GameSetWatch

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1597.html

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Dynasty Warriors 5 heads to the Xbox 360

Koei single handedly justified my need for an Xbox 360 today by announcing that DW5 would be heading to the new console. I am having a hard time containing my excitement. The DW games are some of my favorite games out there. It should look fantastic in HD.

Source: Team Xbox
http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1596.html

Dynasty Warriors 5 heads to the Xbox 360

Koei single handedly justified my need for an Xbox 360 today by announcing that DW5 would be heading to the new console. I am having a hard time containing my excitement. The DW games are some of my favorite games out there. It should look fantastic in HD.

Source: Team Xbox

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1596.html

Super Mario Bros. DS May 7th!

Wayne wrote:
This is great news for me. I'm running out of games to play on my GBA, and once I'm out of games, I'll likely be selling it. With that being said, I don't even have many games I'm looking to play on my DS, but I've got a few. Super Mario Bros. DS though is one of those games.

The other nice thing is that Super Princess Peach is coming out before the end of this month, so I'll be really enjoying my DS soon. I'm excited.

Source: Gamespot

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1595.html

Super Mario Bros. DS May 7th!

Wayne wrote:
This is great news for me. I'm running out of games to play on my GBA, and once I'm out of games, I'll likely be selling it. With that being said, I don't even have many games I'm looking to play on my DS, but I've got a few. Super Mario Bros. DS though is one of those games.

The other nice thing is that Super Princess Peach is coming out before the end of this month, so I'll be really enjoying my DS soon. I'm excited.

Source: Gamespot

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1595.html

Monday, February 20, 2006

De La Soul does Parappa?

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, I know two Parappa videos in about a week is a bit much, but man. De La Soul doing Parappa in an appropriately themed video? That's crazy. They even go 2d for part of it.

Video here.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1594.html

Engadget interviews Reggie

JoeHonkie wrote:
Reggie Fils-Aime has a personality that's hard to miss. He's something between a wrestling promoter and a carny. He's got a lot of strong opinions and he loves his company, but agree or disagree, you have to admit he talks a good talk.

Engadget has just interviewed him on a few recent subjects, including the DS and its new iteration, the Revolution, and what he thinks of the competition.

Enjoy.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1593.html

De La Soul does Parappa?

JoeHonkie wrote:
OK, I know two Parappa videos in about a week is a bit much, but man. De La Soul doing Parappa in an appropriately themed video? That's crazy. They even go 2d for part of it.

Video here.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1594.html

Engadget interviews Reggie

JoeHonkie wrote:
Reggie Fils-Aime has a personality that's hard to miss. He's something between a wrestling promoter and a carny. He's got a lot of strong opinions and he loves his company, but agree or disagree, you have to admit he talks a good talk.

Engadget has just interviewed him on a few recent subjects, including the DS and its new iteration, the Revolution, and what he thinks of the competition.

Enjoy.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1593.html

Interview: Jared Allen

The podcast for this week is up and I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the fact since we have a special guest interview with an Ex-Blizzard AI developer named Jared Allen. This is one podcast you don't want to miss.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1592.html

Interview: Jared Allen

The podcast for this week is up and I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the fact since we have a special guest interview with an Ex-Blizzard AI developer named Jared Allen. This is one podcast you don't want to miss.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1592.html

Sony denies PS3 Delay Rumors

There is no change in our original plan to release the console in spring 2006," Sakaguchi told the press in Tokyo, referring to the company's only stated goal for the launch so far - namely that the console will appear in at least one territory, most likely Japan, this spring.


Sometimes I wonder about Sony...

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1591.html

Sony denies PS3 Delay Rumors

"There is no change in our original plan to release the console in spring 2006," Sakaguchi told the press in Tokyo, referring to the company's only stated goal for the launch so far - namely that the console will appear in at least one territory, most likely Japan, this spring.

Sometimes I wonder about Sony...

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1591.html

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Twilight Princess delay official

GameCloud is reporting that Reggie Fils-Aime was on SpikeTV's GameHead this morning and told the host that the new Zelda game would be out "this fall." Reggie also said that it would remain a Gamecube title and not a Revolution title.

Source: GameCloud

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1590.html

Review: Sonic Advance 2 - GBA

Title: Sonic Advance 2
Platform: GBA
Author: Wayne
Despite the few flaws, Sonic Advance 2 is an excellent side scrolling 2D Sonic game.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r305.html

Review: Sonic Heroes - Gamecube

Title: Sonic Heroes
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Chris A.J.
Sonic Heroes is one of the more disappointing Sonic titles to come out in recent years.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r304.html

Twilight Princess delay official

GameCloud is reporting that Reggie Fils-Aime was on SpikeTV's GameHead this morning and told the host that the new Zelda game would be out "this fall." Reggie also said that it would remain a Gamecube title and not a Revolution title.

Source: GameCloud

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1590.html

Playstation 3 coming in late and expensive?

Joe Honkie wrote:
In the report (Click here for PDF), the [Merrill Lynch] proposed the idea that high costs and Sony's decision to use an "ambitious new processor architecture--the Cell" is making it look like the company might not be able to meet its goal of getting the PS3 out in the U.S. this year.

The report suggests the possibility that the PS 3 would launch this fall in Japan and in late 2006 or early 2007 in the U.S.

Looks like someone thinks PS3 is a longer way off than we expected. It may also cost a lot more. If you look at the PDF linked in the article, they are also placing the cost at $900 per unit.

Now take this with a grain of salt. These are outside analysts making predictions based on what little information they have. The truth could be quite different. I certainly doubt that Sony is going to be charging so much for the consoles, espescially based on their rationale that ties the cost to the Blu-Ray drives and Cell processor. Although the first Blu-Ray players seem pretty pricey, so were the first DVD players, and that didn't cause the PS2 to cost $500. The Cell processor may be pretty cheap when they produce enough quantities. However, it may take some extra time to ramp the brand new Blu-Ray technology, and the Cell chip is also new and fairly untested.

