Category: Videogames

Coffee Talk #159: The Stereoscopic 3D Conspiracy

During my lunch meeting yesterday, one of my friends dropped this conspiracy theory on the big push behind 3D movies and 3D gaming. He said that television technology has gotten so good that early adopters have nothing to adopt. Televisions purchased in the last year or so will be good for at least another four. Considering there are some people that buy new televisions every two years, this is unacceptable for TV manufacturers. Ergo, the push for stereoscopic 3D content.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Mix Me In2 Taylor Swift iPhone app, AT&T giving out your email, or Malfoy vs. Edward, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

During my lunch meeting yesterday, one of my friends dropped this conspiracy theory on the big push behind 3D movies and 3D gaming. He said that television technology has gotten so good that early adopters have nothing to adopt. Televisions purchased in the last year or so will be good for at least another four. Considering there are some people that buy new televisions every two years, this is unacceptable for TV manufacturers. Ergo, the push for stereoscopic 3D content.

I’m usually not big on conspiracy theories…but this one actually makes sense. It’s getting harder and harder for TV manufacturers to entice consumers with new products. In the last year, it seems like biggest differentiating factor was whether a television ran at 60Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz — a factor that most general consumers don’t understand or can’t even discern. 3D?!? That’s easy to understand! Look at Avatar. Look at all the cool games Sony will be showing at E3 2010.

What do you think of the big stereoscopic 3D conspiracy? Is it really a push towards the future? Or is it a gimmick being exploited by consumer electronics companies in order to sell more televisions?

Jeri Ryan Explains the Mortal Kombat YouTube “Trailer”

Actress Jeri Ryan tweeted a few explanations regarding the excellent Mortal Kombat movie trailer floating around the Internet. The woman formerly known as Seven of Nine wrote:

Okay, so… Mortal Kombat.

It’s not a game trailer. Actually was made for the director to sell WB on his vision for a reimagined MK film.

More MK FAQs: I did it as a favor to a friend. No idea yet what WB’s reaction to it was. And I’m not sure how you can contact WB…

…(cont.) to push them to make it. But you guys are resourceful…! ;-)

Ryan later urged fans to send tweets to @wbpictures to encourage them to make the movie. And yes, one of the reasons I posted this story was so I could put up a sexy picture of Jeri Ryan.

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3D Gaming Arrives on the PlayStation 3 Tomorrow

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that WipEout HD, Pain, Super Stardust 3D, and Motor Storm Pacific Rift will be playable in 3D starting June 10, 2010…if you happen to have a television capable of stereoscopic 3D. Just in case you don’t — raise your hand if you do (I can’t actually see your hands!) — Sony was quick to point out that Bravia 3D-capable televisions are available for pre-order and will be delivered this month. The prices start at $2,099.99and go as high as $4,999.99.

So, how many of you are going to buy a 3D television tomorrow?!? Is your interest in 3D stereoscopic gaming piqued? Or do you need to see more games before pulling the trigger on a new TV? As for me, I will probably buy one at some point this year because I’m due for a new TV and I can write stories about 3D gaming. *sigh* If only I could afford one of these new Bravias.

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Coffee Talk #158: If You Could Go to One E3 2010 Presser….

Every year, E3 kicks off with major press conference by the “big three” — Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. These press conferences set the tone of the show and shape how things on the show floor are perceived. If you could attend one of these press conferences next week, which one would it be and why?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Celtics being totally lame at home, Russell Brand’s genius starting to be recognized, or the Harry Potter theme park, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Every year, E3 kicks off with major press conference by the “big three” — Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. These press conferences set the tone of the show and shape how things on the show floor are perceived. If you could attend one of these press conferences next week, which one would it be and why?

Would you pick Microsoft? MS was the first company to realize that modern press conferences have a theatrical aspect to them and put on the first E3 pressers that were cool enough to be televised. Sony usually has the most technically impressive press conference, but its executives aren’t the best public speakers (hell, Kaz Hirai looked like he was boring himself last year). Nintendo’s recent pressers have been way more about the mainstream, but the company has the best “character” execs. Reggie Fils-Aime is the best speaker from any of the big three, Satoru Iwata’s English is totally charming, and seeing Shigeru Miyamoto in person is always thrilling.

So which presser would you pick and why? Tell me, tell me, tell me (please)!!!

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString Uses “Real” Guitar: Will it Work?

Seven45 Studios has announced that it has signed Eric Clapton, Kid Rock, and the Dave Matthews Band to provide songs for its upcoming game, Power Gig: Rise of the SixString for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Considering that music games had a relatively poor year in 2009, you’d think a company would be nuts to introduce another franchise that competes with Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Seven45 believes it will differentiate its game from the competition through the use of realistic peripherals.

