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Kombo's Top 15 Games of E3 2008 Join us as we countdown the top 15 games of this year's E3. 
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Editorial: The Price for Playing Niko As big as the video game industry is, the writers are still getting the short end of the stick. 
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Review: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness Nothing new or exciting in this DS sequel, but it's not all bad. 
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Review: Ring of Fates Is Everything The First One Was, and a Bit More Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is bigger, better, but in a smaller system. |
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My Game This Weekend: I'm Going Green - What's Yours?
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 3:10 PM PST
It's not by design, but the games I'm playing this weekend share one common theme: They both involve protagonists in green. Well, two things, if you count that they're both on Nintendo platforms.
Loaded up in my DS, I've just recently begun playing MegaMan Star Force: Dragon, and I'm trying to burn through that quickly before I move on to review its sequel. For the most part, it's MegaMan in name only, with fewer ties to the franchise than previous iterations, but it's not so bad-- and according to some friends, I'm already through the worst of it. Just need to get the damn thing online so I can "BrotherBand" with some people and add some more power.
The other one I'm going to play if I get the chance is a golden not-too oldie: Luigi's Mansion. I love the game, but at some point I got distracted or something, and never got to finishing it. Picking it up later, I have no idea where the hell I am, and may just need to restart altogether, since I can't seem to locate any Boos. Fortunately, I managed to snag a player's guide on the cheap, so I can catch myself up pretty quickly, if all goes well.
So, those are what I'm looking at this weekend-- what are you guys playing?
My Game This Weekend: I'm Going Green - What's Yours?
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 3:10 PM PST
It's not by design, but the games I'm playing this weekend share one common theme: They both involve protagonists in green. Well, two things, if you count that they're both on Nintendo platforms.
Loaded up in my DS, I've just recently begun playing MegaMan Star Force: Dragon, and I'm trying to burn through that quickly before I move on to review its sequel. For the most part, it's MegaMan in name only, with fewer ties to the franchise than previous iterations, but it's not so bad-- and according to some friends, I'm already through the worst of it. Just need to get the damn thing online so I can "BrotherBand" with some people and add some more power.
The other one I'm going to play if I get the chance is a golden not-too oldie: Luigi's Mansion. I love the game, but at some point I got distracted or something, and never got to finishing it. Picking it up later, I have no idea where the hell I am, and may just need to restart altogether, since I can't seem to locate any Boos. Fortunately, I managed to snag a player's guide on the cheap, so I can catch myself up pretty quickly, if all goes well.
So, those are what I'm looking at this weekend-- what are you guys playing?
GEN
SDCC Reveals Resident Evil: Degeneration Trailer, Estimated Time of Release
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 2:54 PM PST
Last year, we brought you the first word on Resident Evil: Degeneration, the next movie based on Capcom's blockbuster zombie-cappin' franchise. But unlike the Paul Anderson flicks, this one is all-CG, with Paul Mercier and Alyson Court returning as Leon and Claire, respectively.
The Sony-Capcom collaboration is slated for a theatrical release in Japan this Fall, while North America will get it on DVD and Blu-ray later this year. In the meantime, check out the first footage from SDCC:
Click the jump for a slightly spoilerish description of the setting.
SDCC Reveals Resident Evil: Degeneration Trailer, Estimated Time of Release
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 2:54 PM PST
Last year, we brought you the first word on Resident Evil: Degeneration, the next movie based on Capcom's blockbuster zombie-cappin' franchise. But unlike the Paul Anderson flicks, this one is all-CG, with Paul Mercier and Alyson Court returning as Leon and Claire, respectively.
The Sony-Capcom collaboration is slated for a theatrical release in Japan this Fall, while North America will get it on DVD and Blu-ray later this year. In the meantime, check out the first footage from SDCC:
Click the jump for a slightly spoilerish description of the setting.
Continue reading: SDCC Reveals Resident Evil: Degeneration Trailer, Estimated Time of Release
GEN
E3 2008: Peter Moore Wants the Community to Come Out to E3
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 1:24 PM PST
Ever since E3 was reborn last year, the general feeling has been that there's something missing, perhaps even a lot is missing. Simon Jeffery, SEGA's US President, said yesterday that the atmosphere was like that of a hospital corridor.