I wouldn't be surprised by huge delays, but I'm not accepting anything until I see it. Like any other analyst predicition, use this one to temper your enthusiasm, but don't take it as fact yet.

Source: Cnet


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1589.html

Review: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 - PS2

Title: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2
Platform: PS2
Author: Piniata
Overall, Ghost Recon 2 is a mediocre game at best and doesnÂ’t deserve to have Tom ClancyÂ’s name on it, or to be called 'Ghost Recon' for that matter.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r303.html

Powerstone 1 and 2 for PSP

Joe Honkie wrote:
Capcom is releasing a Powerstone 1 & 2 collection for PSP! It's not about to tip me over the edge, but I know a lot of people who are crazy about Powerstone. In the heyday of the Dreancast, that was one of the "party" games of choice.

I'm really glad to see people reviving classics from the DC, even if it is for a system I am unlikely to get.

Source: Arstechnica


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1588.html

Review: Unreal Tournament 2004 - PC

Title: Unreal Tournament 2004
Platform: PC
Author: Chris A.J.
To be frank, if you are a fan of the FPS genre, and you have the PC power for it, there is really no reason not to buy this game.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r302.html

Playstation 3 coming in late and expensive?

JoeHonkie wrote:
In the report (Click here for PDF), the [Merrill Lynch] proposed the idea that high costs and Sony's decision to use an "ambitious new processor architecture--the Cell" is making it look like the company might not be able to meet its goal of getting the PS3 out in the U.S. this year.

The report suggests the possibility that the PS 3 would launch this fall in Japan and in late 2006 or early 2007 in the U.S.


Looks like someone thinks PS3 is a longer way off than we expected. It may also cost a lot more. If you look at the PDF linked in the article, they are also placing the cost at $900 per unit.

Now take this with a grain of salt. These are outside analysts making predictions based on what little information they have. The truth could be quite different. I certainly doubt that Sony is going to be charging so much for the consoles, espescially based on their rationale that ties the cost to the Blu-Ray drives and Cell processor. Although the first Blu-Ray players seem pretty pricey, so were the first DVD players, and that didn't cause the PS2 to cost $500. The Cell processor may be pretty cheap when they produce enough quantities. However, it may take some extra time to ramp the brand new Blu-Ray technology, and the Cell chip is also new and fairly untested.

I wouldn't be surprised by huge delays, but I'm not accepting anything until I see it. Like any other analyst predicition, use this one to temper your enthusiasm, but don't take it as fact yet.

Source: Cnet

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1589.html

Review: Project Gotham Racing 2 - Xbox

Title: Project Gotham Racing 2
Platform: Xbox
Author: Wayne
Overall this is a very well done racing title and a great reason to buy a Live kit if you don't already own one.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r301.html

Review: Mortal Kombat: Deception - Xbox

Title: Mortal Kombat: Deception
Platform: Xbox
Author: Chris A.J.
In the end, while much of it seems rehashed, Mortal Kombat: Deception is a worthy follow-up to Deadly Alliance and a formidable part of the series whole.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r300.html

Review: Prince of Persia: Warrior Within - Gamecube

Title: Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Tigress
Unless you are a die-hard Prince of Persia fan, I suggest passing this atrocity by and picking up The Two Thrones.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r299.html

Review: Mario Golf: Advance Tour - GBA

Title: Mario Golf: Advance Tour
Platform: GBA
Author: Wayne
It's actually one of the better golf games I have ever played on any system.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r298.html

Powerstone 1 and 2 for PSP

JoeHonkie wrote:
Capcom is releasing a Powerstone 1 & 2 collection for PSP! It's not about to tip me over the edge, but I know a lot of people who are crazy about Powerstone. In the heyday of the Dreancast, that was one of the "party" games of choice.

I'm really glad to see people reviving classics from the DC, even if it is for a system I am unlikely to get.

Source: Arstechnica

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1588.html

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Community News

Pickle wrote:
Man I really do enjoy doing our podcasts, this last one in my opinon was one of our best, and Mr. Allen was a great guest stay tunned for the show early next week.

However I do have a few questions I want to toss your way. What do you want from a community website, what do you not want. Also how do you cats all feel about audio reviews and video reviews. I ask because we want to implement some media in Version 3 of our SB website, and of course I would hate to not get the community take on it. So think up, and yap up in our forums cause this is your website.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1587.html

Community News

Pickle wrote:
Man I really do enjoy doing our podcasts, this last one in my opinon was one of our best, and Mr. Allen was a great guest stay tunned for the show early next week.

However I do have a few questions I want to toss your way. What do you want from a community website, what do you not want. Also how do you cats all feel about audio reviews and video reviews. I ask because we want to implement some media in Version 3 of our SB website, and of course I would hate to not get the community take on it. So think up, and yap up in our forums cause this is your website.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1587.html

Friday, February 17, 2006

Download HD content on your Xbox?

Joe Honkie wrote:
A scan of the March 2006 issue of Official Xbox Magazine reveals "that a DirecTV blade might be added to your Xbox 360 Dashboard to accompany the Xbox Live, Games, Media, and System blades. In that blade, you could download TV episodes in high definition, HD movies on demand, and standard-definition streaming DVR (i.e., TiVo) functions.

Apparently Xbox Live may be working on teaming up with DirectTV to bring downloadable HD movies and TV shows to your Xbox. To me that's a good thing. It's like they are actually trying to do the media center thing that Sony was always blabbing about, and that some original Xbox owners experienced through modification. Although I am not super psyched about any of the Xbox 360's main library, features like this and Live Arcade are really the sort of thing that make me want to break down and buy one.

Source: Joystiq


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1586.html

Download HD content on your Xbox?