The guitar is the most interesting accessory for Power Gig. It can be used in the game and played as a real guitar offline. Seven45’s press release quoted Dave Matthews Band as saying:

We think Power Gig is a much needed and much welcomed game because, unlike any others before it, it puts a real guitar into the hands of aspiring musicians, and we hope it inspires our fans and others to start playing even when they’re not playing the game. We love the thought that fans of ours who’ve never picked up an instrument can now play our music on a real guitar and experience what we love to do day in and day out.

First of all, I’m impressed that the whole band said that. Did they say it in unison? Did they harmonize? Or did they take turns (perhaps switching out every 14 syllables). Secondly, I wonder if using a real guitar as a controller will intimidate some gamers.

Power Gig bundles are currently listed on Amazon for $179.99 and $229.99. What do you guys and dolls think? Is it too pricey? Or is it a good value considering that you’re getting a real guitar? Will Power Gig be able to compete with established franchises that have been rocking for years? Should I try to smash a Power Gig guitar at E3 2010? Let me know!!! (And check out the additional pictures below.)

Mortal Kombat Reboot With Michael Jai White and Jeri Ryan

Here’s a very cool clip of what appears to be a rated-R Mortal Kombat movie starring Michael Jai White (Tyson, Spawn) and Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager). It’s violent, dark, and bloody — much different than the other Mortal Kombat movies. However, it also has some changes that purists might not dig. Baraka and Reptile are no longer creatures from other races; instead one is a psycho doctor and the other is a psycho mutant.

The video has White portraying Jackson “Jax” Briggs, narrating a bunch of plot points to an incarcerated ninja (that loves the color yellow and impaling his opponents). Johnny Cage is shown getting his ass kicked and eventually decapitated. Jeri Ryan — who is still sexy for her age — walks in as Sonja Blade. The two convince the ninja to aid them by using his nemesis Sub-Zero as bait.

Despite the changes, I love the direction this movie is going in. Check out the clip and let me know what you think of it. Are you down with a dark Mortal Kombat without Robin Shou’s glorious hair?

Coffee Talk #157: E3 Games That Excite You

E3 is next week! There are going to be oodles and oodles of fantastic games at E3 2010 — some of them you know about already and others are sure to surprise. I want to know what games you’re looking forward to learning more about at this year’s show. Shoot off one game you know about and one game you’re hoping for.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the NXT invasion, Elton John singing at Rush Limbaugh’s wedding, or your prediction for the NBA finals, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

E3 is next week! There are going to be oodles and oodles of fantastic games at E3 2010 — some of them you already know about and others are sure to surprise you. I want to know what games you’re looking forward to learning more about at this year’s show. Shoot off one game you know about and one game you’re hoping for.

As for me, I can’t wait to see more of The Last Guardian for PlayStation 3. I loved Ico and really liked Shadow of the Colossus. I can’t wait to see what Team Ico does next! As for surprise titles…I can’t really say right now. The one I’m looking forward to the most is something that was told to me off the record. *tease*

So let me know what E3 2010 games you’re looking forward to (please)!

Dragon Age Anime Movie Coming in 2011

FUNimation has announced that it is partnering with BioWare and Electronic Arts for a Dragon Age anime movie. FUNimation is one of the largest anime companies in America, responsible for the North American releases of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Yu Yu Hakusho, and more. Here are more details from the press release:

Production of the Dragon Age anime movie is slated to begin this month with a home video release in 2011. Executive producing the film are BioWare’s Executive Producer Mark Darrah and Creative Director Mike Laidlaw, as well as FUNimation’s president and CEO Gen Fukunaga and Director of Original Entertainment Chris Moujaes.

As a huge Dragon Age mark, of course I’m excited for this. I’m happy that Darrah and Laidlaw are involved. I wonder if FUNimation will go with voice actors from the game or anime veterans. Any of you interested in this movie?

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PlayStation Move Developer Diary: The Shoot

Here’s a Sony developer diary for The Shoot. It’s an interesting example of motion controls in a traditional game. With motion controls set to play a huge part of E3 2010, I wanted to hear what you guys and gals thought about this developer diary. While nothing beats hands-on experience, this clip should give you a good idea of what to expect from Move in a shooter.

This Week’s Console Game Releases

Last week was pretty much a dud, but this week’s videogame releases are here to save the day! On the multi-platform front you have Green Day: Rock Band and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. The Nintendo DS has Mega Man Zero Collection for those of you looking for some old-school platformer excitement. Last, but certainly not least, is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for Sony PlayStation Portable.

What new games are on your wishlist this week?