Meet Computer Engineer Barbie!

The votes are in and Barbie fans have selected the doll’s latest career: computer engineer! That’s right, in Winter 2010 you’ll be able to meet Computer Engineer Barbie. Here’s a snippet from Mattel’s press release:

Computer Engineer Barbie, debuting in Winter 2010, inspires a new generation of girls to explore this important high-tech industry, which continues to grow and need future female leaders.

To create an authentic look, Barbie designers worked closely with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to develop the wardrobe and accessories for Computer Engineer Barbie. Wearing a binary code patterned tee and equipped with all the latest gadgets including a smart phone, Bluetooth headset, and laptop travel bag, Computer Engineer Barbie is geek chic.

I really want to make a joke about this doll, but I think it’s a great thing (though the pink laptop is a bit much). I like that Mattel is encouraging young girls to explore professions that are dominated by males. Hopefully it will push hobbies that are considered “guy things” too. Bring on Gamer Barbie and Comic-Book Nerd Barbie!!!

Source via Boy Genius Report

Super Street Fighter IV Animated Video: Chun-Li and Cammy vs. Juri

To promote its upcoming game Super Street Fighter IV, Capcom has released this awesome animated feature that pits SF veterans Chun-Li and Cammy against newcomer Juri. New to the series, Juri is a Korean powerhouse that works as a spy for S.I.N. Her left eye has been replaced with technologically advanced prosthetic that contains a “Feng Shui engine” that boosts her formidable tae kwon do powers.

My Hands: Leona Lewis Plays and Talks Final Fantasy XIII

British songstress Leona Lewis plays and talks Final Fantasy XIII in this video that promotes Square Enix’s recently announced FFXIII contest. The singer of “My Hands” — the international FFXIII single — is best known for winning The X Factor, as well as her singles “Better in Time”, “Footprints in the Sand”, and “Happy”.

I don’t mean to be linguistically racist, but I totally cracked up when my friend from Sony pointed out that Square Enix selected an artist with a name that many Japanese people can’t pronounce. He joked that she’s referred to, “Reona Rewis,” at Square Enix HQ. I felt enormously guilty for laughing at that joke.

Adventures in Sex City Teaches Kids About STDs, Penis-Hands

I swear I’m not making this up — the Middlesex London Health Unit has released a game called Adventures in Sex City that teaches players about STDs. The villain has penis arms (and no, his name is not Edward Penishands). Here’s the scoop from GamePolitics:

Adventures in Sex City will have players assume the role of one of four characters — Captain Condom, Power Pap, Willy the Kid or Wonder Vag — as they take on penis-armed (literally) villain the Sperminator, who is hell-bent on spreading his brand of STD-infected love to everyone in town.

Wow. Uh…happy Valentine’s Day?

Source via GamePolitics

Win Tickets to Two Final Fantasy XIII Events

Square Enix has announced a members-only contest for two Final Fantasy XIII events taking place on March 8, 2010 in San Francisco. Here are the official particulars:

At the Final Fantasy XIII Experience — a fan-focused, daytime event which will take place across two sessions of two hours each — attendees will enjoy the game first hand, browse a gallery of stunning artwork, view trailers and meet the development staff. Some lucky fans will also win fantastic raffle prizes at the event.

A select group of guests will also be invited to the Final Fantasy XIII Launch Party to take place later in the evening. Industry luminaries such as Gas Powered Games’ Chris Taylor (Supreme Commander), Microsoft Game Studios’ Corrinne Yu (Halo), and Final Fantasy XIII director Motomu Toriyama will celebrate the Final Fantasy series and its latest iteration.

I am going to try to break into the launch party. If you win, I’ll see you there or ask you to sneak me in. Also, if you haven’t partied with Chris Taylor…well, you definitely want to…just make sure he stays away from farm animals. Head on over to Square Enix’s members site to enter!

Did You Play the Heavy Rain Demo? What Did You Think?!?

Sony dropped a short Heavy Rain demo on PlayStation Network yesterday. You’ve had sufficient time to download it and play it. Now I want to know what you think! This is one of the most divisive games I’ve come across in a while. Some people are totally into Quantic Dream’s style of storytelling. Some are dismissing it as a non-game or barely a game. Now that you’ve had a taste of it, kindly share your thoughts.

On a related note, the game was listed as #1 on Amazon when I went to grab the link. That surprised me.

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

To be completely honest, I’m actually going to try and not play games this weekend. I want to finish up Bill Simmons’ The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy on my freshly gifted Amazon Kindle! That said, I’ll probably sneak in some game time. I won’t play anything heavy though — maybe a little Civilization on my iPhone.

How about you ladies and gets? What’s on your weekend play list for Valentine’s weekend?

Coffee Talk #85: Your Favorite Videogame Valentine’s Couples

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, what Tiger is buying Elin for Valentine’s Day, your favorite American Idol hopeful, or Kevin Smith’s performance at MacWorld, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

With a lovey dovey holiday coming on Sunday, I thought it would be a great time to talk about your favorite romantic couples in gaming. Whether you like traditional romances, bisexual elf assassins, or the timeless tale of a paddle and ball, I want to know who your favorite videogame couple is and why.

As for me, I’m going with Zack Fair and Aerith Gainsborough from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Their love was innocent and tragic. It also led to one of the most emotionally powerful game endings I’ve experienced in years. Here’s part of the ending (spoilers ahead, duh!):

*sniff* Excuse me…a gnat flew into my eye. I have to run off and take care of this gnat-eye problem. For now, tell me who your favorite videogame couple is. Name the couple, the game, and why you chose them (please)!