Friday, July 31, 2009

Guitar Hero 5: (Wii) SD cards, Friend Codes, and more revealed!

Guitar Hero Cinco has really upped the ante on Wii. Instead of being a second class citizen, like how MTV Games treats Rock Band on Wii, the game is truly a carbon copy of its HD counterparts. In fact, the game will even offer more exclusive features.

IGN spoke with developer Vicarious Visions, to talk specifics about the improvements the game boasts. For one? No more friend codes! Anyone on your Wii address book will be automatically inputted into your Guitar Hero 5 Wi-Fi friends list, making online play easy and fun.

Downloading music from the GH Store has also been simplified. While the specifics are still a secret, downloading will require zero bits of space from the Wii System Memory. NICE!

Graphically, the game got a complete overhauling, pushing the system's GPU, focusing on new lighting effects that really make the game look leaps and bounds above GH World Tour.

And last but not least, the game will feature DS connectivity!
The Guitar Hero Nintendo Ecosystem has been created as a way to bridge the Wii and DS. The collaboration of handheld and console takes place between two new modes, the Stage Show Manager/music video creator for Mii Freestyle mode and the Roadie Battle.

More details on all the new Wii specific enhancements will be announced shortly, but already this game is looking like the best music title for Wii to date.

Gran Turismo PSP Cover Art


And there it is. The holy grail of portable racing sims will be available both in store and for download on October 1st.

Xbox Avatars in Guitar Hero 5

Have you ever wanted to shred on your guitar with Judy Nails? Or how about drum out next to Axel Steel's guitar riffs? If you have an Xbox 360 avatar, you'll be onstage with Carlos Santana before you know it!

Today Activision made the announcement that Xbox 360 avatars can be imported into Guitar Hero 5. That means you (or a aesthetically more handsome you) can actually be on stage with the cheering crowd. A new feature called Create-a-Rocker mode will allow you to further customize the rock god appearance of your avatar.




In other words your avatar's soul patch will now be a soul patch of doom! Look for this feature, along with Guitar Hero 5, on September 1st.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Mix Tape

If you enjoyed the latest Marvel vs. Capcom 2 music video, then you'll no doubt be thrilled to see the MvC2 Mix Tape track list:

1. “Superheroes” by Planet Asia and DJ Toure
2. “Number One” by Havoc and Nyce
3. “Terrorize” by Raekwon and Ohno
4. “The Remainder is One” by Random, Blaze Rock and Storyville
5. “Reinforcements” by DJ Qbert
6. “Take U 4 A Ryde” by Talib Kweli and Ohno
7. “Battle Drum” by Hieroglyphics
8. “Fight the Good Fight” by The Grouch and Eligh
9. “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To” by E40 and DroopE
10. “Power Up” by MC Supernatural

Don't fret if you weren't luck enough to snag one of the limited MvC2 Mix Tape vinyls at Comic-Con. According to the Capcom blog, the album will be available for free download soon. So stay tuned to OLG and we'll let you know when the jams hit the fan!

Source: Capcom-Unity

Ace Attorney INVESTIGATION Objects!

Phoenix Wright may be the most popular lawyer on the DS scene, but his supporting cast is creeping into the limelight. In this case (you see that?) it's Phoenix's former rival Miles Edgeworth.

As famed prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, players will actively investigate crime scenes in search of clues and truth. By solving clever puzzles, you can help Miles and the police bring criminals to justice.


Ace Attorney INVESTIGATION: Miles Edgeworth is rolling out the hype machine with the launch of it's official website and a fan flocked Comic-Con showing where producer Motohide Eshiro signed autographs and demoed his latest work. Check out the trailer and the site to find out why the phrase "I object!" has never been more popular.

More 'Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story' footage



Release already!!!!

GameStop Trade-In Coupon

There's nothing like walking into your local GameStop with a freshly conquered game and being told, "We'll give you $4."

Seriously, there's nothing like it.

To help stick it to the man, follow this link to a coupon offering 25% more on select trade-ins. The offer is only valid on the listed items and expires on September 9th. Also, the offer is valid only if you visit said link and print the entire coupon

SQUARE ENIX's Gamescom Lineup

This summer's Gamescom is rapidly approaching and the big guns are coming out. One glance at Square Enix's stacked lineup and you'll be needing a Phoenix Down!
  • Dissidia Final Fantasy
  • Final Fantasy XIV
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum
  • Order of War
  • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
  • Supreme Commander 2
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
  • Mini Ninjas
  • Pony Friends 2
Too much? Oh well. Don't forget, if you're attending Gamescom in Cologne this year, be sure to tell every booth that One Life Gamer sent you. You'll get the "secret look" for doing so. It looks like they're saying, "Who are you?!" but it really means "I am not worthy to wash your feet."

