Filed under: GAMING | Tags: Blizzard, Blizzard Entertainment, GAME, Massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Role-playing game, Video game, World of Warcraft, Xbox 360
On November 19th, Xbox will debut a new user interface which simplifies the experience from a never-ending maze to one that seems more lifestyle-related and specifically bringing video-based applications more front and center. In addition, the availability to play movies from your Watch Instant Netflix queue and new gaming features have been added as well. Check out the video below for a walk-through from Crunchgear. (http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/10/29/review-the-new-xbox-experience-for-xbox-360 10/29)
Some will say this is just a simple UI upgrade. To those, I’d like to remind that the iTunes store could have been described as a simple mp3 store upgrade but that description would in itself. . .be too simple.
Gaming powerhouse Blizzard Entertainment
has issued a press release announcing that the number of subscribers for World Of Warcraft has surpassed the 11 million mark. The milestone for the popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) represents a 10% growth in 10 months and shows signs of slowing. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/10/29/world-of-warcraft-hits-11-million-subscribers-mark-shows-signs-of-slowing 10/29)
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Filed under: GAMING | Tags: EA, Electronic Arts, For Dummies, GAME, Nintendo DS, Pogo.com, Poker For Dummies, Video game
Electronic Arts is rolling out a series of multiplatform games co-branded with the For Dummies name to teach players how to master popular games. The first in the series is Poker for Dummies, now available for download on EA’s Pogo.com. (Cynopsis 8/8)
Filed under: GAMING | Tags: 3D computer graphics, Casual game, GAME, Gamer, Massively multiplayer online game, Minigame, Moondo, Video game
Today sees the launch of Moondo, a new gaming “world” that is trying to merge the best parts of MMOs and the casual games that litter the web. The Moondo world is comprised of a number of multiplayer minigames that feature 3D graphics that rival those seen on most MMOs. Each minigame is intended to require only about 15-20 minutes, though they include multiple levels that should keep gamers satisfied for hours at a time. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/27/moondo-fuses-casual-gaming-with-massively-multiplayer-games 7/27)
Filed under: GAMING | Tags: Console Platforms, GAME, MacBook Air, Nintendo, UK, United Kingdom, Video game, Wii Fit
Teen-targeted online virtual world Habbo celebrated a milestone this week, surpassing the 100 millionth avatar created. A UK user created #100 million and was rewarded with a real-life Macbook Air (in addition to a bunch of virtual booty, including cash, and a Habbo room made especially for the occasion.) (Cynopsis 6/27)
Don’t tell your children, but companies are increasingly putting out video games that are good for you: They are aimed at keeping people healthy by helping them quit smoking, lose weight and exercise more. The huge success of Nintendo’s “Wii Fit” is the most recent example of the trend that gaming developers say is backed up by research that shows people respond better when they are actively and enjoyably engaged in learning how to change bad habits. (The New York Times/Reuters 6/26)
Filed under: Feature | Tags: GAME, Get Retro, Grand Theft Auto 4, Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto Series, GTA IV, United States, us, Video game
GET RETRO: GRAND THEFT AUTO 4
It’s been a minute since our last Get Retro post and I think the launch of Grand Theft Auto 4 represents the perfect opportunity for our next edition. Earlier this morning, Grand Theft Auto 4 released to the delight of gamers in retail locations across the US.
The Review
When I say delight, that is to say Metacritic gave the game a glowing 100 out of 100 critical review with IGN calling the game, “The American Dream.”
Sales Forecasts
The first week sales forecast of the game is expected to hit $424 million stateside garnering attention from even the most self-absorbed Hollywood executive. In comparison, the top grossing U.S. weekend box office on a film was a cool $151 million as enjoyed by Spiderman 3. The domestic top grossing theatrical of all time?
$601 million stateside. Don’t hate. You know you cried when Jack left Rose on that 2 x 4. Oh crap. I need a tissue. . . And no, you cannot hate me for getting that insidious Celine Dion song in your head for the rest of the day.
The top-selling U.S.game title of all time is GTA4’s predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas pushing out 9.4 million copies in the United States alone. Some estimates put this newest edition at 10 million copies sold by the end of the year. And unlike its predecessor, this game is available on the Xbox as well as the PS3 giving the game an extended reach. If you’re looking to buy the game, click here or on the image below.
Where is the Retro?
Vs.
Unlike Halo 3 which focuses on the interstellar war between 26th century humanity, GTA4 revolves around an Eastern European immigrant who comes to America in search of the “American Dream.” The game is set in a city called Liberty City but looking at the GTA4 photo above. . .it looks like another city I know and love. . .
Times Square, Manhattan
Real situations. . .ok, or at least based in a real world. Life-like characters. How very retro. . .
But wait! Isn’t this retro?
The Angry Video Game Nerd sizes up a title from Christmas’ past: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from Nintendo. When I say sizes up, he really just rips the game a new one while swigging a Rolling Rock. That said, he has given me an extended repartee of swear words to pony out in difficult situations. Please note: This video includes some extremely heavy language. Do NOT watch from your office computer monitor.
Retro does not represent old and lame. Instead, a return to retro demonstrates an interest in assimilating the qualities from our past we steam-rolled over in trying to make:
New doesn’t always mean improved. And in this case, old doesn’t always represent bad game design. So yes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is old. . .and lame, but not retro in the sense I’m going for.
Moving on. . .
Got Graphics?
The Nintendo Wii has sponsored a whole new segment of casual gamer, bringing those less interested in playing games until their fingers bleed, and more interested in having a few friends over for game night. For a hilarious review of a recently released Wii title, check out Yahtzee’s speedy sarcasm-filled review of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Again, not the best video to play at work but not quite as bad as the one above.
For all of the Wii’s casual gaming wonder, this image from Super Smash Bros. Brawl:
hardly looks as rich as this:
The Cliff Notes
- A return to better graphics
- A story based in the real world
Now that. . .is retro.
Get in the Mood
To help you properly wax retro on the gaming tip, I bring you an inspired music selection for your general enjoyment.
Special Thanks
To Nathan Gao for educating this little non-gamer and introducing me to the wild west of the gaming discussion boards.
Want More Retro?
Get Retro: The LaSonic Ghetto Blaster
