---------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE(4/29)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why does the Xbox 360 only have one controller slot? It doesn't. It's now believed the black port on the console's left side is receiver for a DVD remote. The (wireless) controller ports/receivers are located under the flip-up oval cover on the left side of the system. That sure does explain a lot!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With all the recent rumors and pictures your head may be spinning right about now. I'm here to set you straight. I'll present the facts and what is currently known about the Xbox 360.
Following yesterday's picture of the finished console (http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/media/gamesradar/xbox360234_11.jpg), came another: http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/media/gamesradar/xbox360234_2.jpg. This picture confirms one of the rumors: a removable hard drive. Apparently, the new console will have three options for saving game data: memory cards, a removable hard drive, and saving your data on your computer via a LAN network.
The new Xbox has also been shown in white and silver. So which is it? Both. The outer shell will be removable, allowing you to replace it with a wide variety of colors and designs.
Although the second image conflicts with this one: http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/xbox360.jpg, my guess is that this picture is the Xbox 360 without the hard drive. Long ago, there were rumors of three versions of the system. One with out a hard drive and no backwards compatibility, one with a hard drive and backwards compatibility, and one like the second but with a built-in PC. That may be true, as other old rumors have been shown to be (such as extra shoulder buttons on the controller). Or, maybe the hard drive is just always removable. In any case, this console is going to rock!
Also, there is the fact that to get the system out by this fall, they would have to use regular DVD disks rather than HD-DVDs. This would mean no next-gen disk format! I just hope everything will work out okay with that, and that's not the systems downfall. One may also ask "Where are all the controller ports?". That is a question I cannot answer, though I hope they go with more than one!
April 23, 2005
Xbox 360 editorial
UPDATED WITH NEW INFO!
I have up an article over at Gameweb:Viewpoint about what is known and is believed to be about the Xbox 360. Check it out! There's even a new shot of the system!
I have up an article over at Gameweb:Viewpoint about what is known and is believed to be about the Xbox 360. Check it out! There's even a new shot of the system!
April 22, 2005
Review- Wario Ware Touched!
Frantic!
Lowdown:
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Ummm...
Price: $35
Players: 1
If you loved the original, you'll love this! This game is quirky and I love it!
In the newest installment, there are new characters and over 100 new micro-games! This version also makes use of the touch screen (thus the name Touched!), as well as the microphone. Once you go through the game you'll earn random gifts such as mini-games you can play like "Poke the Flan". The only downfall is that this game should have had multiplayer. It's also WAY too short! Although you'll spend an eternity trying to beat your high scores.
Overall, this an excellent game that the DS desperately needed. Definitely check it out!
Breakdown:
Graphics: Very fun, and colorful. Shows off the range of the DS's graphics.- 9.5
Sound: Very catchy, funny tunes!- 10
Control: Couldn't have been better!- 10
Lasting appeal: Forever!- 9.5
Overall: 9.5
Lowdown:
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Ummm...
Price: $35
Players: 1
If you loved the original, you'll love this! This game is quirky and I love it!
In the newest installment, there are new characters and over 100 new micro-games! This version also makes use of the touch screen (thus the name Touched!), as well as the microphone. Once you go through the game you'll earn random gifts such as mini-games you can play like "Poke the Flan". The only downfall is that this game should have had multiplayer. It's also WAY too short! Although you'll spend an eternity trying to beat your high scores.
Overall, this an excellent game that the DS desperately needed. Definitely check it out!
Breakdown:
Graphics: Very fun, and colorful. Shows off the range of the DS's graphics.- 9.5
Sound: Very catchy, funny tunes!- 10
Control: Couldn't have been better!- 10
Lasting appeal: Forever!- 9.5
Overall: 9.5
Review- Rayman DS
Classic.
Lowdown:
Publisher: Ubi Soft
Developer: Ubi Soft/ DC Studios
Genre: Platformer
Price: $30
Players: 1 (unless you have the UK version, then it's 1-4)
First, know that Rayman DS is a DIRECT port of Rayman 2. No cool extras.
Rayman DS is... well, I guess it's needed because of the DS's lack of games. However, the first thing I noticed was how bad the control was. The touch screen control is awkward, and the D-pad has a delay between when you press the button, and when Rayman moves. Very annoying. The second thing is the graphics. While they mimic the N64's in some aspects, everything seems pixilated.
The sound, however, is a different story. The music and effects from the original were ported perfectly form the original. The game is also quite fun, though it doesn't make very good use of the touch screen.