And it would seem he is not alone in those feelings; EA Sports division President Peter Moore, amidst rumors of E3 2009 being open to the public, feels that very thing could be the key to sustaining the annual convention. To put it another way, he feels that the ESA needs to "go big or go home."
"There was a palpable sense of frustration at the structure and logistics from all participants," he wrote in his blog, "from publishers like ourselves to the working press and financial analysts. Soulless and lacking an epicenter, the fragmented layout gave no indication whatsoever that we are the fastest growing entertainment medium in the world. While I am not sure I want to revert back to the old days of excess and one-upmanship, I do know that this format isn't working…"
To that end, Moore believes one key is to invite the community to attend: "With the right planning, involving our biggest fans in E3 would bring back some of the raw passion the event has lost," he said, also hinting about working with the ESA to fix the show's "format problems."
He goes on to note some of the interaction EA Sports has had with consumers, and the improvement heralded by it, concluding that "...if we can create an environment to continue to get our games in the hands of you, our fans, sooner, then I'm all for it."
E3 2008: Peter Moore Wants the Community to Come Out to E3
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 1:24 PM PST
Ever since E3 was reborn last year, the general feeling has been that there's something missing, perhaps even a lot is missing. Simon Jeffery, SEGA's US President, said yesterday that the atmosphere was like that of a hospital corridor.
And it would seem he is not alone in those feelings; EA Sports division President Peter Moore, amidst rumors of E3 2009 being open to the public, feels that very thing could be the key to sustaining the annual convention. To put it another way, he feels that the ESA needs to "go big or go home."
"There was a palpable sense of frustration at the structure and logistics from all participants," he wrote in his blog, "from publishers like ourselves to the working press and financial analysts. Soulless and lacking an epicenter, the fragmented layout gave no indication whatsoever that we are the fastest growing entertainment medium in the world. While I am not sure I want to revert back to the old days of excess and one-upmanship, I do know that this format isn't working…"
To that end, Moore believes one key is to invite the community to attend: "With the right planning, involving our biggest fans in E3 would bring back some of the raw passion the event has lost," he said, also hinting about working with the ESA to fix the show's "format problems."
He goes on to note some of the interaction EA Sports has had with consumers, and the improvement heralded by it, concluding that "...if we can create an environment to continue to get our games in the hands of you, our fans, sooner, then I'm all for it."
source: Peter Moore's Official Blog
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Kombo's Top 15 Games of E3 2008
by Phillip Levin | 07/25/08 | 12:47 PM PST
Phillip Levin, Sascha Lichtenstein, Lucas De Woody and Matthew Green wrote this feature. Graphics by Justin Marimon.
E3 2008 has come to an end, and yet again, we find ourselves looking back at the show, wishing we had spent just a little more time with some of the show's best games. However, while the number of exciting titles was solid, there seemed to be fewer games at this E3, overall. Because of this, we decided that we would approach celebrating and remembering the best games of E3 2008 differently than we have in the past.
Traditionally, we run our genre-specific Best and Worst of E3 Awards after each E3, but this year, because there weren't enough award-worthy games on hand, we've decided to do things a little differently this year. If we were to hand out genre-specific awards, such as Best Action Game and Best Shooter, we would have a lot of games that win by default -- because there are not enough contenders in each category. What's more, it's likely the same few games would dominate the genre awards, and we'd just be awarding the same game over and over with different awards. So, instead, we've put together a top 15 article, celebrating the 15 best games of the show. This way, we can spotlight 15 different games, casting the spotlight over a wider range of games.
Kombo's Top 15 Games of E3 2008
by Phillip Levin | 07/25/08 | 12:47 PM PST
E3 2008 has come to an end, and yet again, we find ourselves looking back at the show, wishing we had spent just a little more time with some of the show's best games. However, while the number of exciting titles was solid, there seemed to be fewer games at this E3, overall. Because of this, we decided that we would approach celebrating and remembering the best games of E3 2008 differently than we have in the past.
Traditionally, we run our genre-specific Best and Worst of E3 Awards after each E3, but this year, because there weren't enough award-worthy games on hand, we've decided to do things a little differently this year. If we were to hand out genre-specific awards, such as Best Action Game and Best Shooter, we would have a lot of games that win by default -- because there are not enough contenders in each category. What's more, it's likely the same few games would dominate the genre awards, and we'd just be awarding the same game over and over with different awards. So, instead, we've put together a top 15 article, celebrating the 15 best games of the show. This way, we can spotlight 15 different games, casting the spotlight over a wider range of games.
