Bad Ass Trailer For the Week: Tekken 6
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under News, Trailers
Tags: News, Playstation 3, PS3, Tekken 6, trailer, Xbox 360
Gamer News 03.05.09: Hey Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…Amazon.com launched a video game trade-in feature on their site? It allows you to send Amazon old games in good condition in exchange for Amazon gift cards. You will also be able to buy from the stock of used titles. The program is still in its beta phase, but you can learn more at: Amazon
…Some hardcore gamers can now rent games from GameFly straight from a kiosk rather than waiting for their queue to ship? The unit, called “G-Box” made its first appearance at Texas Tech University, and offers Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii rentals for $2.49 a day. Full story: The Daily Toreador
…Jimmy Fallon is showing the love to hardcore gamers? The late night funny man has vowed to cover notable video game releases on his new show Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Fallon has vowed to treat games in the same way most late night hosts cover movie premiers including interviews with the dev team and footage from the game. Here’s hoping he focuses on some of the smaller dev teams who crank out some amazing work, rather than a Late Night Madden Party (yawn.) Full story: Random Gamer
Tags: Amazon.com, GameFly, Hey Did You Hear..., Jimmy Fallon, kiosk, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, News, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, PS3, Random Gamer, Texas Tech University, The Daily Toreador, Xbox 360
The Beatles Rock Band: Bigger Than Jesus? Quite Possibly.
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under News, Previews
Rabid Beatles fans have been clambering for Beatles tracks on Rock Band since the game first came out, and finally their cries will be answered. On Sept 9th, Beatles Rock Band will officially launch for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii. Mums the word on a track list so far, but here’s hoping they cover the gambit. What tracks are you hoping to find on Beatles Rock Band? Personally, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for “I Am the Walrus.” Goo Goo Ga joob!
Read the full press release after the jump.
Tags: Apple, Harmonix, MTV Games, News, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, Previews, PS3, Rock Band, The Beatles Rock Band, Xbox 360
Gamer News 01.26.09: Hey, Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…Microsoft has responded to Sony’s ballsy statements made last week speculating that the Playstation 3 would eventually lead the console wars by the end of this generation. Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg stated in response, “…that complacent attitude is out of touch with where the industry and consumer are today….” He went on to say, “…I can’t imagine any scenario where the PS3 can catch up with us.” I have to agree with you on that one Aaron, but only time (and sales) will tell, so until then, you may want to keep your trap shut. Full story: The Bitbag
…the full tracklist for Guitar Hero Metallica has been released? The game, which hits streets on March 29th, will feature a slew of the band’s famous tunes, including Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, Battery, One and The Unforgiven just to name a few. In addition, expect tracks from some of Metallica’s self proclaimed faborite bands including Alice in Chains, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slayer and more. Full story: Metallica
…if you shop at Wal-Mart, sometimes you get nothing but redneck s**t? Apparently, the mass merchant recently sold a copy of Madden 09 to a young customer who come gone to find his brand new (sealed) game disk replaced with a blank disk with the handwritten label, “redneck s**t.” Now, as much as I agree with the sentiment that Wal-Mart is the home to rednecks…and their respective s**t, I’m thinking this was probably not something that happened on purpose. Likely some creative criminal snagged the real disc and swapped it with the fraud. Full story: Consumerist
…new concept art for Star Wars Battlefront III was leaked a few weeks back, and it will BLOW your mind? The latest includes character art for a “Dark Obiwan” that is described as, “…an old man, gnarled by the corruption of the dark side.” Dude! With his craggly beard and creepy yellow eyes, Kenobi looks freaking sweet! Full story: Kotaku
…PSP gamers in Japan can purchase a “carnival colored” version of the device for a limited time? Four bright color versions of the Playstation Portable including “Vibrant Blue,” “Radiant Red,” “Bright Yellow” and “Spirited Green” have been released in limited quantities in Japan. Full story: TechRadar
Tags: Aaron Greenberg, Consumerist, Dark Obiwan Kenobi, Guitar Hero Metallica, Hey Did You Hear..., Japan, Kotaku, Madden 09, Microsoft, News, Playstation 3, Playstation Portable, PS3, PSP, Sony, Star Wars Battlefront III, TachRadar, The Bitbag, Wal-Mart, Xbox 360
Musashi’s 2008 Games of the Year
Posted by HCG Musashi | Filed under Games of the Year, Reviews
While it’s always been a challenge for me to narrow down one title to deem my “Game of the Year”, 2008’s release schedule made that task nearly impossible. Each month was packed with at least one buzz-worthy title to take a peek at while other months (November, please stand up and be recognized) had our heads spinning with multiple A-Class titles every week. 2008 will definitely go down in my mind as one of the more impressive years in video game releases.
