Gaming Geek Ornaments???? Hell yes!!!!

If you're anything like us, you've spent countless hours of your youth hollowing out old gaming controllers for use as gigantic Christmas tree ornaments. Though these might have resulted in years of lopsided tree dilemmas, our penchant for hanging something that at least resembles our favorite gaming controllers on the tree never subsided.
Lucky for us that Ponoko user "digits" shares our unique affectation, making a variety of controller-themed ornaments in a handful of different colors. For $25 (plus $10 domestic shipping, more for other territories) we can have all the style we want without all the weight that drives our tree's limbs plunging downward. Talk about a Christmas miracle!
[Via GeekSugar]

DJ Hero Controller Unveiled

I guess Activision got tired of brotha’s bitch’n about how there are not very many (or none at all) R&B or hip hop songs in the Guitar Hero series. So the brain trusts put together the next step in evolution for the Guitar Hero franchise…… DJ Hero!!!

Here is the first look at the new controller for DJ Hero, and just like Guitar Hero won’t teach you how to play a real Guitar, DJ Hero won’t teach you how to become a real DJ. I’m interested in the play list that will roll out with the game, as I’m praying that not all of the songs will be from the mid to late 80’s.

If I see one Fat Boys song on there…………. Bad things man… Bad things!!!!

DJ Hero is due out this fall.

[Gizmodo]

Gaming with Jimmy Fallon

Yesterday we told you that G4's Morgan Webb was going to be on The Jimmy Fallon Show. True to our word, that thing actually happened. Webb and Fallon talked about games, before eventually fighting King Hippo in Punch Out!! on the Wii. You can see that after the jump.

But the real news: Ice T was also in the house, and chiming in on the conversation, he revealed his gaming habits. It seems that Ice T is a pretty big gamer, with the Xbox 360 being his system of choice. His gamertag? Lord 187X, he says. Looks like he's played a lot of games, too. Right now, he's playing Need for Speed Undercover, but has also partook in the joys of BioShock, Saints Row 2, and Gears of War 2.

But don't go trying to add him to your friends list just yet. Like many gamers, he laments the Xbox LIVE friend limit, a problem for a popular pimp like himself.

"You can only hold a hundred people," he told Fallon and Webb, "so it blows out the machine. But it's all good. It's all good."

It's not all good Ice T -- Microsoft needs to remove that friend list cap, and I think you're the guy to make it happen. But who needs to play online when you're married to a wife who will play games with you? Although it doesn't appear in his game history, Ice T said he's currently playing cooperative Resident Evil 5 with his wife, Coco.

[via Destructoid]

"F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin" Gets Reviewed

If you're like me, today's horror movies are mostly a joke. What I mean is that it seems like the goal is to see how gory they can get, rather than if they can truly scare you. Throwing gore on the screen is easy, making a truly frightening movie such as the "Exorcist" is a little more difficult. Which is why I've turned to video games to give me a truly scary experience.

If you've played the first "F.E.A.R" then you know how frightening a game can be, especially if you play it alone in the dark. Well the second installment of this franchise dubbed "F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin" hits the streets soon, and X-Play has its first review.

Looks like the game does not disappoint.

[G4TV]

Wii Star Wars Light Saber Game Trailer

Alright, the Wii finally got an exclusive that I'm interested in. But is it enough for me to consider buying one?

Meh.....

[Crunchgear]

Gaming worse than porn

I read this article earlier, and laughed my ass off. Then Woody from GU Comics did this comic and I laughed even harder.

[from GU Comics]

In an interview with the Boston Globe, MMO psychiatrist, Dr. Jerald Block, revealeded that computer gamers tend to be harder to treat because they express a deeper level of shame than those who find themselves drawn to porn. Block went on to explain that "as a society we understand that porn is something people do... but gaming is hard to describe to anyone else". Source: Boston Globe [ more info ]

Initially, I had my skeptical pants pulled up nipple high, old man style. But reading Dr. Block's responses it became apparent that he's addressing a real issue some people face rather than just lumping us all into a inescapably dysfunctional group where "addiction" is part and parcel to the activity. He doesn't even like the word addiction, opting instead to use the term "pathological computer use".

