RIM has posted another teaser video for BlackBerry OS 6…and I’m reminded of the immortal words of Sean Connery in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, “I’m waiting to be impressed.” I don’t see how this is supposed to excite anyone that has a basic knowledge of Apple iOS, Google Android, or Palm WebOS.
Perhaps I’m missing something. What do you think of the clip? Is there anything there that’s the least bit exciting or interesting?
There are pretty two games coming out this week. First up is NCAA Football 11
Any of you planning to pick up new games this week? List ’em (please)!
The Avengers movie will have one last star as Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as the Incredible Hulk. In a scathing statement, Marvel Studios president of production Ken Feige said:
Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H., Chris E., Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.
Given Norton’s creative issues with the last Hulk movie, this is hardly surprising. For all of his amazing talent, Norton can be a giant pain in the ass to deal with. The good news is that Chris Evans has one less incredibly talented actor to upstage him.
How do you feel about Norton being booted as the Hulk? Any suggestions for a replacement?
Last week LeBron James pulled off one of the most thorough heel turns in the history of heel turns. He went from a basketball player that was loved by some and liked by most to one of the most hated people in the NBA. One of Bill Simmons’ readers compared it to Hulk Hogan’s heel turn at Bash at the Beach ’96. It’s a funny analogy, but it totally works. James’ heel turn is so unbelievable that it could pass for a WWE storyline. I’m pretty sure halfway through the season, Pat Riley is going to take out Erik Spoelstra with a steel chair, spray paint his back, and take over as head coach.
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 World Cup finals, Jesse Jackson accusing Dan Gilbert of seeing LeBron James as a “runaway slave”, or BP’s efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
Last week LeBron James pulled off one of the most thorough heel turns in the history of heel turns. He went from a basketball player that was loved by some and liked by most to one of the most hated people in the NBA. One of Bill Simmons’ readers compared it to Hulk Hogan’s heel turn at Bash at the Beach ’96. It’s a funny analogy, but it totally works. James’ heel turn is so unbelievable that it could pass for a WWE storyline. I’m pretty sure halfway through the season, Pat Riley is going to take out Erik Spoelstra with a steel chair, spray paint his back, and take over as head coach.
What are some of your favorite heel turns? Whether they’re from WWE shows, sports, videogame storylines, or real life, betrayals are powerful things. From Cain betraying Abel to LeBron betraying his hometown franchise, I want to know what some of your favorite heel turns in history are.
A friend notified me that my IMDB listing has been updated to include my writing credits for SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. Naturally, I went ahead and perused the listing. I was surprised to see that the motion-capture actors were listed. The entry noted that former WWE Superstar Paul London, my friend Austin Aries, and my favorite wrestler Claudio Castagnoli did mo-cap work for the game. This surprised me since I didn’t think that THQ and WWE would want the world to know that indie wrestlers were doing the in-game moves for current WWE talent.
According to IMDB, Aries did the mo-cap work for Evan Bourne, Chris Jericho, and Santino Marella. London portrayed Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston. Castagnoli donned the capture suit for Edge and Jack Swagger.
Longtime New York Yankee public address announcer Bob Sheppard passed away today at 99. He was the voice of Yankee Stadium since 1951, announcing legends like Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Phil Rizzuto. He announced games until 2007, introducing fans to current Yankee greats like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Jeter still uses a recording of Sheppard’s voice for his at-bats.
While most stadium announcers for most sports use an in-your-face style, the Yankees stayed with Sheppard’s classic announcing for decades. He added a classy and dignified air to Yankee Stadium. I’ve attended dozens of games with Sheppard on the mic. I haven’t been back to New York for baseball season in years. It’s definitely going to be weird going to a Yankee game and not hearing his voice. I hope that Jeter will continue to use Sheppard for his at-bats. I definitely want to catch a game before he retires and to hear the “Voice of the Yankees” one more time.