All in all, the game is quite fun despite serious control issues. If you never got a chance to play the original, or have always wanted a portable version, this is the game for you. Otherwise, wait for Viewtiful Joe or something.
Breakdown:
Graphics: Okay, but the DS can do better.- 6.8
Sound: Excellent!- 10
Controls: Horrid!- 4
Lasting Appeal: Pretty challenging. It'll take twice as long because of the controls.- 8
Overall: 6
Lowdown:
Publisher: Ubi Soft
Developer: Ubi Soft/ DC Studios
Genre: Platformer
Price: $30
Players: 1 (unless you have the UK version, then it's 1-4)
First, know that Rayman DS is a DIRECT port of Rayman 2. No cool extras.
Rayman DS is... well, I guess it's needed because of the DS's lack of games. However, the first thing I noticed was how bad the control was. The touch screen control is awkward, and the D-pad has a delay between when you press the button, and when Rayman moves. Very annoying. The second thing is the graphics. While they mimic the N64's in some aspects, everything seems pixilated.
The sound, however, is a different story. The music and effects from the original were ported perfectly form the original. The game is also quite fun, though it doesn't make very good use of the touch screen.
All in all, the game is quite fun despite serious control issues. If you never got a chance to play the original, or have always wanted a portable version, this is the game for you. Otherwise, wait for Viewtiful Joe or something.
Breakdown:
Graphics: Okay, but the DS can do better.- 6.8
Sound: Excellent!- 10
Controls: Horrid!- 4
Lasting Appeal: Pretty challenging. It'll take twice as long because of the controls.- 8
Overall: 6
BREAKING!!!!! XBOX 360 REVILED!!!!!
XBOX 360 REVILED!!!!!!!!! WHY ARE YOU READING THIS, VIEW PICTURES!!!!!!
http://xboxmedia.ign.com/xbox/image/article/607/607001/the-real-xbox-360-20050422071730404.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1141/1114223718.jpg
http://xboxmedia.ign.com/xbox/image/article/607/607001/the-real-xbox-360-20050422071730404.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1141/1114223718.jpg
Review- Worms Forts
If it don't suck, don't fix it.
Lowdown:
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Team 17
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
Players: 1-4
Price: $20
I am a huge Worms fan. I even have the original Worms. So, naturally, when Worms Forts came out, I just had to have it. I started the game off with the tutorial, which tell you how to play. It seemed simple enough, so I started a quick game against the computer only to be beat to a pulp. There's a lot of strategy involved in this game, but the idea is simple: build forts and destroy the enemy's.
The first thing I noticed when the game began was the level. The levels are now all square in shape with some sort of giant "thing" in the middle obstructing your view of the enemy's base, that is always in the opposite corner. Frustrating? Yes! Another thing I don't like is the fact that there are only two weapons usable all the time: the bazooka, and the grenade. All other weapons must be used from the top of buildings. The bigger and more powerful the weapon, the bigger the building you will have to build to use it.
The weapons themselves are quite cool, though. They range from giant crossbows, to lasers, to exploding chili, to flying hippos! One thing I find strange is that your team can only have a maximum of four worms. What happened to six? I also don't like the wonder. The wonder is a statue that, when built, the other team must destroy in two turns or you win. It seems like cheating to me. You do have to work to earn one, though. There are spots on the arena with stars called "victory locations". The more buildings you build on them, the more buildings will become available. Once you have two, you can build a keep, then more gets you a castle and so on. Buildings are limited, however. You may only build one wonder (which you need over five or more victory locations to construct), six towers, etc.
Overall, the game is pretty fun. Team 17 has really added to the strategic aspect of Worms in this latest installment, although the game looses some of its original charm. The point of the game is to destroy the other team's fort instead of its worms (you can still win that way, though), and the game looses its insane, frantic, landscape-destroying action from previous games. But, for 20 bucks, it's affordable and fairly fun.
Breakdown:
Graphics: Good, cartoony worms style.- 7
Sound: Happy, wormish music that goes with the level. Effects and voices are excellent.- 8
Controls: Easy to learn.- 9.5
Lasting Appeal: Depends. - 8.5
Overall: 7.5
Lowdown:
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Team 17
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
Players: 1-4
Price: $20
I am a huge Worms fan. I even have the original Worms. So, naturally, when Worms Forts came out, I just had to have it. I started the game off with the tutorial, which tell you how to play. It seemed simple enough, so I started a quick game against the computer only to be beat to a pulp. There's a lot of strategy involved in this game, but the idea is simple: build forts and destroy the enemy's.
