An update for the Xbox Live version of Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram is in the works. The patch includes online match viewing for everyone invited in your party lobby. Players and spectators can also chat with each other during the match.

The update also has some graphic tweaks.

Sega also tweaked the shadows which makes the mechs appear brighter. These updates are optional and players can toggle them with an options menu.

The Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram update doesn’t have a set release date, but it is being tested at Sega now. Afterwards it will be sent to Microsoft.

The VOOT blog also mentions the decision about the Xbox 360 twin sticks is coming the future.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/05/26...virtual-lobby/ ...

Major video game magazine Famitsu published a list of recommended games as part of a “We Support Xbox 360″ ad campaign. Last year the titles would have been easy to pick since there was a heavy line up of RPGs like Tales of Vesperia and The Last Remnant. This year the Xbox 360 has a light selection of JRPGs.

Since Magnacarta 2 is the only (partially) Japanese developed RPG slated for release this year it’s on the list. The other games are: Bayonetta, Dream C Club, Time Leap, Memories Of 6: Next Relation, Tayutama: Kiss on my Deity, and Gears of War 2. The common thread between these titles and their genres is they have captivating characters.

About half the games on Famitsu’s list are visual novels. Not sure if this is a good sign since it shows niche Japanese developers are taking an interest in the Xbox 360 or if this is a bad sign since there isn’t anything else on the market for Famitsu to recommend.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/05/26...tsu-recommend/ ...

While we’re finished sailing through the galaxy, Europe still doesn’t have Star Ocean: The Last Hope. PAL territories won’t see the game in stores until June 5, but they get two versions.

The Star Ocean: The Last Hope Limited Collector’s Edition comes with the game, a 32 page mini-guide, five character cards using “rare artwork not officially released in Europe”, a Star Ocean compilation soundtrack CD, and a limited edition box with digistack packing. The package has a suggested retail price of £54.99 ($87). A standalone game runs for £44.99 ($72). Most online retailers have a price break for both versions.

On closer inspection the “rare artwork” on the character cards is actually the anime style character designs Square Enix used in Japan. The digistack packing sounds kind of nice considering the US packing has three games stacked on top of each other.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/05/26...ctors-edition/ ...

Nintendo just launched a new Wii Channel that beats /pizza. The Demae Channel (Catering Channel) lets users point and pick dinner with the Wii remote.

Categories include pizza, sushi, bento boxes, Chinese food, Western food, and others. Pizza Hut falls in pizza while KFC strangely falls into the “others” group. Once an order is placed users wait for the food to arrive and pay the delivery person in cash, not Wii Points. The service also plans to offer coupons to cut the price of meals.

Similar to the Wii no Ma Channel Nintendo has a third party partner running the Demae Channel. Yume no Machi Souzou Iinkai, a door to door food delivery corporation, is handling the day to day business. Actually, the channel looks like a Wii interface for an existing food delivery website Yume no Machi Souzou Iinkai currently operates. Since the infrastructure is provided by an outside party it might be difficult for Nintendo of America to create a Western equivalent.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/05/25...with-your-wii/ ...

via Joystiq


It looks as though Sony is planning to introduce yet another PS3 SKU in the coming weeks. A reader has tipped us to a new addition to Best Buy's product database -- a "limited edition" PS3 bundle that includes a 80GB system and two games. It sounds similar to Target's post-GDC PS3 bundle, which included MotorStorm and Resistance.

According to the database, this new SKU is scheduled for release on June 9th, one week after the start of this year's E3 Expo. The listed price for the bundle is $399, the current price for a PS3 system now. Analysts have repeatedly stated a PS3 price cut is in the works, but this new SKU may suggest otherwise. Conversely, Sony may opt to drop the price on a "bare bones" bundle, while offering this new "elite" package at the now-standard price.

For now, this new bundle may be exclusive to Best Buy, similarly to Target's post-GDC bundle. The UPC listed uses a prefix that is typically used in Best Buy's PlayStation products. If Sony packages some newer high-profile games with the system (we have a few in mind), the $399 price point might be a bit more attractive. Oh, and Sony, please don't bundle Lair and Haze with the system, kthanks. ...

via Computer and Video Games


The game that now retired SCEE president David Reeves called the PS3's "most important" title of 2009 could instead be seeing a release in 2010.

After seeing the game in action at Sony's Santa Monica studio, and while standing aside the game's managing producer Petro Piaseckyj, Gametrailers says that it will be out "next year".

Nothing has been said of the game's expected release since Reeve's statement, made at the Leipzig Games Convention last august, a 2010 release for Quantic Dreams' stunning-looking title would be disappointing. We're currently awaiting response from Sony. ...