JoeHonkie wrote:
A scan of the March 2006 issue of Official Xbox Magazine reveals "that a DirecTV blade might be added to your Xbox 360 Dashboard to accompany the Xbox Live, Games, Media, and System blades. In that blade, you could download TV episodes in high definition, HD movies on demand, and standard-definition streaming DVR (i.e., TiVo) functions."


Apparently Xbox Live may be working on teaming up with DirectTV to bring downloadable HD movies and TV shows to your Xbox. To me that's a good thing. It's like they are actually trying to do the media center thing that Sony was always blabbing about, and that some original Xbox owners experienced through modification. Although I am not super psyched about any of the Xbox 360's main library, features like this and Live Arcade are really the sort of thing that make me want to break down and buy one.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1586.html

Thursday, February 16, 2006

This one's for Pickle

Wayne wrote:
A new woman representing Lara Croft? I guess so. It looks like this one may actually be a bit more interesting though. She will be trained in survival, weaponry, archaeology, and etiquette and will be traveling around the world.

Now, I myself am a bit tired of the Tomb Raider franchise, but I can't deny that this new Lara is quite attractive, and hopefully all of this training will make her more than just a pretty face and a nice pair of... eyes.

Source, as referred to me by Pickle: Fox News


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1584.html

This one's for Pickle

Wayne wrote:
A new woman representing Lara Croft? I guess so. It looks like this one may actually be a bit more interesting though. She will be trained in survival, weaponry, archaeology, and etiquette and will be traveling around the world.

Now, I myself am a bit tired of the Tomb Raider franchise, but I can't deny that this new Lara is quite attractive, and hopefully all of this training will make her more than just a pretty face and a nice pair of... eyes.

Source, as referred to me by Pickle: Fox News

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1584.html

UMD sales slow, Sony cutting back on availability?

Wayne wrote:
Well that's interesting. After just hearing about DVD/UMD bundles, it looks like Sony will be cutting back on available UMDs. It seems that the biggest sellers are comedies, but most everything is either getting cancelled or will be allowed to dwindle down to nothing on the shelves.

But hey... when you can rip a DVD, put it on your memory stick, and just watch it that way, why would you pay nearly $30 for a UMD when you can get a DVD for $16? Sony blames piracy. I blame price. Price the UMDs the same as DVDs and they'll start selling again.

Source: Variety


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1583.html

UMD sales slow, Sony cutting back on availability?

Wayne wrote:
Well that's interesting. After just hearing about DVD/UMD bundles, it looks like Sony will be cutting back on available UMDs. It seems that the biggest sellers are comedies, but most everything is either getting cancelled or will be allowed to dwindle down to nothing on the shelves.

But hey... when you can rip a DVD, put it on your memory stick, and just watch it that way, why would you pay nearly $30 for a UMD when you can get a DVD for $16? Sony blames piracy. I blame price. Price the UMDs the same as DVDs and they'll start selling again.

Source: Variety

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1583.html

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Uwe Boll is mistunderstood

Joe Honkie wrote:
Uwe Boll doesn't make terrible movies, he's just hounded by evil journalists and "one or two thousand people." At least that's what he wants to think. Also his movies are improving dramatically with each installment. Sure, Bloodrayne did really badly, but it was the theatres' fault, people!

Does it surprise anyone that this man is totally out of sync with reality? At least the upside is that he's thinking of taking his ball and going home. Don't let the door hit you one the way out, Uwe!

Source: Eurogamer


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1582.html

Uwe Boll is mistunderstood

JoeHonkie wrote:
Uwe Boll doesn't make terrible movies, he's just hounded by evil journalists and "one or two thousand people." At least that's what he wants to think. Also his movies are improving dramatically with each installment. Sure, Bloodrayne did really badly, but it was the theatres' fault, people!

Does it surprise anyone that this man is totally out of sync with reality? At least the upside is that he's thinking of taking his ball and going home. Don't let the door hit you one the way out, Uwe!

Source: Eurogamer

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1582.html

Prostitues call for ban of GTA

Wayne wrote:
In the games, players can solicit "services" from prostitutes by driving their cars slowly near them. No sexual acts are in clear visible view, but during the "transaction," the player regains health and loses money. Though the player cannot actively rape prostitutes in the game, a possible rape is alluded to once during the storyline of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The prostitutes, like every other character, are also subject to homicide at the hands of the protagonist.

Oh noes! A rape is alluded to in an M rated game (which we all know is equivalent to an R rating in a film). That's odd... I don't remember hearing anyone complain about the simulated gang-rape in The General's Daughter or other films. Oh but wait... since all games are made specifically for children, that's the problem.

I can't say enough how these games are not meant for kids. Sure, they get marketed towards kids like cigarettes and whatnot have in the past, but it only takes a little common sense to tell little Johnny that he can't play Game X or Game Y because of content. Seriously...

Source: Gamespot


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1581.html

Playstation 3 coming September 16th?

Wayne wrote:
Wow! This one's been spreading across the internet like wildfire. Everywhere I go today, I'm seeing people talking about how there's been a strong reason to believe this is true since it seems to have been originally reported at Next Generation.

While I don't intend to get one, this still excites me. I can only hope the Revolution comes out this summer to get a slight edge on the PS3. Granted, it won't be much of an edge, but every little bit helps.

I'm just hoping that neither the Revolution or the PS3 have shortages, because this will be a crazy holiday season if there is a steady supply of these machines.

Editor's Note: Any unofficial release dates like this should be taken with a grain of salt. Until Sony says the PS3 is coming out in September then nobody knows for sure.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1580.html

Won't somebody please think of the children!

Joe Honkie wrote:
GameSetWatch has an amusing piece based on a local channel attempting to mark the DS as a tool for sexual predators to hunt kids. The original news piece is filled with misunderstandings and hyperbole.