GAME OF THE YEAR:
Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots (Playstation 3)
WHY
While Guns of the Patriots is hands-down a technical A-Class (or S-Class?) game, I feel it’s true shining achievement is it’s storyline and portrayal of characters. Sure, the Metal Gear Series is older than most of the gamers playing it today, but I don’t feel the series’ staying power is what made Guns of the Patriots so good; it was Kojima studios’ amazing storytelling and character portrayl that hit it out of the park. While I’ve had the privilege of growing up with Metal Gear series - all the way back to the NES days - it still amazes me that a game produced in 1988 with no more than a simple story on the back of a black and white instruction booklet has grown into a now 20 year old gaming dynasty that has sold millions of copies worldwide.
CONTENDERS TO THE TITLE
Tags: 2008 games of the year, Fallout 3, Far Cry 2, Gears of War 2, Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid 4, Person 4, Playstation 2, PS2, PS3, Reviews, Xbox 360
Gamer News 01.13.09: Hey, Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…the officially site for Final Fantasy XIII was launched and it includes new screenshots? Square Enix launched the site that includes art of the main characters including Snow, Lightning and Vanille. Check out the official site at: Square Enix
…the PS3 is dominating Blu Ray player sales? According to recent stats, the PS3 accounts for 70% of all Blu Ray players sold in the US. Honestly, I can’t act too surprised, because if it weren’t for the Blu Ray player, I don’t know that Paco and I would EVER turn on our PS3. Full story: Badassgamer
…casual gamers may soon be getting some online game help via Nintendo? The company recently filed a patent for an in-game system in which users can get help and tips right within their game through an AI character. Creator Shigery Miyamoto says it was created to “keep players from becoming frustrated and giving up on a game.” Ok Nintendo, bring on the landslide of n00bs, as long as they stay on the Wii and away from us hardcore gamers. Full story: IGN
…analysts are predicting a price drop to the Playstation 3 this spring? According to securities analyst Michael Pachter, Sony will likely drop the price of the PS3 from $399 to $299 around April of 2009 to combat less than stellar sales. Now that Sony has found a way to reduce production costs, a price drop seems like a logical next step. Pachter also expects an Xbox 360 Pro price drop down to $249 at or before E3 2009 this June. Full story: Game Daily
…you can have a hand in sending Vice President Dick Chaney back home (to burn in hell)? The folks at Comedy Central’s Indecision 2008 have released an addicting and hilarious Falsh game where you can help Chaney navigate his way back to hell, battling skelaton demons and bats along the way. Check it out and enjoy that f*****s not-so-fond farewell at Comedy Central
Tags: 2008 games of the year, Badassgamer, Blu-Ray, Comedy Central, Dick Chaney, Final Fantasy XII, Game Daily, Hey Did You Hear..., IGN, Indecision 2008, News, Nintendo, Playstation 3, PS3, Screenshots, Shigery Miyamoto, Sony, Square Enix, Xbox 360 Pro
Burnout 101: Introduction to Paradise City
Posted by HCG Paco | Filed under Burnout 101, Editorials, Gaming 101
Just got that fancy, new-fangled Xbox 360 for Xmas? Maybe you grabbed Burnout Paradise for $20 at the last Gamefly sale. Whatever your situation, here is your primer for the massive and engaging world of Burnout Paradise.
Play Burnout. I mean, P-L-A-Y it. Take your time.
The first thing you need to know is that Burnout Paradise is a commitment. A 25+ hour commitment. It is more of an RPG in a sandbox than most of the regurgitated shite on the market, you just never see the main character. The reason being; you are the main character. If you have an Xbox 360 Vision Camera, Burnout will take a pic of you for your Paradise City License. You are the main character. When you start you have jack s**t and you suck at everything. But at the end, you will be a f*****g god. You will drive from when end of the map to the other. Without crashing. All in less than 2 minutes. While boosting. And never, ever glancing at the map. But, it will take time and it is so worth it. So very worth it. Never forget that and you will have a great time.