The first thing I noticed when the game began was the level. The levels are now all square in shape with some sort of giant "thing" in the middle obstructing your view of the enemy's base, that is always in the opposite corner. Frustrating? Yes! Another thing I don't like is the fact that there are only two weapons usable all the time: the bazooka, and the grenade. All other weapons must be used from the top of buildings. The bigger and more powerful the weapon, the bigger the building you will have to build to use it.
The weapons themselves are quite cool, though. They range from giant crossbows, to lasers, to exploding chili, to flying hippos! One thing I find strange is that your team can only have a maximum of four worms. What happened to six? I also don't like the wonder. The wonder is a statue that, when built, the other team must destroy in two turns or you win. It seems like cheating to me. You do have to work to earn one, though. There are spots on the arena with stars called "victory locations". The more buildings you build on them, the more buildings will become available. Once you have two, you can build a keep, then more gets you a castle and so on. Buildings are limited, however. You may only build one wonder (which you need over five or more victory locations to construct), six towers, etc.
Overall, the game is pretty fun. Team 17 has really added to the strategic aspect of Worms in this latest installment, although the game looses some of its original charm. The point of the game is to destroy the other team's fort instead of its worms (you can still win that way, though), and the game looses its insane, frantic, landscape-destroying action from previous games. But, for 20 bucks, it's affordable and fairly fun.
Breakdown:
Graphics: Good, cartoony worms style.- 7
Sound: Happy, wormish music that goes with the level. Effects and voices are excellent.- 8
Controls: Easy to learn.- 9.5
Lasting Appeal: Depends. - 8.5
Overall: 7.5
April 21, 2005
Revolutionary controller
I found the controller to go with the Revolution mockup: http://www.4colorrebellion.com/media/pics/apr/rev_cont.jpg Again, no one knows if it's real or not.
New DS color!
A new color DS will be available in June. It will be called "Electric Blue", and will be available for $150. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/VideoGamerJ/ds.bmp
The Sims 2 cometh!
This fall, the Sims 2 will be available for all consoles. It will let you directly control your sim (finally!). Plus, the DS version is fully 3D! Screens of the DS version are available.
Zelda- info and screens
New info on the new Zelda was released in a Spanish magazine today. Translated it says:
-At the game's start, Link is 16 years old. As time goes on, Link will grow older in the game.
-The village shots you see where Link is dressed differently are from the game's first village, called Toaru Village. It's kind of like how Kokiri Forest was the initial starting village in Ocarina of Time.
-The pictures that we've seen of Link fighting enemies while on his horse have been shown for a reason - horse combat plays a big role in the new Zelda.
-The game's controls are similar to OoT and Wind Waker
- Z-targeting is back, using the L trigger on the GameCube. Jumping will once again be automatic.
-The game is reportedly 2 to 3 times bigger/longer than Ocarina of Time! According to the magazine, up to 70 hours of gameplay is possible.
-According to Eiji Aonuma, "Making the water trasparent in this new Zelda as opossed to Wind Waker will allow us to give a realistic and more beautiful feel to the game and also open the game to a new subaquactic world."
-Aonuma also said that went for a more Shonen Manga style as opposed to a Square Enix CG-type look.
-And last but not least, cuccos are back.
To see the new screens, go to Gamecube Cafe and scroll down a bit.
-At the game's start, Link is 16 years old. As time goes on, Link will grow older in the game.
-The village shots you see where Link is dressed differently are from the game's first village, called Toaru Village. It's kind of like how Kokiri Forest was the initial starting village in Ocarina of Time.
-The pictures that we've seen of Link fighting enemies while on his horse have been shown for a reason - horse combat plays a big role in the new Zelda.
-The game's controls are similar to OoT and Wind Waker
- Z-targeting is back, using the L trigger on the GameCube. Jumping will once again be automatic.
-The game is reportedly 2 to 3 times bigger/longer than Ocarina of Time! According to the magazine, up to 70 hours of gameplay is possible.
-According to Eiji Aonuma, "Making the water trasparent in this new Zelda as opossed to Wind Waker will allow us to give a realistic and more beautiful feel to the game and also open the game to a new subaquactic world."
-Aonuma also said that went for a more Shonen Manga style as opposed to a Square Enix CG-type look.
-And last but not least, cuccos are back.