Don't get too upset over this one, guys. The local Action News team putting out a yellow journalism piece on the latest imaginary threats to society is hardly new or exclusive to the video games industry. Hell, I saw once piece where they were going on about the dangers of little league baseball. They showed a doctor claiming 'Worst case...DEATH!' I know that I will never be able to allow any child of mine to play sports ever because of that one broadcast.

Just some good amusing fun at the expense of the ignorant. And yes, your kid shouldn't talk to strangers over pictochat, but that's true anywhere.

The article
The original piece


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1579.html

Prostitues call for ban of GTA

Wayne wrote:
In the games, players can solicit "services" from prostitutes by driving their cars slowly near them. No sexual acts are in clear visible view, but during the "transaction," the player regains health and loses money. Though the player cannot actively rape prostitutes in the game, a possible rape is alluded to once during the storyline of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The prostitutes, like every other character, are also subject to homicide at the hands of the protagonist.


Oh noes! A rape is alluded to in an M rated game (which we all know is equivalent to an R rating in a film). That's odd... I don't remember hearing anyone complain about the simulated gang-rape in The General's Daughter or other films. Oh but wait... since all games are made specifically for children, that's the problem.

I can't say enough how these games are not meant for kids. Sure, they get marketed towards kids like cigarettes and whatnot have in the past, but it only takes a little common sense to tell little Johnny that he can't play Game X or Game Y because of content. Seriously...

Source: Gamespot

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1581.html

Opera Web Browser on DS

Joe Honkie wrote:
Nintendo and Opera are going to be bringing a version of the Opera to the DS. Now if you want to check Snackbar in between games of Mario Kart, you can do it without getting up.

Opera for DS will support both screens and full use of the touchscreen, but I'm guessing the resolution will be pretty sketchy for most pages.

Source: Slashdot


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1578.html

Playstation 3 coming September 16th?

Wayne wrote:
Wow! This one's been spreading across the internet like wildfire. Everywhere I go today, I'm seeing people talking about how there's been a strong reason to believe this is true since it seems to have been originally reported at Next Generation.

While I don't intend to get one, this still excites me. I can only hope the Revolution comes out this summer to get a slight edge on the PS3. Granted, it won't be much of an edge, but every little bit helps.

I'm just hoping that neither the Revolution or the PS3 have shortages, because this will be a crazy holiday season if there is a steady supply of these machines.

Editor's Note: Any unofficial release dates like this should be taken with a grain of salt. Until Sony says the PS3 is coming out in September then nobody knows for sure.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1580.html

Won't somebody please think of the children!

JoeHonkie wrote:
GameSetWatch has an amusing piece based on a local channel attempting to mark the DS as a tool for sexual predators to hunt kids. The original news piece is filled with misunderstandings and hyperbole.

Don't get too upset over this one, guys. The local Action News team putting out a yellow journalism piece on the latest imaginary threats to society is hardly new or exclusive to the video games industry. Hell, I saw once piece where they were going on about the dangers of little league baseball. They showed a doctor claiming "Worst case...DEATH!" I know that I will never be able to allow any child of mine to play sports ever because of that one broadcast.

Just some good amusing fun at the expense of the ignorant. And yes, your kid shouldn't talk to strangers over pictochat, but that's true anywhere.

The article
The original piece

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1579.html

Opera Web Browser on DS

JoeHonkie wrote:
Nintendo and Opera are going to be bringing a version of the Opera to the DS. Now if you want to check Snackbar in between games of Mario Kart, you can do it without getting up.

Opera for DS will support both screens and full use of the touchscreen, but I'm guessing the resolution will be pretty sketchy for most pages.

Source Slashdot

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1578.html

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Upcoming Podcast

Pretzel wrote:
We want to give everyone plenty of time to get their voice heard in preparation for the next podcast recording coming up this Friday. We will have a very special guest on the Snackbar Podcast, Jared Allen an Ex-AI Developer for Blizzard. We will be discussing the AI in todays games and how it sets the tone for whats to come. We will also be talking other factors of AI; its evolution, its effects, etc. If any of you want to sound off about AI in todays games please feel free. It can be about anything. If you want to ask a question to our very special guest, you are more than welcome. You can send us an audio feedback, remember keep it clean and short no more than ten seconds. Send us an email at podcast@snackbar-games.com, or you can sound off in the forums.

As for the Lifestyles Show, we will have special guest Martin Kruse, owner of the Xtreme Gaming Cyber Cafe. We will talk about the LAN Centers and their popularity and its community. Remember you can sound off through email, audio feedback, or even in our forums.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1577.html

BF2 Update

Pretzel wrote:
This is to all you BF2 lovers out there. The much anticipated 1.2 patch has finally been released. This should resolve many of the issues that have been effecting the online game play. This is the patch that is supposedly going to eliminate bunny hopping. We shall see how this patch fairs!

In other Battlefield news, the BF2 booster pack 'Euro Force' should be released soon considering it was suppose to have a Feb. 8th release. Also, Armored Fury is still on track for a March release. EA and DICE are both doing a tremendous job accommodating the BF world. If you are interested in joining us for a day of BF2, please check us out in our Battlefield Communities in the forums.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1576.html

Upcoming Podcast

Pretzel wrote:
We want to give everyone plenty of time to get their voice heard in preparation for the next podcast recording coming up this Friday. We will have a very special guest on the Snackbar Podcast, Jared Allen an Ex-AI Developer for Blizzard. We will be discussing the AI in todays games and how it sets the tone for whats to come. We will also be talking other factors of AI; its evolution, its effects, etc. If any of you want to sound off about AI in todays games please feel free. It can be about anything. If you want to ask a question to our very special guest, you are more than welcome. You can send us an audio feedback, remember keep it clean and short no more than ten seconds. Send us an email at podcast@snackbar-games.com, or you can sound off in the forums.