Grab your s**t. Pencils down in 5. Let’s do this:
Tags: Burnout, Burnout 101, Burnout Paradise, Gaming 101, Guide, PS3, racing, Xbox 360
Gamer News 01.10.09: Hey, Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…a Guitar Hero-esque game is being made for REAL guitars? Disney is working on a product called “Star Guitarist” that features colored guitar strings and frets, and teaches the player the basics of guitar using the same type of game play as Guitar Hero. Full story: Wired
…Sony is dishing out some low-blows to its competitors? Tired of being the punching bag for the console industry because of lackluster sales, Sony started punching back, stating the following in regards to competitors Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii: “…expect the competition to continue peddling add-ons in an effort to keep up with the Jones.” Full story: Edge
…the Gears of War 2 Flashback map packs are now available for purchase on Xbox Live? These maps were included FREE in all new copies of Gears 2, but if you picked up a used copy, and want the maps, they will only set you back 400 MS points (or about $5.) For a great side by side comparison of the maps from Gears 1 vs. the Flashback maps from Gears 2, check out pwnordie
…all of the Burnout Legendary cars were officially announced? I speculated a few weeks ago about what the cars would be, and what famous car they were based on, but now we can say for sure that they are: Jansen 88 Special (the Back to the Future DeLorean), Cavalry Bootlegger (the Duke’s of Hazzard’s General Lee), Manhattan Spirit (the Ghostbusters Ecto-1) and the GT Nighthawk (Knight Rider’s Kit.) Full story: Criterion Games
…Barack Obama will be the first US President to bring video games into the White House? The soon-to-be Commander In Chief bought his girls a Nintendo Wii for Christmas, and is using Wii Sports to improve his horrible bowling game. Glad to see a president who doesn’t just dismiss video games. Because we all know that George Bush didn’t get much use from that DS and Brain Age Nintendo sent him a few years back. Full story: New York Times
Tags: Back to the Future DeLorean, Barack Obama, Brain Age, Burnout Legendary, Burnout Paradise, Criterion Games, Disney, Edge Online, General Lee, George Bush, Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Guitar Hero, Hey Did You Hear..., Kit, New York Times, News, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, President, PS3, Sony, Star Guitarist, Wii Sports, Wired, Xbox 360
Paco’s 2008 Games of the Year
Posted by HCG Paco | Filed under Games of the Year, Reviews
Here at The Hardcore Gamer we won’t make you scroll to the end of the page or burrow through defensive and jaded commentary filled with ads that are spread over seven pages instead of one just to justify bloated ad rates. So, let’s get going…
GAME OF THE YEAR
Metal Gear Solid 4 is my personal favorite game of the year. I don’t know if it is accessible for everyone in the way that Gears or Prince of Persia are, but more of a closing love letter to a rabid fan-base.
WHY
During the most stellar year in gaming since last year, Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid 4 left an indelible mark on my gaming soul for the rest of my life. The sound design rocked me, the graphics wowed me and the story moved me. Read my Metal Gear Solid 4 review for the gory details.
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
Prince of Persia, Duke Nuke’em 3D, Bully, Left4Dead, Fable 2, Burnout Paradise and Fallout 3. (In no particular order, calm down trolls) Read past the jump to discover (or confirm) why these 2008 classics get the attention they deserve.