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Next Mortal Kombat Goes Back to Bloody Basics
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 12:42 PM PST
When people saw Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe for the first time, they were dumbfounded. "This is what Mortal Kombat has become? Ripping off Capcom 10 years too late? In a setting that doesn't fit? What's next, Mortal Kombat vs. Power Rangers?"
And as cool as that would be, the answer is no; as Kotaku found out in speaking to co-creator Ed Boon at San Diego Comic-Con, the next Mortal Kombat, 9th in the series, will be "returning to form."
The scrapped plans for 8 involved a darker, grittier feel inspired by Gears of War, but didn't get much further than the technology development stages. But for 9, they may aim to bring more blood (they didn't have enough?), more violence, and "more of everything that warrants an M-rating."
But, before they reach that road, MK vs. DCU still needs to succeed.
Next Mortal Kombat Goes Back to Bloody Basics
by David Oxford | 07/25/08 | 12:42 PM PST
When people saw Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe for the first time, they were dumbfounded. "This is what Mortal Kombat has become? Ripping off Capcom 10 years too late? In a setting that doesn't fit? What's next, Mortal Kombat vs. Power Rangers?"
And as cool as that would be, the answer is no; as Kotaku found out in speaking to co-creator Ed Boon at San Diego Comic-Con, the next Mortal Kombat, 9th in the series, will be "returning to form."
The scrapped plans for 8 involved a darker, grittier feel inspired by Gears of War, but didn't get much further than the technology development stages. But for 9, they may aim to bring more blood (they didn't have enough?), more violence, and "more of everything that warrants an M-rating."
But, before they reach that road, MK vs. DCU still needs to succeed.
source: Kotaku
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Sega U.S. President: E3 2008 Like "Hospital Corridor"
by Nathan Grayson | 07/24/08 | 6:52 PM PST
This year was my first E3, and I felt like a kid in a candy shop -- a candy shop full of video games! Does it get any better? Well, apparently, Sega's U.S. President, Simon Jeffery, got lost on his way to E3, because we attended very different events.
"E3 was a strange beast this year," he told MCV. "We had an extremely strong product showing, had some great meetings, and got our messaging over pretty strongly – all at an event that had all the atmosphere of a large hospital corridor."
Ouch. But don't think this means Jeffery is pulling his hair out over the ESA's poor management, though. Quite the contrary, actually.
"We are big supporters of the ESA, and believe in an efficient need to communicate with the trade at all levels, but we'd like to see something that represents the fun, dynamic nature of the industry a little better without going back to the insanity that was E3 of old," he added.
Further showing his true colors (what are the ESA's colors, anyway?), Jeffery sternly addressed those companies who are ditching the ESA, but using the ESA's services and claiming to act according to the ESA's vision.
So, dearest readers, what would you like to see happen to E3? Would you like to see it open its doors to the general public? Or would you rather it continue down the more civil path it began traversing at E3 '07?
Sega U.S. President: E3 2008 Like "Hospital Corridor"
by Nathan Grayson | 07/24/08 | 6:52 PM PST
This year was my first E3, and I felt like a kid in a candy shop -- a candy shop full of video games! Does it get any better? Well, apparently, Sega's U.S. President, Simon Jeffery, got lost on his way to E3, because we attended very different events.
"E3 was a strange beast this year," he told MCV. "We had an extremely strong product showing, had some great meetings, and got our messaging over pretty strongly – all at an event that had all the atmosphere of a large hospital corridor."
Ouch. But don't think this means Jeffery is pulling his hair out over the ESA's poor management, though. Quite the contrary, actually.
"We are big supporters of the ESA, and believe in an efficient need to communicate with the trade at all levels, but we'd like to see something that represents the fun, dynamic nature of the industry a little better without going back to the insanity that was E3 of old," he added.
Further showing his true colors (what are the ESA's colors, anyway?), Jeffery sternly addressed those companies who are ditching the ESA, but using the ESA's services and claiming to act according to the ESA's vision.