Honest.

Fat Princess Devours PSN

What's the best way to keep enemies from stealing your princess? By making her morbidly obese of course!

Such is the ploy for the newest PSN gem, Fat Princess. The objective is simply to storm your opponent's castle, rescue your princess, and bring her back to your domain. While you and your rivals duke it out with Warriors, Archers, Mages, Workers, and Priests, it's important to keep feeding the other force's princess cakes and other tasty treats. The more sweets she consumes, the harder it is for the enemies to carry her.


This brutally charming romp is available for $14.99 on the PSN. That's 15 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers in the eyes of these particular princesses.

Key Features:
  • Up to 32 players with online multiplayer
  • Unique and varied maps
  • Five character classes
  • Unique game modes
  • Customizable avatars

New Box for Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Those Nyko Perfect Shots will get plenty of action this holiday season with the release of Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles for Wii.

The new cover art features Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield packing heat, while Steve Burnside (the Leonardo Dicaprio clone from Code Veronica) and a "mystery person" look on from the background.

Oh, and there's lots o' zombies.

'The Warriors: Street Brawl,' Lizzies Gang trailer


G4 once again delivers the goods with this exclusive trailer for the upcoming The Warriors XBLA/PSN title. The game definitely has a retro Final Fight look to it, with whorish looking women. Watch it and love it.

UPDATE: Guess I wasn't allowed to post a video that had an embed code attached to it? Niiiice.

TMNT: Turtles in Time Reshelled, gets a new LOWER price tag

Well this is refreshing. The original 1200 (or $15) price tag of TMNT: Turtles in Time Reshelled surely left a bad taste in my mouth, but I gladly would have paid it. However, Ubisoft felt that it just wasn't right to do to the fans.

"We wanted to give something to the loyal TMNT fans in honor of the 25th anniversary," said the company.

So now, for just 800 , the game will be yours come August 5th.
Co-Optimus

Apple still Blu-Ray-less, except Final Cut Studio



Blu-Ray is quickly becoming more accepted by general audiences as a true competitor for DVD. No it won't overturn the service anytime soon, but people are starting to take notice of the graphical advancements the format presents.

Despite being a leader in technical innovation, Apple still isn't jumping on the Blu-Ray bandwagon. However, it has been announced that Apple will allow Blu-Ray disc burning for projects created in the latest Final Cut Studio. Definitely a step in the right direction, but still not enough. How can people feel safe purchasing a wide Blu-Ray collection if they can't even use them on their computers or laptops?

Even Wal-Mart is advertising Blu-Ray players, despite their ads strictly going after that soccer mom demographic. You know, the ones who wear mom jeans and rent Disney Blu-Rays for their kids. Regardless, we need Blu-Ray players to become standard in a larger percentage of the PC and Mac marketplace, or else HD saturation might be a ways away.

Rayman's Raving Rabbids Wii accessories

If you've glanced at GameStop's Wii section, than I'm pretty certain you came across their array of Rabbid accessories, specially the Plunger Gun that you've seen used in the original Raving Rabbids title, and the Rabbid Wii Remote docking station. They are actually great quality pieces, (despite being made by MadCatz) that are worth every cent if you are a fan of the franchise. Here's a video showing off the selection.


WiiFolder

Alan Wake is "Season One" of the franchise

1UP recently spoke with Matias Myllyrinne, managing director of Remedy's upcoming game Alan Wake. Here are a few things about the game that you probably didn't know before.

Alan Wake will contain a lot of pop culture references. The game will also follow a TV show format, actually including teaser lines such as "previous on Alan Wake," or "on tonight's episode," to give the player a glimpse of what is ahead, and what's been happening.

Additionally, the game will be treated more like Season 1 of, hopefully, a bigger franchise. Myllyrinne is a fan of LOST, and cites the show as a reference of inspiration for the experience of watching... I mean playing the game. You are basically left wanting more.

As far as the game environment, Myllyrinne admits that inspiration came from the show Twin Peaks and even a Gilmore Girls type of show, both featuring a small, quaint town, but with secrets and mysteries.