As for the Lifestyles Show, we will have special guest Martin Kruse, owner of the Xtreme Gaming Cyber Cafe. We will talk about the LAN Centers and their popularity and its community. Remember you can sound off through email, audio feedback, or even in our forums.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1577.html

Happy Valentine's Day Activision!!!

Wayne wrote:
I'm so happy to hear that you have given 150 of your employees (7% of the staff) extra free time to spend with their loved ones this Valentine's Day. I'm also very happy to see that they will be getting even more time to spend with their loved ones after today. Activision, how we love thee. Such an employee-centric company should be honored, and thus, on behalf of Snackbar Games, we honor you.

Activision, you will be receiving in the mail (in 4-8 weeks) a lovely 'Employee-centric Superstar!' plaque hand-signed by the entire Snackbar staff. We hope you appreciate this gesture, and we hope you continue to treat your employees so kindly in the future.

Source: Joystiq


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1575.html

First Revolution supporter announced

Wayne wrote:
Multi-superconglomerate gaming company Blitz Games, known for such masterfully-made best-selling titles as Taz Wanted, Bratz: Rock Angelz, and Barbie Horse Adventures, has announced support for the Revolution. Yippee!!!

Someone hit me...


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1574.html "

BF2 Update

Pretzel wrote:
This is to all you BF2 lovers out there. The much anticipated 1.2 patch has finally been released. This should resolve many of the issues that have been effecting the online game play. This is the patch that is supposedly going to eliminate bunny hopping. We shall see how this patch fairs!

In other Battlefield news, the BF2 booster pack "Euro Force" should be released soon considering it was suppose to have a Feb. 8th release. Also, Armored Fury is still on track for a March release. EA and DICE are both doing a tremendous job accommodating the BF world. If you are interested in joining us for a day of BF2, please check us out in our Battlefield Communities in the forums.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1576.html

Happy Valentine's Day Activision!!!

Wayne wrote:
I'm so happy to hear that you have given 150 of your employees (7% of the staff) extra free time to spend with their loved ones this Valentine's Day. I'm also very happy to see that they will be getting even more time to spend with their loved ones after today. Activision, how we love thee. Such an employee-centric company should be honored, and thus, on behalf of Snackbar Games, we honor you.

Activision, you will be receiving in the mail (in 4-8 weeks) a lovely "Employee-centric Superstar!" plaque hand-signed by the entire Snackbar staff. We hope you appreciate this gesture, and we hope you continue to treat your employees so kindly in the future.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1575.html

First Revolution supporter announced

Wayne wrote:
Multi-superconglomerate gaming company Blitz Games, known for such masterfully-made best-selling titles as Taz Wanted, Bratz: Rock Angelz, and Barbie Horse Adventures, has announced support for the Revolution. Yippee!!!

Someone hit me...

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1574.html

404s

Our site stats are showing a huge amount of 404 errors and the only place I can see they are coming from is the GBA cover project. If anyone runs across a cover that isn't correct or is missing an image, please please please email me at snowcone@snackbar-games.com

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1573.html

Marble Blast Goes Top 10

Joe Honkie wrote:
Apparently Marble Blast Ultra has broken into the Top 10 games on Xbox Live. Normally this wouldn't be huge news, but I am a big indie gaming fan, and this flies in the face of what the big development and publishing houses have been telling us.

I'm sick of all this talk that only huge elaborate games can make it these days and that costs will just go up to the roof. I often feel that these companies need to learn to be more creative and try new things. After all, companies like Popcap Games aren't starving.

It's funny that Marble Blast Ultra is considered a 'casual' game, when it so strongly resembles some arcade classics (like Marble Madness). I think a lot of us would be happy with some simple but well designed games, espescially at lower prices. Lets hope the XBL Marketplace proves me right.

Source: Joystiq


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1572.html

Happy V-day

Joe Honkie wrote:
Alright gamer nerds, time to warm your true loves heart with some horribly insipid card and fifty bucks worth of flowers. If you want to spread the love gamer style, this guy has a few options.

The links are hard to follow but the top row, 3rd over from the right through the 6th.

Source: Joystiq


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1571.html

404s

Our site stats are showing a huge amount of 404 errors and the only place I can see they are coming from is the GBA cover project. If anyone runs across a cover that isn't correct or is missing an image, please please please email me at snowcone@snackbar-games.com

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1573.html

Marble Blast Goes Top 10

JoeHonkie wrote:
Apparently Marble Blast Ultra has broken into the Top 10 games on Xbox Live. Normally this wouldn't be huge news, but I am a big indie gaming fan, and this flies in the face of what the big development and publishing houses have been telling us.

I'm sick of all this talk that only huge elaborate games can make it these days and that costs will just go up to the roof. I often feel that these companies need to learn to be more creative and try new things. After all, companies like Popcap Games aren't starving.

It's funny that Marble Blast Ultra is considered a "casual" game, when it so strongly resembles some arcade classics (like Marble Madness). I think a lot of us would be happy with some simple but well designed games, espescially at lower prices. Lets hope the XBL Marketplace proves me right.

Source Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1572.html

Happy V-day

JoeHonkie wrote:
Alright gamer nerds, time to warm your true loves heart with some horribly insipid card and fifty bucks worth of flowers. If you want to spread the love gamer style, this guy has a few options.

The links are hard to follow but the top row, 3rd over from the right through the 6th.

Source: Joystiq

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1571.html

Monday, February 13, 2006

Advent Children gets DVD release date and voice cast

It seems like it has been an eternity in the making, but Advent Children has just gotten it's DVD release date of April 25th. The voice cast has also been released. Everyone has already seen this right? Thought so.

Source: Ars via Joe Honkie

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1570.html

Xbox 360 shortage coming to an end

Ars is reporting that in the next 4 to 6 weeks you should be able to walk into any store and pick up an Xbox 360. This is good news for those of us who have yet to take the next generation plunge.