There have been so many Yankee legends over the years and so many of them have been introduced by Bob Sheppard. He became such an integral part of Yankee games and Yankee history that he ended becoming a legend himself. Rest in peace Bob Sheppard. You will be missed.
The “Leliana’s Song” downloadable content for Dragon Age: Origins is the best post-launch DLC Bioware has released for its outstanding 2009 RPG. In addition to the things you’ve come to exepct from Dragon Age DLC — new items, new companions, new villains, etc. — “Leliana’s Song” stands out for its excellent voice acting and storytelling. If you’ve ever been tempted by any Dragon Age DLC, this is the one to download before any of the other post-launch content.
(Spoiler alert for anyone that hasn’t played the original!) “Leliana’s Song” is a prequel that examines the titular character’s past as an Orlesian spy. The DLC recounts the circumstances that lead her to chantry life in Ferelden, focusing on the betrayal by her mentor and lover Marjolaine. (And yes, fans of lesbian make-out scenes have something to look forward to.)
The storytelling is well done, thanks to a strong script and some excellent voice acting. Leliana and Marjolaine steal the show, while companions Sketch and Tug add some decent support. If you’re a Leliana fan — and lots of Dragon Age players are — then you’ll enjoy experiencing her past as a manipulative, cutthroat bitch bard. It’s such a great contrast to the seemingly dopey, bless-the-maker character you first encounter in Dragon Age.
The DLC adds some new music that’s completely appropriate for the adventures of the bard. Some of the exploration and battle tracks are lute driven, which is just cool. Along with cowbell, videogame music needs more lute.
In terms of gameplay, there’s nothing new. It’s the same action-RPG combat and exploration that made the original so enjoyable. Most players will be able to beat the DLC in less than two hours. It takes considerably less time if you skip through the dialog and cutscenes (in which case you’re kind of missing the point). Beating the DLC nets you some nifty armor (Battledress of the Provocateur) that can be used in Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Origins Awakening. Next to the Felon’s Coat, it’s the second-best light-armor in the game.
Most diehard Dragon Age fans have already purchased “Leliana’s Song.” If you’re on the fence about it due to disappointment in the other DLC then I recommend taking a chance on this one. It’s another dose of that lovely BioWare combination of fun gameplay and great storytelling. Out of all the Dragon Age DLC, “The Stone Prisoner” and “Leliana’s Song” are the best. This DLC is a nice prequel chapter in the Dragon Age saga that offers a few hours of fun and some nice armor that can be used in the full game.
Microsoft has a ton of Guitar Hero, Lips, and Rock Band songs on sale as part of its Live-a-Palooza event. Check out the list and let me know if you’re picking anything up. I just purchased “Wonderwall” by Oasis and am tempted by several other songs. Must resist!
Rock Band 1 & 2
AFI Pack 1 440 Points
Blink 182 Pack 2 240 Points
Boston Pack 1 440 Points
Disturbed Pack 1 240 Points
Foo Fighters The Colour and the Shape (Album) 800 Points
Going Country Pack 1 440 Points
Green Day Pack 1 240 Points
The Killers Pack 1 240 Points
Megadeth Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (Album) 440 Points
Metallica Pack 1 240 Points
Nirvana Pack 1 440 Points
Oasis “Wonderwall” 80 Points
Pearl Jam Backspacer (Album) 800 Points
Pearl Jam Ten (Album) 800 Points
Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Album) 800 Points
Slipknot Pack 1 240 Points
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live Anthology Pack 1 440 Points
Weezer “Buddy Holly” 80 Points
The Best of The Who Rock Band Edition 800 Points
Wolfmother Pack 1 440 Points
Guitar Hero 5 & World Tour
“Another Way To Die” by Jack White & Alicia Keys 80 Points
“California Queen” by Wolfmother 80 Points
Classic Rock 2 Track Pack 240 Points
“Cut Your Hair” by Pavement 80 Points
“Drive by Incubus” 80 Points
The Eagles Track Pack 240 Points
“Life In The Fast Lane” by The Eagles 80 Points
Metallica Death Magnetic Full Album 960 Points
Motorhead Track Pack 240 Points
“Monkey Gone to Heaven” by The Pixies 80 Points
“Negative Creep” by Nirvana 80 Points
“New Slang” by The Shins 80 Points
“New Wave” by Against Me! 80 Points