In the same article as the multiple-data-speed iPhones iLounge published their artist renditions of the next generation iPod Nano -- the iPod Nano 5g. This new version is due to be released in July/September of this year and has the major addition of a camera?!?

Other changes include a larger aspect ratio on the screen moving from 1.33:1 to a larger 1.5:1. The click wheel will shrink, have a smaller button, and be moved towards the bottom of the device a bit to support the larger screen.

The artist concept looks pretty good but I have some small issues with it. First and foremost the camera seems to be in a very odd place. Seems to be there would be a lot of accidental covering of the lens when people are trying to shoot

http://www.modmyi.com/forums/ipod-ne...september.html ...

In the most recent iPhone rumor via iLounge it appears that Apple is going to be producing two different iPhone models differentiated by data speed.

The "slow" model will be a 3g phone. The fast model will be an enhanced 3g model supporting 3.5/3.75g speeds. Americans on AT&T will most likely get the enhanced 3g model to support AT&T's upcoming 7.2 Mbps data network. Customers will not get a choice on whether they want the normal 3g or the enhanced version. Versions will be sold based on on country and carrier capabilities. The third model of the phone to be thrown in the mix will be a Chinese version for sale exclusively in China.

While you wont be able to pick which speed your carrier is offering you will be able to pick storage size. It is still up for debate whether it is going to be an 8/32GB choice or a 16/32GB choice.

http://www.modmyi.com/forums/iphone-...-versions.html ...

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced their roster of titles to be presented at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 2009). SEGA will feature numerous titles across six different platforms, including legendary icons and dazzling new stars, as the company continues to develop both original and high-profile licensed properties on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii system from Nintendo, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC, and the Nintendo DS. SEGA will showcase their games at booth #2001 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Aliens vs. Predator (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windows PC) – Releases early 2010
The next-gen version of this benchmark multiplayer First-Person-Shooter franchise is coming with SEGA's new Aliens vs. Predator game. From the developer of the series' first title comes this next big event, with three unique species fighting for supremacy on the battlefield. Play as Predator, Marine and Alien in three radically different single-player experiences that intertwine to create a thrilling story. Jump into cinematic non-stop multiplayer action with a rollercoaster-ride of explosive firepower, horror, stealth and gory fang and claw combat.

Alpha Protocol (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windows PC) – Releases October 2009
Enter the world of international espionage in Obsidian Entertainment's blockbuster new modern-day spy-RPG. Assuming the role of Michael Thorton, players must use their strength, skills and smarts to survive the rigors and dangers of being an international spy. Alpha Protocol takes players to locations around the world and arms them with a full arsenal of weapons and gadgets with which to complete any task at hand. The game also features fully customizable character attributes and a unique dialog system that tracks players' responses in the game, dynamically changing missions and alliances as they progress through the game's storyline.

BAYONETTA (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system) – Releases late 2009
Developed by the creative minds that recently brought gamers the critically acclaimed MadWorld on Wii; BAYONETTA from PlatinumGames is set to invite gamers into a world full of adventure, mystery and a dash of sexiness. Players assume the role of the seductive Bayonetta and use a myriad of weapons and combat skills to dispatch her angelic enemies. This epic action-adventure title will to set a new standard in the genre.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii, Nintendo DS) – Releases October 2009
Mario and Sonic are hitting the slopes with their friends in head-to-head competition for international glory and gold in celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Featuring a full roster of characters from both the Mario and Sonic worlds along with innovative Wii and DS control schemes including the use of the Wii Balance Board™ that allow unparalleled control of competing characters, the excitement of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is ready to set the slopes on fire this fall!

Planet 51 (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, Nintendo DS) – Releases Fall 2009
This fall the official video game for Ilion Studio's and Sony Pictures new animated feature takes audiences to Planet 51 to witness an alien invasion of the human kind. Developed by Pyro Studios the game is set on an alien planet visited by a bumbling U.S. astronaut. Planet 51 The Game gives players the chance to drive through and explore the amazing world of Planet 51 whilst helping our hero find his way back to his spaceship!

The Conduit (Wii) – Releases June 23rd 2009
Enter the world of alien conspiracy and government cover-ups in The Conduit. Developed by High Voltage Software exclusively for Wii, The Conduit pushes the graphical capabilities of the Wii to the very edge. The Conduit also features 12 player multiplayer competition with an assortment of game modes. The Conduit supports fully customizable controls so players can optimize their gaming experience and is one of the first Wii titles to support Wii Speak.

Vancouver 2010 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Winter Games – (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windwos PC) – Releases January 2010
SEGA is heating up the slopes with international competition for gold in Vancouver 2010 – The Official Video Game of the Olympic Winter Games. Featuring a multitude of winter sports events, real-life Olympic venues and online multiplayer competition, everyone has the chance to bring home the gold this winter. ...