Source: Ars

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1569.html

Advent Children gets DVD release date and voice cast

It seems like it has been an eternity in the making, but Advent Children has just gotten it's DVD release date of April 25th. The voice cast has also been released. Everyone has already seen this right? Thought so.

Source: Ars via Joe Honkie

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1570.html

Xbox 360 shortage coming to an end

Ars is reporting that in the next 4 to 6 weeks you should be able to walk into any store and pick up an Xbox 360. This is good news for those of us who have yet to take the next generation plunge.

Source: Ars

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1569.html

Lifestyles

Pretzel wrote:
The next Lifestyles Podcast will be a very special one. We are in new territories as we were trying some new things out to get you the community more involved, so please bare with us. We will have our very own Dave Brown as a guest via VOIP. We would like to hear what everyone thought about the show once I get it up to Cone to post. I am still in the editing process, so the show might be up later today or early tomorrow. Sorry about the delay, we always try to have the podcasts up on Mondays for everyone to listen to when they get to work on Mondays. Cheers!

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1568.html

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Proof that gaming is good for you

Moderation is the key, but apparently playing video games is almost as good for you as is being bilingual. At least when it comes to thwarting cognitive loss much later in life that seems to be the case. A report should be out next week that emphasizes the advantages gamers have over non-gamers in certain scenarios. One of those cases being the fact that gamers aren't tricked quite as easily when it comes to confusing mental tests. Score one for the gamers.

Source: Globe and Mail

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1567.html

Proof that gaming is good for you

Moderation is the key, but apparently playing video games is almost as good for you as is being bilingual. At least when it comes to thwarting cognitive loss much later in life that seems to be the case. A report should be out next week that emphasizes the advantages gamers have over non-gamers in certain scenarios. One of those cases being the fact that gamers aren't tricked quite as easily when it comes to confusing mental tests. Score one for the gamers.

Globe and Mail

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1567.html

Review: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - PC

Title: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Platform: PC
Author: Wayne
Overall, even though this is essentially just an upgrade to another game, it played very well, added a lot of new things that we didn't have before, and really held its own.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r297.html

Playing XIII on the PC

Wayne wrote:
Ok... this is why I hardly ever play PC games anymore, and really makes me question why I spent so much to have a powerful system. I've spent the last couple of days trying to complete Ubi Soft's XIII, but was unable to due to a plethora of problems. The first major problem is that the saves didn't take. I could save mid-level, go back to it later, and I'd be lucky if I was still in the same level. On top of that, my quicksave never worked either. I could quicksave all day long, and if I died, back to the beginning of the level for me.

This wouldn't have been quite so bad. It just would have meant that I needed to get my skills up, but the game itself crashed a few times, and since my saves only took about 50% of the time, I'd have to re-do a large portion of the level and re-watch a cutscene that I had already seen (they were unskippable).

This is highly disappointing, and I expected better than this from Ubi Soft. I've had the game sitting on the shelf for a year, and I finally go to play it, really start to enjoy it, and I encounter all of these problems.

I am not a happy panda. I should have gotten it for the Xbox instead.

Look at the bright side though... it will be 3-5 years before I feel any desire to upgrade my PC again. I suppose that's a plus.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1566.html

Review: Battlefield 1942 - PC

Title: Battlefield 1942
Platform: PC
Author: Chris A.J.
All in all, Battlefield 1942 is a great game, with very few flaws.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r296.html

Review: Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising - GBA

Title: Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
Platform: GBA
Author: Chris A.J.
Advance Wars 2 is a worthy sequel to one of the GBA's best games.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r295.html

Review: Advance Wars - GBA

Title: Advance Wars
Platform: GBA
Author: Chris A.J.
Overall, Advance Wars is probably one of the best games you can buy on the Game Boy Advance.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r294.html

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Downtime

My apologies to everyone visitng snackbar-games.com instead of snackbargames.com. I initiated a domain name transfer and it didn't go as smoothly as planned. Things should be up and running in the next few hours as the DNS changes propagate.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1565.html

Friday, February 10, 2006

So, what's the big deal exactly?

Wayne wrote:
Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems that the British Red Cross is complaining about the use of its emblem in games.
It is important for videogame manufacturers not to use the emblem in their games, including for matters related to its humanitarian purpose, such as first aid or general medical care.

Why is it a problem if a medic in a warzone has the emblem on their helmet? How is this a bad thing? I suppose I'm just having trouble seeing it from the other side. I just fail to see where the problem is here.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1564.html

So, what's the big deal exactly?

Wayne wrote:
Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems that the British Red Cross is complaining about the use of its emblem in games.

It is important for videogame manufacturers not to use the emblem in their games, including for matters related to its humanitarian purpose, such as first aid or general medical care,


Why is it a problem if a medic in a warzone has the emblem on their helmet? How is this a bad thing? I suppose I'm just having trouble seeing it from the other side. I just fail to see where the problem is here.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1564.html

Sony tries new UMD strategy

Joe Honkie wrote:
I think we've all noticed that Sony has been having a bit of trouble selling their UMDs. Not a week goes by that I don't see a new store marking them down or putting them on sale. It's tough to sell someone a lower quality version of a movie that can only be played on one specific device.

Sony has recently marked out a new strategy for pushing these little discs, and it's one that most of the rest of us had figured out long ago: sell them with the DVDs. Unfortunately these bundles will come at a slight price premium over the traditional DVD-only packages at $28.95 each, but it's still a lot less than the nutty $29.99 they were trying to sell the UMDs at by themselves. These bundles will also be limited to a few new movies as they roll them out.

Will this mean brisk sales of UMDs in the future? I have no idea, but I highly doubt it will pull in anyone who hasn't already decided on a PSP to begin with.