Isn't it nice to see how that deftly shifts the blame from the individual to the condition?

I'll tell you this much about being a gamer though... If you can't raid Kil'Jaeden WHILE watching clown porn in a gimp suit, you're not a real gamer. **grins**

Xbox 360 Wiimote Coming This Year, Code Name: Newton

Well it looks like Microsoft is jumping on the Wii bandwagon with their own version of the Wiimote. Microsoft confirmed that they're in development of a Xbox 360 motion sensitive controller similar to the Wii controller, with a code name of Newton. The 360mote will have a LED sensor bar (like the Wii), but will one up the Wii by having a built in microphone. Jesus Diaz from Gizmodo did a great mock up job, base on MTV's sketch.

No release date has been announced, but it's rumored for late '08.

[8bitjoystick via Gizmodo]

MTV interviews Shane Kim

I just read a good interview with Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Studios, on MTV.com (go figure). He explain's some of the reasons behind the cancellation of their Marvel based MMO, talks about Fable 2 and Alan Wake (both of which I'm watching closely), and whether some games will get sequels.

Far Cry 2 Opening Sequence Video

Anyone who's played Far Cry is most likely jones'n for Far Cry 2. Well the opening teaser trailer is out, and it looks pretty good.

Check it out!

[Crunchgear]

Reason #1 Of Why You Shouldn't Own A Wii

Wii Sports Accident

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This is why Nintendo decided not to let anyone make a light saber add-on for the Wii-mote controller. And there's something to be said about not having to flap your arms around to play a game.

The Wii is just not for me.....

Dr. Phil tackles Xbox Live racism

I ran across this article about a recent Dr. Phil show. I love my Xbox 360. And I love Xbox live, but this is the exact reason that I don't use the headset or play many games online. The very first time I tried online play with voice chat was playing Uno. Now as a card game goes, you'd think this would be the logical first step. I WAS WRONG!! I had played a few games without the voice on, and it was enjoyable. A nice change from playing a predictable computer opponent. But as soon as I tried the same game with the headset, I was almost instantly turned off. As soon as the game started, with the same people I had just played with, 2 of the 3 other players showed exactly how juvenile they were by swearing and insulting other players almost instantly. I finally had to say something when one of them decided to throw a few racial comments out towards the other player. The exact thing has happened when I tried Halo and a couple other demos online. I have yet to even think about trying it in World of Warcraft or Lord of the Rings: Online, but I will give it a chance. Now, I really don't like Dr. Phil. I think he's a moron, just my opinion, but I will try and catch any re-airing of this show. In the article, I think its a sad statement when a 5-year old child of the gamer in the article asks if the reason they can't play online with daddy is because of the "name calling".

Lenovo Lets There Hair Down With Sweet Lappies

When I hear the name Lenovo, the first thing that comes to mind is boring ass business machines and laptops. So it was a surprise to me (and a good one at that) when Lenovo introduced the IdeaPad Y710, Y510, and the U110 laptops. These babies are stacked with the goods and are drool worthy. The halo lighting and the frameless screens are my favorite, but it also has facial recognition built in.

The Y710 has a 17-inch screen and a 2.5GHz Intel C2D processor, and is capable of handling a 500GB SATA HD, HDMI output, 6-in-1 card reader, and has a ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600 all for $1199. There are more details that I don't have the space to list, but check out the specs from Crunchgear. Check out the Y510 and the U110 details there.

First 'Street Fighter 4' Screen Shots

Back in the day when I had my Super Nintendo (the last Nintendo console I've ever owned), I use to have friends come over just to do battle on 'Street Fighter'. Hours were spent trying to get bragging rights over who kicked the most ass on that game. While I know that there have been other reincarnations of the game on other consoles, nothing ever equaled up to that one.

Well according to 1UP, they're going to give it another try with the intro of 'Street Fighter 4'. But one of the most interesting things is that they have obviously improved the graphics, but will keep the 2D game play. Check the bullet points:

• The graphics are "polygonal but the gameplay is strictly 2D."
• There will be new moves, locations, and gameplay features,
• The standard six button control scheme remains.
• Ryu and Ken return along with Chun-Li and Dhalsim, but the rest of the fighters haven't been revealed.