Video tour of ALL features on new Xbox360 dashboard



Here it is! A quick video tour of all the changes coming to the Xbox 360 dashboard via the upcoming update.
GameTrailers

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Adventure Island: The Beginning, unlocking new Higgins costumes

One of the greatest additions to Hudson's Adventure Island: The Beginning, is the outfit customization option. But to upgrade Master Higgins' threads, you need to complete certain feats. Here's all the available tasks you can complete:

Feat Title/ How to Unlock:

Action Star: Beat 10 different stages without taking any damage.

Adventure Island Hero:
Beat the final boss.

Adventure Island Pro:
Beat the special stage.

Fancy Flyer:
Fly for 10 seconds.

Gladiator:
Kill every type of non-boss enemy in the game

Island Harvest:
Score over 1500 on Fruit Grabber.

Master Chef:
Kill 50 DenDen (Minor enemies).

Melon Maniac:
Collect all 100 Gold Melons.

Mr. 16-Shot:
Score 16.0 or higher in Rapid Fire Ruins.

Perfect Shooter:
Score over 30000 on Axe Attack.

Rock Breaker:
Destroy 50 rolling boulders.

Speed Boarder:
Finish Skateboard Survival under 40 seconds.

Treasure Hunter:
Find all hidden eggs in all stages.

Watermelon Thief?!
Pick up a watermelon in 10 different stages. A watermelon appears if you pick up all other food in a stage.

Weapon Collector: Fully upgrade all three main weapons and buy the two additional ones.

Weaponless Master:
Beat a level without having or picking up a weapon.


Palm Pre Girl freaks me the hell out



As if the commercial itself isn't scary enough, take a look at what happens in this video. Nasttttty.

Halo 3: ODST, Desperate Measures Video Doc


GameTrailers has a great video showing off Halo 3: ODST in a story narrative style vid. Watch it above.

Animal Crossing: City Folk, get the Dolphin Model

For a limited time, Animal Crossing: City Folk fans can get a Dolphin model sent via Nintendo's Wi-Fi connection. All you have to do to receive the item is make sure your connected to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and bam, you're Dolphin model shall arrive.
The delivery period ends August 3rd.

Star Trek Online, screenshots

Trekkies unite with glee, as new Star Trek Online screenshots have been released. Enjoy:

Kotaku

Marvel Vs. Capcom Music Video!

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 has finally been unleashed on Xbox Live (hang in there PSN folks!), but the superhero madness doesn't stop there. To add to the already overwhelming MvC2 hype, Capcom is releasing a mix tape soundtrack, featuring songs from artists like Mobb Deep, Planet Asia, DJ Qbert and E40. Here's a music video showing off what you can expect.


Marvel

Non-Nintendo Gold Wii Wheels on eBay

Although we weren't lucky enough to get the coveted Gold Wii Wheel as a Club Nintendo elite reward, that doesn't mean you have to give up hope. On eBay, they have some that might do the trick. I was so enticed by the 99 cent price tag (plus shipping) that I just bought one myself.

Maybe it will help me get that last star from my current Mario Kart Wii 2-star ranking!

Little Big Planet PSP fact sheet

[LittleBigPlanet™, the PLAYSTATION3 (PS3™) hit that won various Game of the Year Awards last year and is credited with defining the “creative gaming” genre, is coming to the PSP (PlayStation Portable) for the first time. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Cambridge Studio in close collaboration with the award-winning Media Molecule team, LittleBigPlanet™PSP allows player to bring the beloved Sackboy™ with them on the go.

LittleBigPlanet PSP is a world of endless possibilities where imagination and creativity is king. In this stylish and stitched-together 3D craft material world, there is fun to be had for all ages, tastes and player types. On this portable LittleBigPlanet there are over 30 new developer-created levels through 7 new themed locations to explore and Play. Players will also find a huge host of materials, tools and stickers to Create objects or even levels that suit their style. And, pivotal to the creative LittleBigPlanet community, players will be able to publish their creations online to Share with others via PLAYSTATION®Network. Levels and objects can then be ranked so the best of the best rise to the top.

PLAY, CREATE & SHARE
The LittleBigPlanet experience starts with players customizing Sackboy, the loveable main character on LittleBigPlanet. From there, players Play and learn about Sackboy’s powers to interact physically with the surrounding environment while navigating through over 30 vibrant themed environments. Players make their way across these worldly levels, avoiding obstacles, solving puzzles and collecting items that can be used to make their own creations.