So, dearest readers, what would you like to see happen to E3? Would you like to see it open its doors to the general public? Or would you rather it continue down the more civil path it began traversing at E3 '07?
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Dunaway: No More Nintendo Surprises in 2008
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 5:50 PM PST
Cammie Dunaway, with a gleeful disposition so overwhelming that she could murder your adorable pet dog before your very eyes and then convince you that she probably didn't do it -- while kicking another puppy -- dropped quite a bomb recently.
"You have seen the extent of Nintendo's 2008 holiday lineup," she told Wired, to the dismay of Nintendo fanboys the world over.
But don't fret, giggles, sunshine, rainbows, and dresses! Ack, her infectious smile has possessed me! Er, anyway, don't fret because 2009 is a comin'.
"Well, you heard [Nintendo President Satoru] Iwata's commitment, that the Zelda and Mario teams are hard at work. And you know us... we don't talk about things until we are confident that they are in a place where we're going to be able to deliver on them in relatively short order after talking about them," she continued. "So you have to know that those teams are working hard and there will be stuff that will be delightful coming out."
Yes, just delightful!
Lord have mercy.
Dunaway: No More Nintendo Surprises in 2008
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 5:50 PM PST
Cammie Dunaway, with a gleeful disposition so overwhelming that she could murder your adorable pet dog before your very eyes and then convince you that she probably didn't do it -- while kicking another puppy -- dropped quite a bomb recently.
"You have seen the extent of Nintendo's 2008 holiday lineup," she told Wired, to the dismay of Nintendo fanboys the world over.
But don't fret, giggles, sunshine, rainbows, and dresses! Ack, her infectious smile has possessed me! Er, anyway, don't fret because 2009 is a comin'.
"Well, you heard [Nintendo President Satoru] Iwata's commitment, that the Zelda and Mario teams are hard at work. And you know us... we don't talk about things until we are confident that they are in a place where we're going to be able to deliver on them in relatively short order after talking about them," she continued. "So you have to know that those teams are working hard and there will be stuff that will be delightful coming out."
Yes, just delightful!
Lord have mercy.
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Mad Catz Releasing Raving Rabbids Controllers and Accessories
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 5:16 PM PST
Oh God.
Yes!
Madcatz has secured the rights to manufacture whatever the hell they want based on Ubisoft's Rayman: Raving Rabbids franchise. They'll be creating "a range of accessories" stemming from the long-eared, bug-eyed little buggers, so that Wii-mote plunger attachment you've been dreaming of could very well be within your stout, plumberly grasp.
Check out the full press release after the break!
Mad Catz Releasing Raving Rabbids Controllers and Accessories
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 5:16 PM PST
Oh God.
Yes!
Madcatz has secured the rights to manufacture whatever the hell they want based on Ubisoft's Rayman: Raving Rabbids franchise. They'll be creating "a range of accessories" stemming from the long-eared, bug-eyed little buggers, so that Wii-mote plunger attachment you've been dreaming of could very well be within your stout, plumberly grasp.
Check out the full press release after the break!
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Guitar Hero III Gets DragonForce Track Pack
by Joey Davidson | 07/24/08 | 4:45 PM PST
Am I a fan of DragonForce? No. Do I know people that like DragonForce? Yes, I know both of them.
But do I know anyone that can slay the beast that is "Through Fire and Flames" from Guitar Hero III on any difficulty other than Medium or Easy? Absolutely not. Perhaps that's because my catalogue of friends is reduced to mediocre to crappy GH players.
For those exist outside of my four walls of fury, the ones that can't get enough of the insanely fast, technical, medieval metal... Guitar Hero III has got the track pack for you.
Hitting the respective Marketplaces on August 21st is a DragonForce track pack. It will include 'Heroes Of Our Time,' 'Operation Ground and Pound' and 'Revolution Deathsquad.'
Note: The video above is of 'Operation Ground and Pound.' The short answer to all your questions is "No, this doesn't help hangovers if played by your jackass roommate at 7am in order to wake you up."
Guitar Hero III Gets DragonForce Track Pack
by Joey Davidson | 07/24/08 | 4:45 PM PST
Am I a fan of DragonForce? No. Do I know people that like DragonForce? Yes, I know both of them.