It's expected to play on the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms, but no release date as of yet.

Street Fighter IV Unveiled [1up.com via G4TV]

Assassin’s Creed Video Review

If you haven't had a chance to see Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, you're in for a treat. This game looks amazing, and the guys at Gametrailers.com have a review of it just for you. They certainly loved the overall look of the game, but thought the A.I. fell a little short.

Check it out!!!

Assassin’s Creed review HD [GameTrailers.com via Crunchgear]

Gamerator Has 187 Games, Built-In Keg

Combining two of my favorite loves, video games and beer, the 'Gamerator' should be mandatory for any home. The gaming cabinet comes with 187 MAME emulated games, a 24-inch LCD monitor, cupholders, and a built-in kegger.

This can all be yours for $2000 on Ebay.

The creator should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, Gadget of the year, or at least a Madden turkey leg!!!

[TechDigest]

CB Deal: PS3 With Movie, Game, And HDMI Cable

I doubt that there will be fireworks or a marching band for this information. But if you would like to get a little extra with your PS3 purchase, check out dell.com and the bundle that they have. You get a 40GB PS3, Spider-man 3 on Blu-Ray, Ratchet and Clank Future: TOD, and a HDMI cable all for $399.

Like I said, this isn't going to make you pee your pants, but if you're going to get a PS3, why not get the free stuff with it.

PS3 Playstation 3 40GB Console Bundle with Spiderman 3 Movie, Ratchet and Clank TOD and HDMI Cable [Dell.com via Crunchgear]

Lighter, Thinner PS2: No Price Cuts Though

In an on-going effort for Sony to improve their best selling game console, the PS2 has been slimed down even more. The now internally powered PS2 will be lighter and will also come in black, white, and silver. Unfortunately it will not be any lighter in price, as the rumored $99 will now be $140. The updated PS2 will hit Japan on November 22, with a stateside launch coming in the near future.

I guess only the PS3 is getting price cuts.

[Machine-Translated Press Release via Gizmodo]

Sony To PS3 Developers: Please Don't Go!!!

Well this doesn't sound very good at all!

Seems that Sony is to the point where they're begging third party developers to stay on board and finish PS3 games. The developers want to jump ship due to the lack of popularity of the game console. Dean Takahashi of Mercury News said:

"One piece of news that came out this week was that Sony pleaded with third-party developers not to abandon its struggling platform. That change in attitude is a marked difference compared to the arrogance of past years. The argument is that the PS3 will show its strength as developers learn how to make games for it. But developers know they can staff four or five Wii teams with the same number of people it takes to make one PS3 game"

Although is doesn't sound good from Sony's point of view, it does say something on how easy it is to create games for the Wii. Games for the Wii are not in the same league as the PS3 or the Xbox 360, and I hope developers are not just going for the quick turn around buck. I would much rather see a good game for the PS3, than a weak crappy ass game for the Wii that has you flapping your arms like a moron. Granted I do think Sony killed themselves with their arrogance with this console (price point included), but I would sooner buy a PS3 before I would ever pick up a Wii.

Sony begging PlayStation 3 developers to stay? [Bit-tech via Crunchgear]

Cheap Ass Gamer: Get Your Gaming On, Cheap

So you like to game!!!

But you're trying to save up some money to move out of your moms basement, and besides, paying full price for your addiction is for suckas!

Well check out cheapassgamer.com!!!!

These guys don't believe in paying full price for games either, and they have a bunch of dedicated Internet hounds looking for the best deals out there. Check the motto:

"Cheap video games, video game sales, and video game deals for your cheap ass" - CheapyD

Nuff said!

25 Minutes Of Killzone 2 Trailer Walkthrough Love

Looks like the PS3 might have their killer app. that they need. When I first laid eyes on the trailer for Killzone 2, I thought the PS3 would rule the world. Obviously my thoughts have changed but this game looks like it could rescue this game console. Take a look at this 25 minute walk through, I know that it's kind of long but it shows what the PS3 can do. If you're a gamer, it's worth your time. So put in your birthday, sit back and relax.