Okay, it has been a good while, so pretty much everyone has come to grips with the fact that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed didn't even come close to what was expected of it. So, now that your wounds are well on their way to healing, you are asked to take another leap of faith, although this one may not be near as hard as you might think since we are talking the BioWare/LucasArts joint venture, Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The first journey into the world of PC-based MMOs, TOR is set thousands of years before the birth of Anakin Skywalker and about 300-years after the events of the BioWare classic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. During this period neither the Galactic Republic, guarded by the Jedi, or the resurgent Sith Empire have gained the upper hand. Players can choose to play as a representative of either side of the force, or as any number of other species/classes from the Star Wars universe. There are loads of details that have yet to be released about this title: price to play, release date, Mac support, total character classes, etc., etc. For now though all that is really know is that it will be on the PC and introduce a heavy story component to the MMO standard pillars of: Exploration, Combat and Progression. With all the movies, books and previous games how could it not. To keep up on breaking info on TOR feel free to join the games online community.

So far it sounds, and judging by the video below, looks fantastic. And uh-oh, another must-play MMO. Look out underclassmen. Just when you think you are out, they pull you back in!

--Hobson's Choice

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So, it was just after last New Years and I'm sitting in a room with some of the guys from Rockstar NYC. They had just finished limping through a demo of the radio station functionality in GTA IV and I ask them about Midnight Club Los Angeles, mostly why its release was being pushed. I pretty much heard "bla, bla, bla...but it's gonna be so much bigger and better than Burnout Paradase. It's gonna have real parts of LA in it..." Yup, Burnout Paradise had just released and understandably everyone was pretty high on it.

Months later as MCLA is about ready to roll out some South Central specific DLC maps for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, I gotta say I think they were right, at least in the reality department. Being from LA myself, it is pretty cool that they were keen on inserting some of iconic LA kitsch scenery into the game. The only thing better would be the hotdog stand, downtown by the courthouses that gives out legal advice. Following suit, I think it is/was shaped like a hotdog as well, but that could just be the remnants of the subpoena talking. Anyway, joints like these that have been around since the 50s or earlier, and it looks like the image below may be of the Randy's Doughnuts in Inglewood or is it Compton? Regardless, well done Rockstar on making an old Angeleno transplant happy.

Aside from my own personal jollies, I think that what Rockstar has done here could be a good business move that should be applied to other games as doable. Video games get stale awful quick, so by
monetizing DLC that can feasibly be generated to cover several metro areas where the game will probably sell well, publishers and developers can
keep the register working long after it might otherwise be time to
close up shop or have a fire sale. In the case of Midnight Club Los Angeles, that
time looks to be a good ways off yet. Beyond actual LA environs the DLC will contain
new character competitions, races, cars and more. As far as I know, no exact date beyond early '09 has been set for its release and pricing has not been noted either. You can read more about this DLC and hopefully others at the Rockstar's Midnight Club Los Angeles page. One question for Rockstar though. Where is the DLC love for East LA? Come on, just take the 10 east to the 60. You can't miss it.

--Hobson's Choice

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Okay first things first. The connection to video games here is tenuous at best, and technically we are talking more of a 'musical happening,' rather than a Broadway song & dance extravaganza, but that's just nitpicking now isn't it. According to a story on the BBC's site, next year London's O2 arena will play host to the debut of Star Wars: A Musical Journey. A joint project by LucasFilm and composer John Williams, Star Wars: A Musical Journey is a live take on the 2005 DVD of the same name. In it the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will play a live score as excerpts from the six films are shown on a mega screen.
Tying the visual parts and pieces together will be a series of live narrators, and uhm, maybe a few lightsaber duels and Force blasts as well? Mmmmm, difficult to see.

In the digital age where electronic and thin are in, this sort of larger than life, acoustic affair isn't necessarily up everyone's alley, and frankly that's a shame. This program reminds me of two things, the glory days of the modern blockbuster, during which the original Star Wars movies, along with other musically impressive 70's titans like Rocky and Jaws were king, and marching band. Yup, there was a time when high school music directors, anxious to own halftime and field competitions, couldn't lay off trying their hands, and those of their students at replicating, in musical sense, the events of that galaxy, far, far away. That time has apparently come again, only this time around I'm quite certain that a better-trained padawan than myself will be on spit valve duty.

The show starts in early April '09 in London and will almost certainly tour as well. Will this Journey make it to the farthest reaches of the outer rim that you call home? Patience. Time will tell. All I know is that my Mother-in-law has symphony tickets and I'm feeling pretty good about my chances.

