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

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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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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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