Tags: 2008 games of the year, Burnout Paradise, Duke Nukem 3D, Fable 2, Fallout 3, Left 4 Dead, Metal Gear Solid 4, Prince of Persia 4, PS3, Review, Xbox 360
Gamer News 01.05.09: Hey, Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…an 11-year old went all the way to city hall to fight for his right to a pet hedgehog? Apparently, Judson King was such a HUGE Sonic the Hedgehog fanboy, he wanted one of his very own. Problem was…ain’t no hedgehogs allowed in his neck of Kansas. This hardcore Sonic lover took on the man, and had the law changed. Full story: KTKA
…Zoey from Left 4 Dead has 15 fingers? Yup. Attributable to three hands actually. Don’t believe me? Next time you are loading up No Mercy, check out the triple-grip on her pistol. Full story: Kezins
…the man, the legend, Roy Orbison is coming to Rock Band? Starting on Jan 6th on Xbox Live and Jan 15th on PSN you will be able to download tracks including “Claudette”, “In Dreams,” “Mean Woman Blues,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Ooby Dooby,” and “You Got It.” Full story: Kotaku
…the first official Japanese trailer is up for the sure-to-be-craptastic Street Fighter: Legend of Chun Li? Featuring Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk, I don’t need subtitles to tell me this movie on the fast track to the $1.99 bargin DVD bin. Trailer: You Tube
…The PS2 is the console that will never die? According to Nielsen, the PS2 tops the list of console “usage minutes” in 2008 at 31.7%, beating out the Xbox 360 (17.2%), Wii (13.4%) and PS3 (7.3%). A “usage minute” is basically the percentage of total time measured playing consoles. So of ALL of the time gamers spent playing console games in 2008 (which I think must be a go-zillion minutes) 31.7% of those minutes were spent in front of a PS2. Surprised? I sure as hell was. Full story: PC World
Tags: hedgehog, Hey Did You Hear..., Judson King, Kotaku, Kristin Kreuk, Left 4 Head, News, Nielsen, Nintendo Wii, No Mercy, PC World, Playstation 3, PS2, PS3, PSN, Rock Band, Roy Orbison, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter: Legend of Chun Lin, trailer, usage minutes, Wii, Xbox 360, You Tube, Zoey
Gamer News 12.30.08: Hey, Did You Hear…
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under Hey Did You Hear..., News
…a new party mode is coming to Burnout Paradise in Feb of 09 via the Playstation Store or Xbox Live? You will be able to play a group game with up to 8 players on one console (and with one controller!) Looks like our Rock Band parties are about to get a little mash up with Burnout Paradise. Full story: Criterion Games
…jocks love WoW just as much as us hardcore geeks? One jock in particular, Minnesota Vikings punter, Chris Kluwe, joked on his radio show on 93X that he wanted to change his name to honor his favorite MMO (and boost his jersey sales.) “I was going to change my name to Chris ‘World of Warcraft,’ ” Kluwe said. “They said that’s too long. So they started calling me Chris ‘Warcraft.’ I could make a lot of money if I changed my name to that.” Full story: Star Tribune
…you can get updates from Xbox 360 Live including news, video clips, friend’s status and more on your BlackBerry? The info comes to your phone courtesy of a mobile app from Zumobi. Full story: BlackBerry News
…on January 20th you too can feel what it’s like to be the President of the United States? A PC simulation game called “Commander In Chief” will be launched on inauguration day and will give you the ability to run the country the way you would as President from choosing members of your cabinet, to dealing with the economy and terrorism. Sounds like a good way to remind people how tough of a job Obama is facing. Full story: App Scout
…Microsoft released some fun new casual clothing for your XLE avatar just in time to rock out on New Years Eve? This new fashion update includes items such as hoodies and jeans for the guys, and fun accessories like rings and gloves for the ladies. Full story: Major Nelson
Tags: avatar, Barack Obama, Blackberry, Burnout Paradise, Burnout Party Mode, Chris Kluwe, Commander in Chief, Criterion Games, Hey Did You Hear..., Major Nelson, Microsoft, Minnesota Vikings, MMO, MMORPG, News, PC, Playstation 3, Playstation Store, PS3, World of Warcraft, WoW, XBL, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Zumobi
Did Anyone Else Notice Nintendo’s Total Domination This Christmas?
Posted by HCG KP1gL37 | Filed under News
While the hardcore gamers were battling it out in our usual Xbox 360 vs PS3 battle, Nintendo snuck in like a ninja and found their way under every casual gamer’s tree this Christmas. In fact, Nintendo sold so many of their fluffy and feel-good Wii and portable DS units, they TROUNCED Xbox 360 and Playstation sales combined.
Want some proof that those tried-and-true folks at Nintendo are laughing all the way to the bank? According to VG Chartz, Nintendo had four of the five top video game sales in the US and all five of the top five video game sales worldwide for the weeks ending Dec 20th and 19th, respectively.
Tags: Christmas, News, Nintendo, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, PS3, VG Chartz, Video game sales, Wii Sports, Xbox 360