To Create, players use the simple “Popit” menu system to access all of Sackboy’s materials, stickers, tools to bring their imaginations to life. Here, players have the power to build and move around any object in the game’s colorful landscape. All materials and objects have realistic physical properties and will behave accordingly. With a robust tool set at their disposal, the sky is the limit. Once the object or level is completed, players can publish and Share their creative works with the community via the PLAYSTATION Network. Of course, they can download and explore other players’ creations as well.

LittleBigPlanet continues to bring its revolutionary concept and the most accessible design tools to the videogame industry, this time in a portable form with LittleBigPlanet PSP. On this LittleBigPlanet, the world is full of infinite possibilities, where imagination becomes reality and the powers of creation are firmly in the players’ hands.

KEY FEATURES


PLAY, CREATE, SHARE – LittleBigPlanet PSP allows players to not only play ready-made in-game levels, but to also create their own game levels and share them with others across the world via the PLAYSTATION Network. All while on the go!
CUSTOMIZED EXPERINCE – Whether the player is a fashion designer, an architect, or aspiring video game developer, they can show their talents off with the easy-to-use creation tools to build and share objects or entire levels.
GET CREATIVE – Players will have a full array of stickers, decorations, materials (glass, metal, sponge, polystyrene, cardboard and rubber), bolts (springs, motor and wobble bolts), switches, and rods, to choose from to create their unique game levels for fun or competitive gameplay.
THIRTY NEW LEVELS ACROSS 7 THEMES - LittleBigPlanet PSP delivers new content with new levels and territories to play and explore.]

MM

DJ Hero Renegade Edition, trailer



If the 120 dollar price point of DJ Hero is too low for you, maybe you'd enjoy an upgraded version? The DJ Hero Renegade Edition will feature a turntable cover, a hardshell carrying case, plus 2 pack CD featuring unreleased tracks from Jay-Z and Eminem. Watch the trailer above for the special edition, courtesy of G4TV.

P.S.- This edition is $200. Anyone interested?

Nintendo's sales down 40%? Who cares!

Dear Nintendo,

Congratulations on all of your successes. You have just announced the whoppingly huge number of Wii's sold worldwide.

52.62 million, eh? That's a lot of Wii's. That's more Wii's than you could shake a Wii remote at. That's more Wii than in a stadium toilet ('cause I'm using it like wee, get it?).

Additionally, you revealed that in just the short few months that the DSi has been out, you've sold 6.68 million. At $179 a pop, that's a lot of dough. (Can I have some?)

So in conclusion, congratulations Nintendo! Despite your sales being down 40%, you are still rocking and rolling.

Kotaku

Facebook functionality hits DSi in Japan

Remember when waves of people started uploading distorted pictures of themselves on Facebook, thanks to the Mac's Photobooth application? Well get ready for more of that.

In Japan, a recent DSi firmware update has now added Facebook functionality, allowing users to take fun pictures, distort, edit or draw on them, and then send those to your Facebook page. The feature is slated to hit your DSi this fall in the US of A.

Kotaku

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Sackboy to be unlockable player in Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic

Those who enjoy Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fist of Plastics will soon be able to merge cute and adorable gaming icons, when Little Big Planet's Sackboy will become a playable character. The new "Time Saver's Pack" will become available this week on the PSN, which unlocks your delicately stitched cloth friend. You can also unlock a Frog and a Lobster,...if that's your cup of tea.

MediaMolecule

Red and Blue PS3 controllers coming

This fall, you'll finally be able to part from your standard black Dual Shock 3 controllers and move onto more colorful pastures. Starting in October, deep red and metallic blue PS3 controllers will be available. Although it's not a new console color, new controllers make it worth while for all of us that have the consoles already.

Engadget

Wii Fit Plus dated and priced for Japan

According to site Andriansang, Wii Fit Plus now has a release date of October 1. The game will actually cost a mere $20 as a stand alone title, or $99 bundled with the balance board. The game will add 21 exercises to the original 48, and will add a calorie burner. And don't forget about that Segway balance game!

inFAMOUS: The Movie, coming to a theater near you

Screenwriter Sheldon Turner has partnered with Sony Pictures to bring the sci-fi action game inFAMOUS to the bring screen. Producers Avi Arad and Ari Arad are also attached to the project, who are also working on the Uncharted: Drake's Fortune movie as well. Here's what Turner had to say about the film.-

"What excited me most about the game was it was the first of which I've come across that had a big idea and a character arc," Turner said. "It is, I believe, the future of gaming. The game, while big and fun, is at its core a love ballad to the underachiever, which is what our hero, Cole McGrath, is."