But do I know anyone that can slay the beast that is "Through Fire and Flames" from Guitar Hero III on any difficulty other than Medium or Easy? Absolutely not. Perhaps that's because my catalogue of friends is reduced to mediocre to crappy GH players.
For those exist outside of my four walls of fury, the ones that can't get enough of the insanely fast, technical, medieval metal... Guitar Hero III has got the track pack for you.
Hitting the respective Marketplaces on August 21st is a DragonForce track pack. It will include 'Heroes Of Our Time,' 'Operation Ground and Pound' and 'Revolution Deathsquad.'
Note: The video above is of 'Operation Ground and Pound.' The short answer to all your questions is "No, this doesn't help hangovers if played by your jackass roommate at 7am in order to wake you up."
source: Joystiq
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Take-Two: EA's Bid Will Not Distract Us
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 4:03 PM PST
Like a rock, those Take-Two guys are, not affected by anything... well, except maybe a rock-crusher. Anyway, if you're of the belief that those under Take-Two's employ are having their job performance affected by the constant aggressive movements by EA to acquire their company, they'd just like to let you know that you've got it all wrong.
"Everybody in the company knows this - because I tell it to them all the time - we will only be distracted if we allow ourselves to be distracted," said CEO Ben Feder. "And we won't have that."
"Whatever title they're working, they're working on it - they're making it and getting it out there."
Feder didn't hesitate to mention that even after Grand Theft Auto IV, the company is has continued to put out titles that make money. And even though not a single one immediately comes to mind, I'm sure that if I thought long and hard about it, I'd come up with something.
"Our strategy is to focus on our titles," he continued, "make the best games we can and distribute in the best possible ways. Since the situation with EA became public we've launched multiple successful titles including GTA IV."
"Civilization Revolutions is on the shelves doing very well," he said (oh, right, forgot about that). "Carnival Games is doing great." (Good to know.) "And we have a bunch of games coming out that we're focused on."
Ah, well then, I guess he showed me. Everything seems to be in order; best of luck, Ben!
Take-Two: EA's Bid Will Not Distract Us
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 4:03 PM PST
Like a rock, those Take-Two guys are, not affected by anything... well, except maybe a rock-crusher. Anyway, if you're of the belief that those under Take-Two's employ are having their job performance affected by the constant aggressive movements by EA to acquire their company, they'd just like to let you know that you've got it all wrong.
"Everybody in the company knows this - because I tell it to them all the time - we will only be distracted if we allow ourselves to be distracted," said CEO Ben Feder. "And we won't have that."
"Whatever title they're working, they're working on it - they're making it and getting it out there."
Feder didn't hesitate to mention that even after Grand Theft Auto IV, the company is has continued to put out titles that make money. And even though not a single one immediately comes to mind, I'm sure that if I thought long and hard about it, I'd come up with something.
"Our strategy is to focus on our titles," he continued, "make the best games we can and distribute in the best possible ways. Since the situation with EA became public we've launched multiple successful titles including GTA IV."
"Civilization Revolutions is on the shelves doing very well," he said (oh, right, forgot about that). "Carnival Games is doing great." (Good to know.) "And we have a bunch of games coming out that we're focused on."
Ah, well then, I guess he showed me. Everything seems to be in order; best of luck, Ben!
source: GamesIndustry.biz
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E3 2008: Mattrick to Rivals: You All Screw Around Too Much!
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 3:48 PM PST
Earlier, Don "It Doesn't" Mattrick had his foot put in his mouth over the President of Bungie's reaction to their trailer being pulled. Will he make it two for two today? Let's find out.
He spoke confidently of what he felt was a victory for Microsoft at E3, accusing his competitors of slacking off over the past twelve months. "I think we got more than 12 months' work done," he told MCV, "and others went on an extended vacation. Hopefully they got some good vacation photos, because they sure weren't showing up at work."
"Of course I'm going to be biased," he admits, "but so far what I've heard is that Sony and Nintendo have disappointed. And Microsoft has been leading, innovating and driving a very comprehensive global programme."
"We're building momentum and we're on a scale that no other consumer electronics company or entertainment company has been able to achieve in nine years. It's been a very good show and I'm very pleased with what we've been able to accomplish. I think there was a lot of good work, a lot of innovation and a lot of news from us," he concluded.