--Hobson's Choice

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I admit that I'm not normally in favor of an even playing field when it comes to positioning myself for freebies, but in the case of the 7,000 free downloadable game codes that Spike TV is giving away this weekend, I'll make an exception since the odds seem more or less pretty good.

The occasion is the 2008 Video Game Awards. I've no idea when the awards are, but I do know that Spike TV will be giving away 7,000 free download codes that most console and PC gamers will probably have some interest in. The games are Braid (XBLA), PixelJunk Eden (PSN), World of Goo (WiiWare) or AudioSurf (Steam). Of course you will need the appropriate console/PC and connectivity to the Web to take advantage of the game if you are chosen. And you must provide an email address so Spike can spam you with all sorts of Viacom related chafe until the second coming, but there is a minimal opt-out option and of course the old delete key. Entry to the giveaway is open until tomorrow, Sunday December 14th at 9pm EST, and just so you know, these freebies have nothing to do with Amazon.com. Good luck, but keep your hands off my game code.

--Hobson's Choice

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I can't say that I watched Spike TV's Video Game Award show this weekend or that there was was really much of a reason to do so. Oh, actually, there were all the trailers that they played for the first time. Then again, you can see all those here as well, not in as good a quality, but you can still see them. There are six of them. Check them out.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Most, but not necessarily all fans will be cheering this prequel to the events of the famous graphic novel. There is of course also an upcoming movie, but an article in this month's EGM seems to make it clear that game developer, Deadline Games, is making a huge effort to make the game stand out as an entirely different event from both the comics and the movie. The fact that in the game we'll be seeing Watchmen characters in their youth, versus the past-their-prime portrayl in the comic, is a good sign of this if just for the play value. The game will be download only and serialized, with the first episode releasing on PlayStation 3 on PSN, Xbox 360 on XBL and for PC on Steam in March '09, at the same time as the movie.

God of War III
Sony's Olympian rage-fest continues and it will almost certainly be the last go round if you can take Kratos at his own word (watch the video). Also, although the box art for this game remains in flux, one aspect of this has remained the omega symbol. The last symbol in the Greek alphabet, that is a tip off you can't miss. Like all other GoW games, this will a be a PlayStation exclusive and may be timed to coincide with the rumored God of War Movie, although that will probably not be out until 2010 and so seems pretty far away.


GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned (Downloabable Content)
Yes, the first of two episodes of Grand Theft Auto IV's DLC will be here soon, at least for Xbox 360 players. It will be available for now exclusively through Xbox LIVE and be available on February 17th if all goes well. It will feature a new main character, plot, missions, vehicles, weapons, music etc... Here is more info direct from Rockstar Games.


Dante's Inferno
EA takes on the first part of the allegorical Medieval poem, The Divine Comedy. Its nine circles of hell and first-person perspective have video game written all over it. Hopefully it won't be screwed up though, since Alighieri's works is a world classic, the pillar of post-Roman Italian literature and only the first part of a three-part piece. So, with this much material to work with, I'm hoping for a non-Constantine affair. EA wouldn't want to lose out on follow-up Next-Gen hits like, Purgatory: Stuck in the Middle Again, or Paradise: You Can't Get There From Here. No idea when this is releasing in '09.


Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Part 2 of the PS3's Uncharted franchise will look to have game hero Drake and players kissing the tropics goodbye for a trip to the snows of the northland. There are not too many no hard details are available yet, but there certainly will as we get closer to the title's Fall '09 release date.


Brutal Legend
Yup, Jack Black is getting a rock 'n roll inspired game. All in all I think I would have preferred Spinal Tap: the Game, but Brutal Legend is rumored to feature voice talent by Lemmy (Motorhead), Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Ronnie Games Dio (all things Dio!), so it couldn't be all bad. It will publish on Xbox 360 and PS3 in fall '09.


--Hobson's Choice

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Nintendo fanboys clamoring to cash in on their collection of DS and Wii hardware and games through Club Nintendo may have to wait a little while longer, or at least take a little time to figure out what they have bopping around in the old game box that qualifies.