Hollywood Reporter via Kotaku

'Epic Mickey' title in development for Wii

According to a resume of artist Tony Pulham, work is continuing on the "Epic Mickey" title that has been talked about for some time now. Well the title, according to his resume" is described as a Wii game. Score!

Since his involvement with the game is listed as "June-Present" its clear to assume that the game is still very much in development. I'm excited because a solid Mickey adventure game hasn't existed since Mickey Mousecapades, unless you count the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

TP via Joystiq

Bleep Bloop takes on R.O.B. the NES robot



Don't think that peripherals are a new theme for Nintendo. College Humor's Bleep Bloop talks about R.O.B., Nintendo's personal robot that about 8 people had back in 1988.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, gets release date


This upcoming fall/winter gaming season is shaping up to be a Nintendo fanboy's dream come true. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, is set for a October 12th release, according to Nintendo.

The game will feature 19 different playable Pokemon, including 5 additional starter Pokemon. The game boasts about 500 different Pokemon to interact with, creating quite a vast RPG adventure. Using Wi-Fi, gamers can also attempt special missions and trade in-game items with friends.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, now live on Xbox Live Arcade

The long awaited Marvel VS. Capcom 2: New Age of Hereos is now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Don't worry PS3 owners, the game will make it there, August 13.

With 56 fighters from the two realms, you'll enjoy plenty of fighting goodness for a long, long time. The game will be 1200 Microsoft Points, or 14.99 on the PSN.

Batman: Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow Challenge Map bonus

GameStop is offering an exclusive "Dem Bones" Scarecrow Challenge Map for the much anticipated Barman: Arkham Aslyum. And the best part is, it's free! All you have to do is reserve your copy at a GameStop near you. As always, quantities are limited so make sure you do it asap.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, new Comic Con '09 trailer



The latest trailer for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 features new characters, new enemies and new character customizations. Enjoy.
GameTrailers

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a new downloadable game announced

2K Sports today announced NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a download-only title that will provide pre-season fun for basketball fans leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10. Planned for release this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player with the utmost detail and, for the first time in the NBA 2K series, begin their career by experiencing the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned, ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.

“We’re giving our dedicated NBA 2K fans an incredible opportunity with NBA 2K10: Draft Combine,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “Gamers will have exclusive access to online content and get to test drive NBA 2K10’s new gameplay features, advanced player progression system and the all-new My Player career mode before the game launches this fall.”
Features of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine include:

• Building custom players by working with a mentor, the 2K Insider, and increasing their NBA stock through a variety of challenging basketball drills and 5-on-5 games.
• Over 300 different signature customizations, including player-specific shooting animations, dunk and dribble packages and more to allow each created player to have his own unique personal style.
• Ability to strengthen all parts of the created player’s game with a variety of drills, such as shooting, post offense and defense, attacking the basket, dribbling, challenging shots, boxing out for rebounds and more to progress through the NBA Draft Combine.
• Organized games that will allow players to gain valuable skill points and offer a variety of specific in-game objectives that will need to be accomplished in order to gain them. At the end of each game, a full analysis will be available for gamers to review their player’s performance and strategize their further improvement.
• All players created in NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will wear a special patch on their uniform throughout the rest of that player’s career to denote that they have completed the NBA Draft Combine.
• Online leaderboards to track the highest ranking custom built players, and where a player stacks up against the competition.
• Opportunity to unlock special achievements on Xbox 360 and trophies for PLAYSTATION 3 system.
• Fans can take their custom built players from NBA 2K10: Draft Combine and use them in the all-new My Player career mode in NBA 2K10 launching this fall, allowing them to continue their journey of becoming an NBA legend.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is planned for release in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 (400 Microsoft Points) and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system ($4.99). For more information about NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, please visit www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k10dc.

-2KSports Press Release

Garbage's Shirley Manson appearing in 'Guitar Hero 5'



The above video shows Shirley Manson being interviewed about her upcoming appearance in Guitar Hero 5. She does a really great job promoting the product, talking about how she genuinely loves the franchise.
IGN

SEGA's Bayonetta boxart released

SEGA and PlatinumGames' new title Bayonetta is just around the corner, so we are delighted with the debut of the box art that will accompany its release. Well, the game was almost around the corner. Bayonetta was delayed in North America 'til January, but don't worry Japanese folk. You'll still get it in late October.

Un ga ii !!!!

Don't know much about the title? Prepare to soil yourself after watching how awesome it looks in the video below:

Kotaku