To see the new screens, go to Gamecube Cafe and scroll down a bit.
Ourcolony update
Ourcolony.net has updated their site today. This time with a picture of THE ACTUAL CONSOLE! Don't get too excited. It's one of those odd-angled shots. Still, it looks good to me.
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/xbox360.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/xbox360.jpg
April 19, 2005
Halo 2 auto update released
The Halo 2 auto update was released yesterday. It fixed glitches that players use to cheat. In addition, some weapons were altered:
- Magnums were made less powerful and less accurate (as if they weren't useless enough!).
- All melee attacks now do more damage (the Brute Shot does double extra damage).
- Grenades were made stronger (including the Brute Shot) , but the fuse shorter.
- The SMG/Plasma Pistol combo was made weaker.
Also, Team Xbox has a preview of some of the new levels with video and screens!
(http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox/971/Halo-2-Multiplayer-Map-Pack/p1)
- Magnums were made less powerful and less accurate (as if they weren't useless enough!).
- All melee attacks now do more damage (the Brute Shot does double extra damage).
- Grenades were made stronger (including the Brute Shot) , but the fuse shorter.
- The SMG/Plasma Pistol combo was made weaker.
Also, Team Xbox has a preview of some of the new levels with video and screens!
(http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox/971/Halo-2-Multiplayer-Map-Pack/p1)
Gamestop+EB Games
It would seem that Gamestop bought EB Games. Same thing. No big deal. Just expect to see more Gamestops. You know what they say: If you cant beat 'em, buy 'em!
Welcome to Viewpoint!
While gearing up for E3, an idea hit me. Make a page just for viewpoints! Reviews, previews, impressions, afterthoughts, anything with a view! So welcome to Gameweb: Viewpoint! The views will begin shortly!
April 18, 2005
Gameweb:Viewpoint
More changes! I've now added a new page: Gameweb:Viewpoint. It's for Reviews and stuff. Basically anything I can express my opinion on. Enjoy! (link in sidebar)
April 15, 2005
I aim to please!
As you may have noticed, the site has been re-designed! Nothing too drastic, but I hated those drab colors! I thought some change was in order before E3 rolls around. In addition, Gameweb now has links on the sidebar. There is something there to please everyone. Also, you may have noticed the MSN button. Click on it to download some cool crud, then enter to win a PSP! Enjoy all the new stuff!
It has begun
The next gen has begun! Today, further info and pictures were revealed for the Xbox 360 (as its official name now is), as well as a mock-up for the Revolution that may or may not be real.
First the Xbox 360 info (thanks to Eurogamer.net):
"British sources have confirmed that the next generation Xbox is indeed called Xbox 360, that the logo is a simple, round nexus, and that the console itself has a concave design. And it's white. Maybe.
Many rumours have been circulating in the past months regarding Microsoft's next generation system, but let us now lay them all the rest. The name of Xbox's successor is Xbox 360, we can confirm, and the design of the machine is indeed a concave shape.
Speaking under conditions of strict anonymity, a British source privy to Microsoft's marketing documents has today confirmed the machine's name and previously rumoured details of the actual design.
The machine can stand upright and hollows in at the middle, like it's "sucking in its cheeks," our source told us today. Previous rumours had put the console as silver, although fresh information says the final design may be white. It's impossible to tell from the documents, the source went on to say.
According to the source, the rumoured slot for the hard drive - which was apparently at the top of the machine - is not obvious on the document, and the person was unable to clarify where the slot for discs actually appeared.
The logo is described as a simple, round nexus with "Xbox 360" written inside it. Previous rumours had simply the numbers "360" in the disc.
Microsoft will show the console for the first time in a half-hour special on MTV on May 12, a week ahead of E3. The company's press conference, on Monday, May 16, will be the first viewing of the console to the trade en bloc.
Xbox 360 is expected to receive a global release in late 2005.
When contacted today, Microsoft simply said that it does not comment on rumours and speculation relating to next generation product."
In addition, I've found a better picture of the new controller: http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/media/gamesradar/xbox2controller124_1.jpg
It also seems that Microsoft has begun yet another online campaign with ourcolony.net. Similar to ilovebees, except it is for the Xbox 360, and is more of a game. Players are asked to join, or start their own colony with just 5 people (and expand from there). They then complete tasks for prizes (as in sneak peeks of the 360). The earlier picture of the controller as well as this http://www.ourcolony.net/thesecret/1426.jpg picture of Project Gotham 3, came from ourcolony.