The North American version of Club Nintendo launched yesterday and is designed to offer Nintendo-themed freebies to Wii and DS players who take the time to register their consoles and Nintendo-published games, indicate their interest in upcoming games and take surveys. In doing these things members earn 'coins,' which in turn are redeemed for rewards, aka freebies. Seems like a goldmine of Nintendo shwag for the faithful, but there have been some issues. Shortly after the site went up yesterday it came down again, probably due to traffic, which is understandable. It was noted in various places last night that it was back up. This is true. I went there myself and since I was already registered with Nintendo was able to migrate that info over easily to my Club Nintendo account. Unfortunately there is still a fairly severe loading time on many of the pages, a tendency for the system to log you out when changing pages and a problem with the functionality that lets you indicate your buying interest in titles. Also, for Nintendo fans with their own back catalog in 'the box' I mentioned, there is the limited number of past DS, Wii and Wii Shopping Channel games that can be registered for coins and the delay on seeing the points appear in their account. I'm sure the fanboys in the house can live with the list of nearly 90 titles on the list. This is actually not too bad, unless you have been very heavy in your old school virtual console purchases. Either way you may want to wait until the site is fully operational before doing any registering of games in order to maximize the number of coins you walk away with.

--Hobson's Choice

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Most gamers with fond memories of the arcades, bowling alleys and convenience stores of their childhood, have probably heard of, and/or seen the King of Kong. What many might not know though is that KoK was not the only arcade related documentary that came out in 2007. There was also Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade.

Even though it got a fair send off via a screening at the 2007 Sundance film festival, it could be that the thinking was that there just wasn't enough room in 2008 for two old school upright arcade flicks, so not many people saw it. 2008 is almost over though and it looks like Chasing Ghosts is getting another shot, this time on Showtime throughout December. The film flashes back to the glory days of several top players and others from the heyday of the arcade craze in the US and Canada, juxtaposing this against their current lives. I haven't seen it myself but it is queued on the DVR. Check it out, if just to get another look at the king of cheese, Billy Mitchell.

--Hobson's Choice

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By this time everyone who hasn't been living in a cave knows about the infamous boot tossing at President Bush by an Iraqi journalist the other day. However you feel about the President and how the country was run under his administration, one thing you have to say for Mr. Bush, he's got great reflexes

Totally unconnected to the specifics of the incident, what I find interesting in its fallout is the way web-based flash games continue to take over the satirical role that political cartoons once filled. (see the games of the '08 presidential elections post). Our country has a rich and scathing history of political satire in cartoon form in newspapers and magazines and anyone who noticed how fast the Bush's Boot Camp flash game, as well as others like Sock and Awe, Flying Babush and Can You Throw a Show at Bush popped up on the Web after the footwear was flung on Monday, should be able to acknowledge the potential for this in flash technology. The games are certainly is no works of art, but they were not designed to be awe inspiring. They were instead designed to capture the moment, and immortalize it from a particular point of view that people in this particular time can appreciate, or at least recognize. In a hundred years will anyone sitting where we are now really know why the United States was in Iraq, much less why in the last days of his administration the sitting president of the US was a target for a shoe two shoes? Terrorism, freedom, oil, post Cold War posturing, bad decision making, unacceptable collateral damage, all of these, none of these? Who knows. By that time seemingly mortal wounds will have healed and there will have been so many other crisises around the world that the actual history of our entire period will have been skewed to fit within a few paragraphs in a high school text book. What will remain though for those willing to look a little deeper will be a series of quaint bits of code that historians and/or game nerds of the day will explain were what the people of our time referred to as, 'flash games.' On figuring a way to duplicate our primitive input methods, nobody in these future days will understand why they were called flash games, since by then they will certainly seem the antithesis of that. They will be equally puzzled by this whole shoe tossing bit. But again, just like the satirical editorial comics of our own past, these snippets of code will offer a window into the past and individually conceived past moments that it consists of. Somehow I find it comforting to be reminded that for all the self-gratifying next-gen, core duo, bla-bidy-bla, that our little gaming habit tends to revolve around, that it is all just part of a media continuum that stretches forward and back further than we know.

Don't believe me on this whole continuum thing? Take a look at this image of a political cartoon from an 1861 issue of Vanity Fair. At first glance can you identify what pressing issues of the day and our own are being referenced? It seems nonsensical at first, but with a little digging, a fairly clear picture of what is being editorialized, and in what context, can be guessed at. Like I said, some day someone will be doing the same with these shoe flash games, so backup your files and game on! Hit this link and scroll down just a bit for some brief info on this political cartoon.

--Hobson's Choice

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Honestly, it has been a good long while since I've played any StarCraft, but seeing as StarCraft II is on the horizon, I've been meaning to polish up my real-time strategy (RTS) chops in the hopes of not getting massacred on day one of its arrival at Battle.net. So, needless to say I wasn't terribly upset when the 2008 release date for the initial StarCraft II release was pushed (there will also be two expansions). It's just more time for me to get ready. Right now, I think that a reasonable expected release date is late February '09.