“No Rain” by Blind Melon 80 Points
The Killers Track Pack 240 Points
The Rolling Stones Live Track Pack 400 Points
The Silversun Pickups Track Pack 240 Points
Vagrant Records Track Pack 240 Points
Vampire Weekend Track Pack 240 Points
Victory Records Track Pack 240 Points
Lips
“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus 80 Points
The Cardigans Song Pack 240 Points
Colbie Caillat Song Pack 240 Points
Coldplay Song Pack 240 Points
Creedence Clearwater Revival Song Pack 240 Points
“Fallin'” by Alicia Keys 80 Points
“Give A Little Bit” by Supertramp 80 Points
“Linger” by The Cranberries 80 Points
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Song Pack 240 Points
New Edition Song Pack 240 Points
Paula Abdul Song Pack 240 Points
“Shake It” by Metro Station 80 Points
Snow Patrol Song Pack 240 Points
“So What” by P!nk 80 Points
The Supremes Song Pack 240 Points
The Temptations Song Pack 240 Points
“You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals 80 Points
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by the Righteous Brothers 80 Points
Kojima Productions’ Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid) posted a meaty Twitter rant about Japanese youth and their role in the future of game development. He’s very candid with his feelings that motivation and passion are lacking in Japan. Check it out:
Lately I have come to conclusion that, with highly motivated foreigners… it doesn’t matter where they are from, working with highly motivated indiviuals is the only way to move forward. I am tired of taking care of people who do not have the passion.
The Game Industry is very similar. The West is very motivated. The younger generation of Japan is losing. The designers and to-be-designers in the West have the focus, ambition, and ability to make their dream become true. So it is not the Japanese technology or culture that is losing, we are lacking the motivation.
In contrast, the number of students that study abroad from Japan has decreased. There are very few Japanese students at the prestigious Harvard University, and in MIT…zero. The engineering population in Japan may be in jeopardy. We should first review our education system here in Japan.
That’s pretty scathing stuff from a Japanese developer. I’m actually shocked that it came out of his mouth and not Tomonobu Itagaki’s. The rant reminds me of those silly Arakawa Group sketches on Saturday Night Live where fake Japanese people referred to Americans as “fat and lazy”.
Seriously though, over the last decade Japan has become less important to gaming than it once was. I wonder if the trend will continue. Perhaps the Japanese development community needs a kick in the pants. It’s one thing for Kojima to rant about it, but will he make an effort to make sure Japanese kids get the proper education and follow the right path to become a successful developer?
There are a bunch of you that don’t like playing games on portable systems. I’ve never really understood this position. To me, a great game is a great game — it doesn’t matter if it’s on a PC, home console, or portable console. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on Pokemon games and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is one of my favorite games this generation. I love that I can play a portable gaming system in bed, on an airplane, in the dentist’s office, etc. I feel like a lot of you are missing out.
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 Yankees possibly picking up Cliff Lee, Harry Potter vs. Twilight, or the wrath of Dan Gilbert, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
There are a bunch of you that don’t like playing games on portable systems. I’ve never really understood this position. To me, a great game is a great game — it doesn’t matter if it’s on a PC, home console, or portable console. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on Pokemon games and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is one of my favorite games this generation. I love that I can play a portable gaming system in bed, on an airplane, in the dentist’s office, etc. I feel like a lot of you are missing out.
So explain it to me! Tell me why you love or hate portable gaming. It’s totally cool if you don’t dig it. I’m just trying to understand why. While you’re typing your answers, imagine “Getting to Know You” from The King and I playing in the background. Ha!