The other thing is this picture http://www.gamercentric.com/img/2811_0_5257_1113482138.jpg of the Revolution that no one is sure is real or not. As well as these pictures of the PS3 http://home.btconnect.com/hgi/ps3/ps3imagery.html that are believed to be fake. Guess we'll know closer to E3
First the Xbox 360 info (thanks to Eurogamer.net):
"British sources have confirmed that the next generation Xbox is indeed called Xbox 360, that the logo is a simple, round nexus, and that the console itself has a concave design. And it's white. Maybe.
Many rumours have been circulating in the past months regarding Microsoft's next generation system, but let us now lay them all the rest. The name of Xbox's successor is Xbox 360, we can confirm, and the design of the machine is indeed a concave shape.
Speaking under conditions of strict anonymity, a British source privy to Microsoft's marketing documents has today confirmed the machine's name and previously rumoured details of the actual design.
The machine can stand upright and hollows in at the middle, like it's "sucking in its cheeks," our source told us today. Previous rumours had put the console as silver, although fresh information says the final design may be white. It's impossible to tell from the documents, the source went on to say.
According to the source, the rumoured slot for the hard drive - which was apparently at the top of the machine - is not obvious on the document, and the person was unable to clarify where the slot for discs actually appeared.
The logo is described as a simple, round nexus with "Xbox 360" written inside it. Previous rumours had simply the numbers "360" in the disc.
Microsoft will show the console for the first time in a half-hour special on MTV on May 12, a week ahead of E3. The company's press conference, on Monday, May 16, will be the first viewing of the console to the trade en bloc.
Xbox 360 is expected to receive a global release in late 2005.
When contacted today, Microsoft simply said that it does not comment on rumours and speculation relating to next generation product."
In addition, I've found a better picture of the new controller: http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/media/gamesradar/xbox2controller124_1.jpg
It also seems that Microsoft has begun yet another online campaign with ourcolony.net. Similar to ilovebees, except it is for the Xbox 360, and is more of a game. Players are asked to join, or start their own colony with just 5 people (and expand from there). They then complete tasks for prizes (as in sneak peeks of the 360). The earlier picture of the controller as well as this http://www.ourcolony.net/thesecret/1426.jpg picture of Project Gotham 3, came from ourcolony.
The other thing is this picture http://www.gamercentric.com/img/2811_0_5257_1113482138.jpg of the Revolution that no one is sure is real or not. As well as these pictures of the PS3 http://home.btconnect.com/hgi/ps3/ps3imagery.html that are believed to be fake. Guess we'll know closer to E3
April 11, 2005
Xbox 360 prototype controller!
Here it is! The moment you've been waiting for! The Xbox 360 controller design!
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/controller_01.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/collage.jpg
It is most likely a prototype. Notice how the black and white buttons have been moved, as previously stated. I happen to like the overall design. You can also tell from the pictures that the controller will be wireless! Hooray! Keep in mind it's only a prototype.
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/controller_01.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/xbox360/rumor/collage.jpg
It is most likely a prototype. Notice how the black and white buttons have been moved, as previously stated. I happen to like the overall design. You can also tell from the pictures that the controller will be wireless! Hooray! Keep in mind it's only a prototype.
April 3, 2005
APRIL FOOLS!!
Gotcha! Remember that new Zelda? April Fools! I made it up! That picture was from a Celda mock-off from a Korean company. Anyway, I thought it would make a good joke. I bet I fooled all of you! Not that anyone ever visits... That's right people, feel free to leave comments. You don't need an account.
April 1, 2005
New Shadow trailer
Not much to say other than it looks awesome! View here: http://www.gccafe.com/news/media/staff/Video/shadow_hedgehog_trailer2.mov
Nintendo announces new Zelda!
That's right folks! A new Zelda game other than the one already under way, is being developed! The catch? It returns to the cell shaded design of "The Wind Waker". Although, Nintendo has really updated Links cell shaded self, judging from this screen shot: http://www.gamasutra.com/db_area/images/news2001/5010/koreanww1.jpg Link now has a much rougher look, complete with a new outfit and spiky hair! The logo in the corner "WIKI" stands for the title's name, although Nintendo has yet to reveal just what the letters stand for (I'd bet something with wind). The game looks to be a direct sequel to The Wind Waker and, in my opinion, looks even better than the original! But that's just going on a single screen shot. Keep to Gameweb for info on both games as the news breaks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)