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Winners from the gaming category of the Hollywood Music Awards Winners from the gaming category of the Hollywood Music Awards
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: The Hollywood Music Awards hailed the greats of mainstream and indie artists once again, and thankfully, giving video game music a slice of the pie. These are the winners for the video game category.
Best Original Score: Wataru Hokoyama, Afrika (Rhino Studio, SCE Japan)
Best Original Song: Azam Ali, "Logan's Shadow" (Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror)
Outstanding Music Supervision: Steve Schnur - Madden NFL%2008 (Electronic Arts)
Congrats to the winners, and we hope to see your great work on future titles.
More Awards:
Best Original Score: Wataru Hokoyama, Afrika (Rhino Studio, SCE Japan)
Best Original Song: Azam Ali, "Logan's Shadow" (Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror)
Outstanding Music Supervision: Steve Schnur - Madden NFL%2008 (Electronic Arts)
Congrats to the winners, and we hope to see your great work on future titles.
More Awards:
- Details and Nominees for Spike TV's%2008 Video Game Awards
- Activision owns at the 26th Annual Golden Joystick Awards
Video - Immersion: This is you game face Video - Immersion: This is you game face
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: 
Photograper Robbie Cooper shows us all just how focused young gamers can be while playing with actual clips of kids of various ages while they're playing games.Watch all the triumph, the joy of the kill, a little girl with no emotion - she cracks me up every time, and my personal favorite: "The WTF?! Face" at 1:46.
Follow the source link to the New York Times site to watch the vid (sorry, no embed code available). Pick your favorites and let us hear your thoughts!
Photograper Robbie Cooper shows us all just how focused young gamers can be while playing with actual clips of kids of various ages while they're playing games.Watch all the triumph, the joy of the kill, a little girl with no emotion - she cracks me up every time, and my personal favorite: "The WTF?! Face" at 1:46.Follow the source link to the New York Times site to watch the vid (sorry, no embed code available). Pick your favorites and let us hear your thoughts!
Video - Immersion: This is your game face Video - Immersion: This is your game face
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: Photograper Robbie Cooper shows us all just how focused young gamers can be while playing with actual clips of kids of various ages while they're playing games.Watch all the triumph, the joy of the kill, a little girl with no emotion - she cracks me up every time, and my personal favorite: "The WTF?! Face" at 1:46.
Follow the source link to the New York Times site to watch the vid (sorry, no embed code available). Pick your favorites and let us hear your thoughts!
Photograper Robbie Cooper shows us all just how focused young gamers can be while playing with actual clips of kids of various ages while they're playing games.Watch all the triumph, the joy of the kill, a little girl with no emotion - she cracks me up every time, and my personal favorite: "The WTF?! Face" at 1:46.Follow the source link to the New York Times site to watch the vid (sorry, no embed code available). Pick your favorites and let us hear your thoughts!
Media Create report from November 10 to 16: hardware sales fall further in Japan Media Create report from November 10 to 16: hardware sales fall further in Japan
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008:
More bad news for the games industry as Media Create reports hardware sales from the 10th to the 16th of November. Gaming platforms experience drops in sales from the previous week, with the usual exception of the Wii, which managed a slight climb in sales.
Though it sold the most units last week, the DSi took a rather big plunge this week to 85,327 from 104,897. The PSP also took a beating, dropping from 43,726 to 38,153. The PS3 seemed to maintain some measure of success, only skimming a bit in sales from 18,354 to 17,448. The Xbox 360, on the other hand, fell a bit hard from 12,759, to 7,983. But no drop compares to the DS's, taking a free fall from 8,381 to 3,559.
Hardware sales according to Media Create: November 10-16
Media Create article last week:
More bad news for the games industry as Media Create reports hardware sales from the 10th to the 16th of November. Gaming platforms experience drops in sales from the previous week, with the usual exception of the Wii, which managed a slight climb in sales.