E3 2008: Mattrick to Rivals: You All Screw Around Too Much!
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 3:48 PM PST
Earlier, Don "It Doesn't" Mattrick had his foot put in his mouth over the President of Bungie's reaction to their trailer being pulled. Will he make it two for two today? Let's find out.
He spoke confidently of what he felt was a victory for Microsoft at E3, accusing his competitors of slacking off over the past twelve months. "I think we got more than 12 months' work done," he told MCV, "and others went on an extended vacation. Hopefully they got some good vacation photos, because they sure weren't showing up at work."
"Of course I'm going to be biased," he admits, "but so far what I've heard is that Sony and Nintendo have disappointed. And Microsoft has been leading, innovating and driving a very comprehensive global programme."
"We're building momentum and we're on a scale that no other consumer electronics company or entertainment company has been able to achieve in nine years. It's been a very good show and I'm very pleased with what we've been able to accomplish. I think there was a lot of good work, a lot of innovation and a lot of news from us," he concluded.
source: MCV
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Miyamoto Discusses Traditional Games and E3
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 2:47 PM PST
In the same article which saw Shigeru Miyamoto telling developers to "look around you," The Telegraph acknowledged that E3 wasn't exactly a fan-pleasing event where the press conferences were concerned, Nintendo's in particular. Miyamoto admits there was little at E3 to satisfy their appetite, but tries to reassure those "traditional" gamers (a term I think is far more favorable than "core" or "hardcore") that Nintendo still remains focused on them as well.
"Making these 'traditional' games is what I am best at," he says. "Because games of that nature take upwards of two or three years to make, we always have to keep the teams working on those projects going. At any given time, the team could be five to ten people, or it could be 50-plus. People are always switching in and out of those teams."
"They are all working on more Mario, Zelda and Pikmin projects," he adds, "And they all work in close proximity to me, so I can keep a good eye on them."
In fact, Miyamoto believes that traditional games-- and traditional controllers, for that matter-- still play a vital role: "What the Wii remote and motion control allows us to do is things we couldn't have done before. But of course there are also things that are accomplished better with buttons."
So odds seem good that Nintendo fans will get their traditional fix before long, and E3 2008 will be forgotten like a bad dream.
Miyamoto Discusses Traditional Games and E3
by Kombo Staff | 07/24/08 | 2:47 PM PST
In the same article which saw Shigeru Miyamoto telling developers to "look around you," The Telegraph acknowledged that E3 wasn't exactly a fan-pleasing event where the press conferences were concerned, Nintendo's in particular. Miyamoto admits there was little at E3 to satisfy their appetite, but tries to reassure those "traditional" gamers (a term I think is far more favorable than "core" or "hardcore") that Nintendo still remains focused on them as well.
"Making these 'traditional' games is what I am best at," he says. "Because games of that nature take upwards of two or three years to make, we always have to keep the teams working on those projects going. At any given time, the team could be five to ten people, or it could be 50-plus. People are always switching in and out of those teams."
"They are all working on more Mario, Zelda and Pikmin projects," he adds, "And they all work in close proximity to me, so I can keep a good eye on them."
In fact, Miyamoto believes that traditional games-- and traditional controllers, for that matter-- still play a vital role: "What the Wii remote and motion control allows us to do is things we couldn't have done before. But of course there are also things that are accomplished better with buttons."
So odds seem good that Nintendo fans will get their traditional fix before long, and E3 2008 will be forgotten like a bad dream.
source: The Telegraph
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Miyamoto to Developers: 'Look Around You'
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 1:35 PM PST
From a game designer who's created titles starring Hylian elves, giant apes, bipedal plant creatures, and talking mushrooms, one of the last things you might expect to hear him offer as advice to developers is that they "should be looking at humans."
Yet, in a segment to kick off The Telegraph's new game page, that is precisely what Shigeru Miyamoto said is the secret to inspiration, rather than to get bogged down into the technological aspect of it.
He believes that the world in itself is full of rich ideas to be tapped. "As game designers, the trend is often for concentrating on pushing graphics, or other capabilities, or network features in new games," he said. "But I like to think that game designers would be better off trying to think about things such as health or mental improvement, rather than technology itself."