Source: Eurogamer

Sony tries new UMD strategy

JoeHonkie wrote:
I think we've all noticed that Sony has been having a bit of trouble selling their UMDs. Not a week goes by that I don't see a new store marking them down or putting them on sale. It's tough to sell someone a lower quality version of a movie that can only be played on one specific device.

Sony has recently marked out a new strategy for pushing these little discs, and it's one that most of the rest of us had figured out long ago: sell them with the DVDs. Unfortunately these bundles will come at a slight price premium over the traditional DVD-only packages at $28.95 each, but it's still a lot less than the nutty $29.99 they were trying to sell the UMDs at by themselves. These bundles will also be limited to a few new movies as they roll them out.

Will this mean brisk sales of UMDs in the future? I have no idea, but I highly doubt it will pull in anyone who hasn't already decided on a PSP to begin with.

Source Eurogamer

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1562.html

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Halo 2 to be Vista-only

Joe Honkie wrote:
In a move calculated to enrage or be ignored by gamers everywhere, Microsoft will be releasing Halo 2 on PC as a Vista exclusive. There is no word on whether this will be due to new technical features only available on Vista, or if it is just a pathetic attempt to try to coax people into upgrading.

I don't know about you guys, but I hate OS version or CPU "exclusives." If it can run on my system, it should. The Unreal Tournament 2004 XP-only levels were a big enough slap in the face, but at least there weren't many of them and they didn't get used on many servers. On the other hand, I have to temper my opinion with the thought that while Halo 2 was a damn decent game, it really didn't feel like much of an upgrade over the original, and we PC gamers are basically smothered with solid FPS titles to begin with. Halo 1 certainly didn't make much of a splash by the time it hit PC.

Source: Xbox.com

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1561.html

Halo 2 to be Vista-only

JoeHonkie wrote:
In a move calculated to enrage or be ignored by gamers everywhere, Microsoft will be releasing Halo 2 on PC as a Vista exclusive. There is no word on whether this will be due to new technical features only available on Vista, or if it is just a pathetic attempt to try to coax people into upgrading.

I don't know about you guys, but I hate OS version or CPU "exclusives." If it can run on my system, it should. The Unreal Tournament 2004 XP-only levels were a big enough slap in the face, but at least there weren't many of them and they didn't get used on many servers. On the other hand, I have to temper my opinion with the thought that while Halo 2 was a damn decent game, it really didn't feel like much of an upgrade over the original, and we PC gamers are basically smothered with solid FPS titles to begin with. Halo 1 certainly didn't make much of a splash by the time it hit PC.

Source Xbox.com

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1561.html

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

X360 games that require the HD?

I was afraid when the 360 launched that we would only get games tailored to the lowest common denominator, the Core system. This potential concept would mean that we wouldn't get games that made extensive use of the Hard Drive option since not all users would have it. Apparently that is not going to be the case. Ars is carrying a story that Sega's Football Manager 2006 is going to require the HD and it says so on the box. I think this is great and I can't wait to see what potential is unlocked by more developers making use of the premium level features. The nice thing is that Core owners can always shell out the $99 to get the HD. With console prices still in the stratosphere, $99 on top of the Core system isn't all that much.

Source Ars

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1560.html

X360 games that require the HD?

I was afraid when the 360 launched that we would only get games tailored to the lowest common denominator, the Core system. This potential concept would mean that we wouldn't get games that made extensive use of the Hard Drive option since not all users would have it. Apparently that is not going to be the case. Ars is carrying a story that Sega's Football Manager 2006 is going to require the HD and it says so on the box. I think this is great and I can't wait to see what potential is unlocked by more developers making use of the premium level features. The nice thing is that Core owners can always shell out the $99 to get the HD. With console prices still in the stratosphere, $99 on top of the Core system isn't all that much.

Source Ars

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1560.html

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Review: Far Cry Instincts - Xbox

Title: Far Cry Instincts
Platform: Xbox
Author: Piniata
Sadly, Ubi took the step that so many times has been taken, and gave us Far Cry Instincts, a game with a memorable first half, but a rather forgettable second half

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r293.html

Review: Peter Jackson's King Kong - PS2

Title: Peter Jackson's King Kong
Platform: PS2
Author: Piniata
While the King Kong videogame is a decent movie adaptation, you'll beat it quickly, and there is no reason to go back for the extras.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r292.html

Review: Burnout Legends - PSP

Title: Burnout Legends
Platform: PSP
Author: Piniata
In my opinion, you should rent this game if you don't have anyone to play it with.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r291.html

A small part of me wants World of Warcraft

Wayne wrote:
Yet I have difficulty bringing myself to pay $15 a month for one game. Of course, it would likely be the only game I would play for some time, but given how many unplayed games I have sitting on my shelf, it just doesn't seem like the best idea.

I suppose part of it is that I find online gaming to not be as fun as it should be due to there being so many immature gamers out there. Online gamer ruins things for me and is why I play single player almost exclusively.

For those World of Warcraft players out there, why should I consider picking up this game? As I said, a part of me wants to, but a part of me doesn't. Is it really worth it? Would I make the transition from being a former die-hard Diablo II player to this pretty easily? Should I just wait until October for the expansion?

Fellow Snackbarians... what should this gamer divided amongst himself do?


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1559.html

A small part of me wants World of Warcraft

Wayne wrote:
Yet I have difficulty bringing myself to pay $15 a month for one game. Of course, it would likely be the only game I would play for some time, but given how many unplayed games I have sitting on my shelf, it just doesn't seem like the best idea.

I suppose part of it is that I find online gaming to not be as fun as it should be due to there being so many immature gamers out there. Online gamer ruins things for me and is why I play single player almost exclusively.