Though it sold the most units last week, the DSi took a rather big plunge this week to 85,327 from 104,897. The PSP also took a beating, dropping from 43,726 to 38,153. The PS3 seemed to maintain some measure of success, only skimming a bit in sales from 18,354 to 17,448. The Xbox 360, on the other hand, fell a bit hard from 12,759, to 7,983. But no drop compares to the DS's, taking a free fall from 8,381 to 3,559.
Hardware sales according to Media Create: November 10-16
- DSi - 85,327
- PSP - 38,153
- Wii - 26,787
- PS3 - 17,448
- Xbox 360 - 7,983
- PS2 - 5,421
- DS - 3,559
Media Create article last week:
Sonic Unleashed Wii Video Review Sonic Unleashed Wii Video Review
Surprisingly rare and expensive GameCube games Surprisingly rare and expensive GameCube games
Nintendo Wii Fanboy, November 21, 2008: 
We love a lot of GameCube games. In fact, when Play on Wii was announced, it felt like a dream come true. See, we imagine many GameCube games being retooled for Wii. Now, we're glad its actually happening for some of those games.
But, not all titles are destined to get that touch of Wii magic. And, what if you never had a chance to try some of them? Well, unless you've got a suitcase buried in the back yard, there are a few titles that might be a bit out of reach, according to the list over at Video Game Price Charts.
Of all of them, which would you say is the "must own" title?
[Via digg]
We love a lot of GameCube games. In fact, when Play on Wii was announced, it felt like a dream come true. See, we imagine many GameCube games being retooled for Wii. Now, we're glad its actually happening for some of those games.But, not all titles are destined to get that touch of Wii magic. And, what if you never had a chance to try some of them? Well, unless you've got a suitcase buried in the back yard, there are a few titles that might be a bit out of reach, according to the list over at Video Game Price Charts.
Of all of them, which would you say is the "must own" title?
[Via digg]
Surprisingly rare and expensive GameCube games originally appeared on Nintendo Wii Fanboy on Fri, 21 Nov%2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Cooking Mama: World Kitchen Video Review Cooking Mama: World Kitchen Video Review
MySims Kingdom Review MySims Kingdom Review
Beloved toy of our youths coming to WiiWare Beloved toy of our youths coming to WiiWare
Nintendo Wii Fanboy, November 21, 2008: 
Warning: you are now entering a Wii Fanboy nostalgia zone; if we get wrapped up in jabbering about our wholesome childhoods over the next%200 words, you've been warned. The cause of this trip down memory lane? The announcement that Tomy would be bringing a Pop-Up Pirate game to WiiWare. Yay!
Pop-Up Pirate Wii will emulate the pop-ular children's board/party game, in which players would hold their breath (that bit is optional, but helps) while inserting plastic swords into a plastic barrel containing a pirate. If you chose the wrong slot, the pirate would spring out, startling everybody. As dull as it sounds now we've written it down, it was all the rage back in the '80s, before those damn computer videogame whatchoomacallits came along and ruined everything.
Like other board games of our childhood that relied on a steady hand (such as Buckaroo and Operation), we're not yet certain that a videogame version will capture the same ridiculous levels of tension, but still, three cheers for Tomy for at least trying! The chunky, colorful visuals are a great start, in our opinion.
Also on Nintendo of Japan's WiiWare page: Simple Series Vol. 2 The Number Puzzle Neo. If ever a series was designed especially for WiiWare, the cheap-but-cheerful Simple series would be it. Both of these will launch next Tuesday in Japan for 500 Wii Points each.
[Via Siliconera]
Filed under: News, Imports, WiiWare
Warning: you are now entering a Wii Fanboy nostalgia zone; if we get wrapped up in jabbering about our wholesome childhoods over the next%200 words, you've been warned. The cause of this trip down memory lane? The announcement that Tomy would be bringing a Pop-Up Pirate game to WiiWare. Yay!Pop-Up Pirate Wii will emulate the pop-ular children's board/party game, in which players would hold their breath (that bit is optional, but helps) while inserting plastic swords into a plastic barrel containing a pirate. If you chose the wrong slot, the pirate would spring out, startling everybody. As dull as it sounds now we've written it down, it was all the rage back in the '80s, before those damn computer videogame whatchoomacallits came along and ruined everything.
