News from PSPFanboy:

In September, all you PAL puzzle fanatics out there will get a nice compilation of Capcom's finest titles, including Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Block Block, and Buster Bros. Collection (which includes Buster Bros, Super Buster Bros and Buster Buddies). Personally, I've never played any of those games beyond Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, but seeing as how I don't live across the pond, well...it doesn't really apply. The compilation will feature ad-hoc gameplay across all titles included and will also allow you to upload scores to a friend's console, along with a screenshot mode to prove that you've got what it takes to bust blocks with the rest of 'em.

Now how about releasing it in America Capcom? ...

Heres a fantastic project for the game GTA Liberty City Stories. InvertedShadow has released a new mod that turns the game into a giant Stunt park.

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News from IGN

As the videogame world is increasingly under scrutiny by politicians, the press, and community groups, many in the industry are eager to knock down a few stereotypes -- whether it is that gamers are violent, lazy, hopelessly nerdy, or horny, heterosexual, and male.

The straight gamer stereotype -- or at least part of it -- is being challenged by a new survey out of the University of Illinois to study gay, lesbian, and bisexual gamers. Recent graduate Jason Rockwood designed the survey, which is the first formal, academically-approved study of sexual orientation and related issues among gamers.

The survey, which consists of 91 questions and takes 30-45 minutes to complete, is designed both to determine the presence of gay gamers and to learn about their concerns and gaming habits. The questions cover subjects such as gaming preferences, sexual identity, recent purchases, and online gaming activity.

In addition to understanding the presence of gay, lesbian, and bisexual gamers, the study should also provide a real sense of what gay gamers enjoy playing. Rockwood said some gay gamers were concerned that marketers would try to court the demographic with naïve stereotypes, similar to luring female gamers with titles like Barbie Horse Adventure. (We know plenty of girl gamers who like Quake.)

"People had talked about being gay and being a gamer, but nobody had asked them to unify those two elements and people were excited about that," Rockwood told In Newsweekly. "Some people were hesitant though, because they didn't want to be stereotyped having games that were developed to be ridiculous toward the community. They wanted both sides to be taken seriously and if there was stereotypical content it would trivialize both identities of being gay and a gamer."

Doubtless the survey will be refreshing to the many gamers who are also gay. More broadly, however, the survey is the first study of a specific gamer group -- for instance, no one has specifically surveyed female gamers, non-Caucasian gamers, older gamers, and such. While the industry closely tracks sales or readership of gaming articles, very little is known about which demographics are playing. The industry often acts on assumptions about its audience, while players themselves may not realize that many of their teammates or opponents -- or just fellow fans -- are not always male, white, or straight.

"The main purpose of the survey was to be a census," Rockwood said. "Before we can ask more intelligent questions we need to know who we are dealing with. First we need to prove that homosexual gamers even exist. Yeah it sounds ridiculous, but that's where you have to start on something like this. This survey is an attempt to quantify the existence of an invisible minority."

The survey is currently open to all gamers -- gay, lesbian, bisexual, and straight -- at www.gaymersurvey.org. ...

Vobbo has updated his PCEngine Emu for the GP2X:


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Unai posted this news:

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As yet another sign that online distribution has hit the big time, CBS adds its big name properties to iTunes. The three CSIs, Survivor and NCIS join Numb3rs on Apple’s iTunes service. Prices are $1.99 and the only shows available are from the 2005-2006 season.

We think the upcoming 2006-2007 season could be the year where online TV finally really takes off. We predict almost all the top rated shows being moved to either iTunes or some proprietary distribution so viewers can catch up on episodes they’ve missed. ABC’s done it already with their own free online streaming, and where one network goes, the other networks will surely follow.

Via Gizmodo ...

The Aquatune waterproof case is a great addition to any summer gadget collection. The case includes 3 watt, 2 channel output speakers that are powered by replaceable batteries. The case, which is constructed of high quality polycarbonate material, will float in the pool or hot tub, protect your iPod and provide some block rockin’ beats for everyone to enjoy. The strong, protective cases will also withstand falls—you know, in case you mistakenly throw it in the empty pool sometime in the winter. Unfortunately, it is only available in Japan at the moment for $130, but this dock is a great idea and one of the powerhouse U.S. iPod accessory makers should really jump on this idea.

Via Gizmodo ...

Wii games could retail for $50 (around £27) according to US retailer Best Buy.

Three games - Red Steel, Super Smash Bros Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy - are listed in the Wii section of the US website, each with the release date of 1 December 2006 and a price tag of $50.

As Nintendo is yet to make an official statement on the price of software for its next console this is undoubtedly a place holder set by Best Buy, but it does make for a good rough estimate from the experienced retailer.

At least US gamers know how much the console will cost thanks to Nintendo's recent statement confirming that Wii "will not exceed $250 in America'".

As for the UK, we've still got some time before we know exactly how much we'll need to save. When we spoke to a Nintendo UK representative today they told us that there isn't a fixed date for a UK pricing announcement. It is widely expected that the console will cost around £150, however.

Via Gamesradar ...