Also, and to the real point of this post, Blizzard today released the first of several StarCarft II Battle Reports. These video reports are designed to demonstrate both for players new to the RTS genre and StarCraft, as well as hardened veterans, what StarCraft II gameplay is all about. This first report features a match between Matt Cooper and David Kim, two of Blizzard's StarCraft II game balance designers. It is a little long, but gives some nice detail on battlefield tactics, units and strategy. Its pacing is a little fast, since that is the nature of the game, so those not overly familiar with the StarCraft universe should probably check out the StarCraft site to get a look at the game features, playable races, units, etc. Looks like this is going to be a good one, so stay tuned.

--Hobson's Choice

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As dominant as the Wii has been since its launch, a consistent knock on the system, as well as a soapbox for some who have called it a fad, is that it doesn't feature video functionality. Of course this isn't necessary for the Wii to succeed as a gaming device. It has done that and more. But with the Xbox 360, and to a lesser extent the PS3, attracting non-gamers with their video on-demand options, Nintendo will be offering a streaming video option in 2009. This Nintendo specific service will apparently be separate from the anime downloads that will also be available to Wii owners in Japan via Fuji Soft's 'Everyone's Theater Wii service.'

The catch to the Nintendo specific video option is that like all things Nintendo, the service will launch first in Japan and no releases information has been made available for the rest of the world. No problem. It will get to the masses eventually and it looks like it will be a VERY stripped down version of what, for example Xbox 360 owners enjoy both via download on LIVE Marketplace and via streaming video through Netflix. Nintendo is partnering with Japanese ad firm Dentsu Inc. to develop the functionality, which will feature original Nintendo programming, possibly with advertising, priced anywhere from free to a few hundred points. So, that said we are almost certainly looking at an entirely gaming centric offering here, versus diversification into movies, TV and the like that is available on the other consoles. Sorry middle America, but you might want to put down those popcorn bowls because that sounds very different from video on-demand.

It could be that Everyone's Theater Wii Service could fill this niche to some extent, but if not, is Nintendo shooting itself in the foot by not taking the leap? Not at all. A quick peek at November '08 sales confirms that the Wii continues to dominate the console gaming roost, and will almost certainly continue to do so for some time to come. The PS3 seems to be lagging in sales as the new year closes in, leaving very manageable competition from Xbox 360. Even if this functionality ends up being little more than a new and improved version of the existing Nintendo Channel, Nintendo may be fine with that. They are a gaming company and figure that they are safe sticking with what works. It would seem that they are right.

--Hobson's Choice

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I admit that I'm not normally in favor of an even playing field when it comes to positioning myself for freebies, but in the case of the 7,000 free downloadable game codes that Spike TV is giving away this weekend, I'll make an exception since the odds seem more or less pretty good.

The occasion is the 2008 Video Game Awards. I've no idea when the awards are, but I do know that Spike TV will be giving away 7,000 free download codes that most console and PC gamers will probably have some interest in. The games are Braid (XBLA), PixelJunk Eden (PSN), World of Goo (WiiWare) or AudioSurf (Steam). Of course you will need the appropriate console/PC and connectivity to the Web to take advantage of the game if you are chosen. And you must provide an email address so Spike can spam you with all sorts of Viacom related chafe until the second coming, but there is a minimal opt-out option and of course the old delete key. Entry to the giveaway is open until tomorrow, Sunday December 14th at 9pm EST, and just so you know, these freebies have nothing to do with Amazon.com. Good luck, but keep your hands off my game code.

--Hobson's Choice

Read game reviews and find great bargains at the GAMING CORNER.

Most gamers with fond memories of the arcades, bowling alleys and convenience stores of their childhood, have probably heard of, and/or seen the King of Kong. What many might not know though is that KoK was not the only arcade related documentary that came out in 2007. There was also Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade.

Even though it got a fair send off via a screening at the 2007 Sundance film festival, it could be that the thinking was that there just wasn't enough room in 2008 for two old school upright arcade flicks, so not many people saw it. 2008 is almost over though and it looks like Chasing Ghosts is getting another shot, this time on Showtime throughout December. The film flashes back to the glory days of several top players and others from the heyday of the arcade craze in the US and Canada, juxtaposing this against their current lives. I haven't seen it myself but it is queued on the DVR. Check it out, if just to get another look at the king of cheese, Billy Mitchell.