Like other board games of our childhood that relied on a steady hand (such as Buckaroo and Operation), we're not yet certain that a videogame version will capture the same ridiculous levels of tension, but still, three cheers for Tomy for at least trying! The chunky, colorful visuals are a great start, in our opinion.
Also on Nintendo of Japan's WiiWare page: Simple Series Vol. 2 The Number Puzzle Neo. If ever a series was designed especially for WiiWare, the cheap-but-cheerful Simple series would be it. Both of these will launch next Tuesday in Japan for 500 Wii Points each.
Gallery: Pop-up Pirate Wii
[Via Siliconera]
Beloved toy of our youths coming to WiiWare originally appeared on Nintendo Wii Fanboy on Fri, 21 Nov%2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Tomb Raider Underworld Review Tomb Raider Underworld Review
IGN Wii, November 21, 2008: Tomb Raider Underworld (Wii)
The first completely original Tomb Raider on the Wii is not quite a treasure.
The first completely original Tomb Raider on the Wii is not quite a treasure.
Of Metacritical importance: UK Tomb Raider PR firm called out for "trying to fix Metacritic scores," Issues statement in reply Of Metacritical importance: UK Tomb Raider PR firm called out for "trying to fix Metacritic scores," Issues statement in reply
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: 
This story first broke last Wednesday when a UK journalist wrote on his twitter account that Eidos British PR firm Barrington Harvey sought to prevent any review lower than 8.0/10 for Tomb Raider: Underworld (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PC, PS2) from getting published until three days after the game has launched.
When asked about this, a rep from Barrington Harvey explained,
Bad move, old boy.
Of course, the general reaction wasn't a favorable one when people heard about it. Journalists and gamers alike went up in arms and scathing criticisms about "unethical" behavior filled the net in the interim. I think Kotaku phrased it best when they asked, "What the holy hell?"
Enter Barrington and Harvey's damage control: Simon Byron, one of Barrington Harvey's directors, issued an official statement on the matter saying,
I do agree that it's perfectly reasonable to hold reviewers to schedules posited in a non-disclosure agreement but they really should have prevented all reviews from seeing the light of day and not just the ones below 8.0.
Game reviewers are under pressure to release their findings quickly and ahead of the competition. That's sort of why they look for advanced copies in the first place. Telling them they can only publish their reviews early if they publish it with a high score is no different than offering them cash make bogus reviews.
... but that's only my opinion. Feel free to share yours in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think.
The full version of Barrington Harvey's statement can be viewed in the source link below.
Related Tomb Raider Underworld Articles:
This story first broke last Wednesday when a UK journalist wrote on his twitter account that Eidos British PR firm Barrington Harvey sought to prevent any review lower than 8.0/10 for Tomb Raider: Underworld (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PC, PS2) from getting published until three days after the game has launched.When asked about this, a rep from Barrington Harvey explained,
That s right. We re trying to manage the review scores at the request of Eidos. Just that we re trying to get the Metacritic rating to be high, and the brand manager in the US that s handling all of Tomb Raider has asked that we just manage the scores before the game is out, really, just to ensure that we don t put people off buying the game, basically.
Bad move, old boy.
Of course, the general reaction wasn't a favorable one when people heard about it. Journalists and gamers alike went up in arms and scathing criticisms about "unethical" behavior filled the net in the interim. I think Kotaku phrased it best when they asked, "What the holy hell?"
Enter Barrington and Harvey's damage control: Simon Byron, one of Barrington Harvey's directors, issued an official statement on the matter saying,
Barrington Harvey is not in the position of telling reviewers what they can and cannot say. We love Tomb Raider and believe it merits a score of at least 8/10, but if someone disagrees that s entirely their prerogative. No problem at all. Seriously: no problem.