Miyamoto to Developers: 'Look Around You'
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 1:35 PM PST
From a game designer who's created titles starring Hylian elves, giant apes, bipedal plant creatures, and talking mushrooms, one of the last things you might expect to hear him offer as advice to developers is that they "should be looking at humans."
Yet, in a segment to kick off The Telegraph's new game page, that is precisely what Shigeru Miyamoto said is the secret to inspiration, rather than to get bogged down into the technological aspect of it.
He believes that the world in itself is full of rich ideas to be tapped. "As game designers, the trend is often for concentrating on pushing graphics, or other capabilities, or network features in new games," he said. "But I like to think that game designers would be better off trying to think about things such as health or mental improvement, rather than technology itself."
source: The Telegraph
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TransFormers: Animated Rolling Onto Nintendo DS
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 11:02 AM PST
IGN reports that Activision has revealed they are bringing a new TransFormers game to the Nintendo DS, this one based on the series TransFormers: Animated. It is being developed by Artificial Mind and Movement, or A2M for short, who has also made the DS version of Spider-man: Friend of Foe for Activision.
The game will be utilizing and expanding upon a side-scrolling engine used in games such as Disney's Kim Possible, allowing players to take control of Autobot washouts Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Prowl, and of course, Optimus Prime (and maybe Ratchet, but that's unsaid). The different characters will use their unique attributes and abilities to solve puzzles throughout the game's levels, so that they may retrieve the pieces of the Allspark.
And of course, you get to transform to vehicle mode and cruise the streets of a futuristic Detroit.
TransFormers: Animated is expected to see an October release; no word on any other versions, however.
TransFormers: Animated Rolling Onto Nintendo DS
by David Oxford | 07/24/08 | 11:02 AM PST
IGN reports that Activision has revealed they are bringing a new TransFormers game to the Nintendo DS, this one based on the series TransFormers: Animated. It is being developed by Artificial Mind and Movement, or A2M for short, who has also made the DS version of Spider-man: Friend of Foe for Activision.
The game will be utilizing and expanding upon a side-scrolling engine used in games such as Disney's Kim Possible, allowing players to take control of Autobot washouts Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Prowl, and of course, Optimus Prime (and maybe Ratchet, but that's unsaid). The different characters will use their unique attributes and abilities to solve puzzles throughout the game's levels, so that they may retrieve the pieces of the Allspark.
And of course, you get to transform to vehicle mode and cruise the streets of a futuristic Detroit.
TransFormers: Animated is expected to see an October release; no word on any other versions, however.
source: IGN
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Rumor: E3 2009 Could Be Open To Public
by Dan Johnson | 07/23/08 | 6:38 PM PST
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has been under tough scrutiny for its ratcheted-back version of the once monolithic Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). This marked the second year that E3 was a shadow of it's former larger-than-life, down-right debacherous state, and it was met with many complaints from industry insiders and outsiders alike. Murmurs of E3 disappearing from gamers' radars completely were abound and have left many to question whether E3 could permanently go the way of the buffalo.
Popular gaming blog Kotaku mentioned today that several "well connected" sources of theirs had said that the ESA was seriously considering officially opening E3's doors to the general public next year.
In an attempt to quiet the crowd, the ESA was reached for comment earlier today with this to say:
If the ESA receives feedback with an open and willing mind, E3 may be able to stay afloat and reach something similar to its former state.
Rumor: E3 2009 Could Be Open To Public
by Dan Johnson | 07/23/08 | 6:38 PM PST
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has been under tough scrutiny for its ratcheted-back version of the once monolithic Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). This marked the second year that E3 was a shadow of it's former larger-than-life, down-right debacherous state, and it was met with many complaints from industry insiders and outsiders alike. Murmurs of E3 disappearing from gamers' radars completely were abound and have left many to question whether E3 could permanently go the way of the buffalo.
Popular gaming blog Kotaku mentioned today that several "well connected" sources of theirs had said that the ESA was seriously considering officially opening E3's doors to the general public next year.
In an attempt to quiet the crowd, the ESA was reached for comment earlier today with this to say:
"The ESA is currently in the process of receiving feedback and will make an announcement about the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit at an appropriate time."
If the ESA receives feedback with an open and willing mind, E3 may be able to stay afloat and reach something similar to its former state.
source: Kotaku