--Hobson's Choice

Read game reviews and find great bargains at the GAMING CORNER.

Truth be told, that headline should read Wrath of the Lich King Expansion Pack & World of Warcraft news. Anyway, as most people easily guessed, the Lich King expansion to the World of Warcraft has been huge. 2.8 million sold worldwide in the first 24 hours qualifies. I wonder how many were pre-orders? Also, within 24 hours came the first media frenzy around gaming addiction as a kid in Sweden collapsed after going on a 15-hour bender. He won't be the last I'm sure. Anyway, all are signs of success, especially that 2.8 million number, since the other 8 million+ paying subscribers who are currently playing will want their copies sooner or later. So, on to the Blizzard PR machine. They've done well in the past with their video campaign (remember Mr. T, the Simpsonesque Stephen Hawking, Shatner...) and so they've ramped that up again, this time apparently targeting the less geeky among us with one from Ozzy and one from the not so little any more Stevie Van Zandt.

And what could be next for WoW? Apparently Blizzard recently opened up servers in Russia and Latin America, so I think what will be next will be more subscribers in the near future. According to Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime, there will be another expansion in about a year and subscription costs will remain as is. Also, it would seem that a WoW movie is becoming more and more likely. Legendary Pictures, is looking for scripts and directorial talent as we speak. I keep threatening to make millions out of nowhere. I had better get on this one before someone beats me to it. Then again something tells me that the WoW party train will be chugging along for sometime and churning out expansion after expansion. So, maybe I'll wait until they need an After School Special written, or better yet, Diablo: The Musical. Yeah, I'll get right on those.

--Hobson's Choice

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The world is full of people who take themselves way too seriously, and guess what, that includes not only Rock n' Rollers trying to extend a "good gig," but apparently also some journalists looking to do the same.
 
Here's the backstory. It's pretty minor stuff so feel free to roll your eyes when the urge hits you, but it's a slow news day so here it goes. So, last Monday, power balladeers Nickelback gave an interview to MTV News where in frontman Chad Kroeger made what could be read as a disparaging remark related to playing Guitar Hero. The bulk of the interview was about what went into the making of the band's new album, Dark Horse. Anyway, with regard to the comment, in true 'if it bleeds it leads' form the MTV article put it right up front. Here it is followed by an additional quote:

'"Chad Kroeger wants you to stop playing Guitar Hero." Later going on to quote Kroeger as saying, "I feel like there's not enough rock bands out there, especially
when we go on the road,"..."It's tough to find other bands out there, because either they're
making a record, or they just got done touring. So kids: Start rock
bands. Set down the Guitar Hero, learn how to play an actual guitar
and start a band, because it's hard to find more bands to put a solid
rock-and-roll package together, to get out there. It's getting harder
and harder, but I think we've done it."'

This reads to me as Kroeger thinking that if more people played actual music versus music simulation games that there would be more bands, or perhaps more opening bands for Nickelback to choose from. As someone who has made a fool of himself once or twice on stage over the years and spent his share of time with Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, I'd say he's probably right. Sure it's ironic and funny so see the frontman for a band that is not exactly the hardest rocking unit out there put himself in the position to wag his finger at the "kids," but it's at least as equally funny to me that some in the game press, and perhaps some gamers, chose to take offense at this. If you love playing music for real, keep on keepin' on. If you love playing sim games keep on doing that. If you love music and can run Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band at expert, then let's hook up. I've got a notebook full of songs that will drive the kids wild, and you can use whatever guitar you want.

--Hobson's Choice

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I can't imagine that anyone really thought otherwise, but it came out the other day that although the initial basically bland accessories for NXE avatars, not to mention the avatars themselves, will remain free, anything beyond that will cost. Sounds fair to me. After all, if you are on NXE to mess around with your avatar all day, then well maybe you had best stick with The Sims, or, "gulp," PlayStation Home if it ever launches. On the other hand, beyond NXE's girl next door sexy avatars and the unisex hair and makeup options for all avatars, I can see how most players, especially guys, will have to change up their look eventually or go insane. Given the choice I'll pick the female character every time and so save myself a few bucks, but what about the fellas who are compelled to represent for their gender? I mean come on, look at the poser gamer option above. Can you say "casual Friday, middle-aged geek chic, white bread?" I say let the Marcus Fenix, Zangief or Blanka?, Prince of Persia, Joker and Halo Wars face fest begin. For the cost of a few hundred MS points I guarantee that it will be a welcomed relief at some point for us all.

--Hobson's Choice

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