Our original NDA stated that in order to receive an advance copy of the game, reviewers agreed not to post reviews ahead of 5:00pm, Wednesday 19th November%2008. Nothing else. No further obligations whatsoever.
I do agree that it's perfectly reasonable to hold reviewers to schedules posited in a non-disclosure agreement but they really should have prevented all reviews from seeing the light of day and not just the ones below 8.0.
Game reviewers are under pressure to release their findings quickly and ahead of the competition. That's sort of why they look for advanced copies in the first place. Telling them they can only publish their reviews early if they publish it with a high score is no different than offering them cash make bogus reviews.
... but that's only my opinion. Feel free to share yours in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think.
The full version of Barrington Harvey's statement can be viewed in the source link below.
Related Tomb Raider Underworld Articles:
- Video: Tomb Raider Underword: Hot Lara-on-Bike action
- Tomb Raider: Underworld Dangerous gameplay video
Super Famicom Classic Controller available at Play Asia [update] Super Famicom Classic Controller available at Play Asia [update]
Nintendo Wii Fanboy, November 21, 2008: 
Update: Wow, that was fast. The controller is sold out. Uh, people must have way more money than we do. Send us one, plz?
If you're looking for more of an authentic experience when playing those Virtual Console games, then know that Play Asia is now allowing folks to order the Super Famicom Classic Controller. Of course, if you want that authentic experience, you're going to have to pay for it. The controller is going for a whopping $70 at the site. Frankly, we'd advise tracking down a SNES controller and doing one of those wireless hacks to the thing. It's got to cost a lot less than seventy freakin' dollars.
[Thanks, MoFro!]
Filed under: Imports, Controller
If you're looking for more of an authentic experience when playing those Virtual Console games, then know that Play Asia is now allowing folks to order the Super Famicom Classic Controller. Of course, if you want that authentic experience, you're going to have to pay for it. The controller is going for a whopping $70 at the site. Frankly, we'd advise tracking down a SNES controller and doing one of those wireless hacks to the thing. It's got to cost a lot less than seventy freakin' dollars.
Gallery: Super Famicom Classic Controller
[Thanks, MoFro!]
Super Famicom Classic Controller available at Play Asia [update] originally appeared on Nintendo Wii Fanboy on Fri, 21 Nov%2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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DJ Hero gets DJ Tiesto, Summer 2009 release DJ Hero gets DJ Tiesto, Summer 2009 release
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: 
Mabie A. will surely go ballistic when she hears about this bit of news.The latest whispers about that never-set-in-stone DJ Hero title just notched two big details to its name: DJ Tiesto and a Summer%2009 release. This, via CVG.
Well, Activision Blizzard never really formally announced the title yet, but that's not stopping some details from squeezing into the light though. This news item comes from a newsletter circulating via email.
The email describes DJ Hero as a Guitar Hero spin-off much like the Aerosmith and Metallica editions. Of course, everyone assumes that, instead of guitars, we might be getting a new turntable-type of peripheral.
As for DJ Tiesto's active part in the game, the newsletter continues by saying that he will be providing the tracks for the game - tracks from his existing records, "as well as new music composed especially for the game." The newsletter includes a note from Tiesto himself:
C'mon, Activision, just spill the beans already! We know it's cooking somewhere in your labs!
Related articles:
Mabie A. will surely go ballistic when she hears about this bit of news.The latest whispers about that never-set-in-stone DJ Hero title just notched two big details to its name: DJ Tiesto and a Summer%2009 release. This, via CVG.Well, Activision Blizzard never really formally announced the title yet, but that's not stopping some details from squeezing into the light though. This news item comes from a newsletter circulating via email.
The email describes DJ Hero as a Guitar Hero spin-off much like the Aerosmith and Metallica editions. Of course, everyone assumes that, instead of guitars, we might be getting a new turntable-type of peripheral.