For those World of Warcraft players out there, why should I consider picking up this game? As I said, a part of me wants to, but a part of me doesn't. Is it really worth it? Would I make the transition from being a former die-hard Diablo II player to this pretty easily? Should I just wait until October for the expansion?

Fellow Snackbarians... what should this gamer divided amongst himself do?

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1559.html

Monday, February 06, 2006

Review: Metroid Fusion - GBA

Title: Metroid Fusion
Platform: GBA
Author: Monoxide
Aside from the replay value, it's an extremely well polished game. I recommend it to anyone who owns a GBA.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r290.html

Parappa M-I-Xing live!

Joe Honkie wrote:
Someone has decided to put on a live Parappa performance as a marketing project. I don't know how many of you remember Parappa, but it was an oddball game that became an instant classic and really did a lot for the whole "rythm game" genre.

Check it out here:
Parappa Live (via Joystiq)


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1558.html

Parappa M-I-Xing live!

JoeHonkie wrote:
Someone has decided to put on a live Parappa performance as a marketing project. I don't know how many of you remember Parappa, but it was an oddball game that became an instant classic and really did a lot for the whole "rythm game" genre.

Check it out here:
Parappa Live (via Joystiq)

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1558.html

Review: Spider-Man 2 - PS2

Title: Spider-Man 2
Platform: PS2
Author: Chris A.J.
In the end, Spider-Man 2 is fairly dull and doesn't do much to help the movie-based stereotype out.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r289.html

Review: Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance - PS2

Title: Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Platform: PS2
Author: Chris A.J.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is a great game. The only problem is, everyone has played the game back in 2001.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r288.html

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Lots of Reviews

Today was another big day for porting content over from DRE. Most of the "new" reviews you see are from games that are quite old. Rest assured that we have some new reviews going up this week for games that you can actually still purchase new.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1557.html

Lots of Reviews

Today was another big day for porting content over from DRE. Most of the "new" reviews you see are from games that are quite old. Rest assured that we have some new reviews going up this week for games that you can actually still purchase new.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1557.html

Review: Sonic Adventure DX - Gamecube

Title: Sonic Adventure DX
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Wayne
I'm sorry Sega. I love you like a sister, but this time around, you left me greatly disappointed.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r287.html

Review: Super Mario Bros 3: Super Mario Advance 4 - GBA

Title: Super Mario Bros 3: Super Mario Advance 4
Platform: GBA
Author: Wayne
Quite simply, this game is really what SMB3 was meant to be in the first place. It's one of the greatest platformers of all time, and having an updated remake of it on the GBA is more that awesome.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r286.html

Review: F-Zero GX - Gamecube

Title: F-Zero GX
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Vyolynce
You need to be pretty hardcore to stick with this beyond Novice Class, and quite frankly the only reason I bothered to complete Story Mode was for this review.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r285.html

Review: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance - GBA

Title: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Platform: GBA
Author: Vyolynce
At the end of the day, this game lives and dies by its story and tactical engine, which are both solid if less-than-extraordinary.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r284.html

Review: Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 - GBA

Title: Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
Platform: GBA
Author: Wayne
All in all, if you liked the original Super Mario World and you want to revisit a familiar land or if you're not familiar with the Mario franchise and interested in seeing what its all about, its a great game and I recommend you pick it up.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r283.html

Review: Pikmin - Gamecube

Title: Pikmin
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Wayne
Still, even though the game is short, it's a solid title.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r282.html

Review: Transformers - PS2

Title: Transformers
Platform: PS2
Author: Chris A.J.
All things considered, Transformers is the game that fans have been waiting for.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r281.html

Review: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes - Gamecube

Title: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Platform: Gamecube
Author: Chris A.J.
In the end, The Twin Snakes is just a rehash of Metal Gear Solid with a few new features and much better looking graphics and cutscenes.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r280.html

Review: Fire Emblem - GBA

Title: Fire Emblem
Platform: GBA
Author: Vyolynce
At face value, this game is a solid B+.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r279.html

Review: Metroid: Zero Mission - GBA

Title: Metroid: Zero Mission
Platform: GBA
Author: Wayne
If you are a Metroid fan in the least, you owe it to yourself to pick up this game. You will not regret it.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r278.html

Review: Madden NFL 06 - Xbox

Title: Madden NFL 06
Platform: Xbox
Author: Mythological
This yearÂ’s title is essentially what it has always been. It is a great football sim, with immensely varying game modes, options, and addictive game play that keeps us coming back for more year after year.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/r277.html

Friday, February 03, 2006

A guilty pleasure of mine

Wayne wrote:
Big fan of Diablo here. I really loved the atmosphere of the first one, and the ability to run, all the new items, and new features of the second one. I have been dreaming for a full 3D Diablo game for some time. Are we going to get one? It seems to be a possiblity.

Of course, the people they are looking for will be working with what's left of the team that was behind Diablo. Naturally, this doesn't neccesarily mean that they are working on a new Diablo game, but what the hell. I'm going to get excited anyways.

New Diablo! New Diablo! New Diablo!

Ok... now that I've gotten that out of my system, let's move on. I hope this will be a new Diablo game, but I would even go for a new Hack n Slash RPG by Blizzard.


http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1556.html

A guilty pleasure of mine

Wayne wrote:
Big fan of Diablo here. I really loved the atmosphere of the first one, and the ability to run, all the new items, and new features of the second one. I have been dreaming for a full 3D Diablo game for some time. Are we going to get one? It seems to be a possiblity.

Of course, the people they are looking for will be working with what's left of the team that was behind Diablo. Naturally, this doesn't neccesarily mean that they are working on a new Diablo game, but what the hell. I'm going to get excited anyways.

New Diablo! New Diablo! New Diablo!

Ok... now that I've gotten that out of my system, let's move on. I hope this will be a new Diablo game, but I would even go for a new Hack n Slash RPG by Blizzard.

http://www.snackbar-games.com/n1556.html