As for DJ Tiesto's active part in the game, the newsletter continues by saying that he will be providing the tracks for the game - tracks from his existing records, "as well as new music composed especially for the game." The newsletter includes a note from Tiesto himself:
I am very excited about this! I think this is a great way to introduce people into Djing. Maybe they realize it's not as easy as they think. I am sure this brings new fans to the scene, dance music is not far from hip-hop for example. Hopefully the music I have composed appeals to all kinds of fans!
C'mon, Activision, just spill the beans already! We know it's cooking somewhere in your labs!
Related articles:
- Guitar Hero project director confirms new DJ Hero game
- Mirror's Edge parties it up with world's best DJs for Remix Album
- DJ Tiesto plays for Dance4Life on Xbox Live Marketplace
Harmonix, EA, MTV and Viacom sued: Drum Pedals to blame Harmonix, EA, MTV and Viacom sued: Drum Pedals to blame
Wii - QJ.NET, November 21, 2008: 
I'm sure many of you folks who own Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii) have found the drum pedals that come with the kit aren't all that durable. Some might even say they're defective. I'd like to use a stronger word to describe them but good taste forbids.
Don't believe me? Search the net a little bit and note the numerous Rock Band drum pedal repair and reinforcement businesses that have sprung up. They're not there because people don't need them.
Anyway, someone else has apparently noticed the weakness of the pedal's design and has taken his observation one step further: Monte Morgan from Kansas claims that Harmonix and co. know about the defect in their pedals and are actively trying to profit off of it.
Morgan hired a team of lawyers to put his grievances into writing and slapped Harmonix, EA, MTV and Viacom with a class action lawsuit for an unspecified amount and an injunction order, presumably on the sale of more any more "defective" drum pedals.
The suit comes heavy with circumstantial evidence (remember, civil suits generally only need a preponderance of evidence and not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt). Among other things it pointed out the suspicious timing of the expiration of Rock Band's extended warranty to coincide with Rock Band 2's release and the fact that improvements to kick pedal in Rock Band 2 figure so prominently in the game's marketing campaign.
Ordinarily, I'd give my blessing to anyone brave enough to take on corporate giants for releasing a dodgy product, but given that his suit seems to be targeting the extended warranty and the new metal plate added to the drum kick pedals.... I don't know if I want to see him win this one.
If a company treats its customers well in the hopes of keeping them as customers in the future, do we really want to punish them for it?
Related Articles:
I'm sure many of you folks who own Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii) have found the drum pedals that come with the kit aren't all that durable. Some might even say they're defective. I'd like to use a stronger word to describe them but good taste forbids. Don't believe me? Search the net a little bit and note the numerous Rock Band drum pedal repair and reinforcement businesses that have sprung up. They're not there because people don't need them.
Anyway, someone else has apparently noticed the weakness of the pedal's design and has taken his observation one step further: Monte Morgan from Kansas claims that Harmonix and co. know about the defect in their pedals and are actively trying to profit off of it.
Morgan hired a team of lawyers to put his grievances into writing and slapped Harmonix, EA, MTV and Viacom with a class action lawsuit for an unspecified amount and an injunction order, presumably on the sale of more any more "defective" drum pedals.
The suit comes heavy with circumstantial evidence (remember, civil suits generally only need a preponderance of evidence and not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt). Among other things it pointed out the suspicious timing of the expiration of Rock Band's extended warranty to coincide with Rock Band 2's release and the fact that improvements to kick pedal in Rock Band 2 figure so prominently in the game's marketing campaign.
Ordinarily, I'd give my blessing to anyone brave enough to take on corporate giants for releasing a dodgy product, but given that his suit seems to be targeting the extended warranty and the new metal plate added to the drum kick pedals.... I don't know if I want to see him win this one.
If a company treats its customers well in the hopes of keeping them as customers in the future, do we really want to punish them for it?
Related Articles: