via gizmodo



Someone's figured out a way to combine gadget obsession with chocoholism, and it doesn't bode well for people with self-control issues. A company called "Corporate Gift Showcase" will sell you many pounds of chocolate molded into the shape of iPods, BlackBerries, laptops and HDTVs. They're ostensibly meant to be as gifts from companies purchased in bulk, but there's nothing stopping you from ordering 1,000 chocolate remote controls. That's right, nothing stopping you. So what are you waiting for?

more info ...

via Computer and Video Games


The first Wii entry Goddess of Dawn has just been released in Japan but Nintendo is already pondering online functions for the next installment of Fire Emblem, while a DS version is also likely to emerge.

Speaking to Japanese mag Dengeki DS & Wii Style and translated by IGN, Nintendo's Hitoshi Yamagami says that it decided to focus on single-player and hold back on Wi-Fi for the first Wii Fire Emblem, "However, for the next title, if we have the chance, we'd like to use it."

On the subject of the dual-screened handheld Yamagami also said that Nintendo feels "that the SRPG genre is suited for the DS," so we'll probably see the series crop up on that some time in the future as well.

Good news for series fans then, but unfortunately we're still waiting for word on a Western release of Goddess of Dawn, which is currently generating positive buzz from the Far East.

We will as always let you know the second Nintendo sends word of a European date. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Analysts in Japan still predict Sony will give PS3 a price cut this year, even though the firm may be about to reveal encouraging profit forecasts.

"We think Sony will find it hard to get through the financial year (which began this month) without cutting the price of the console, and expect further game segment losses of over $1 billion during that period," said researchers from investment firm, Nomura, who's researchers still expect the PS3 losses to continue for the short term.

In the report Nomura estimates that Sony has sold only half of the six million PS3s it has manufactured to date. "In the six months the PS3s was on sale up to March 31 (though for only one month in Europe) it sold 3mn units. To boost that substantially in the fiscal year without lowering prices would in our view need major software hits.

"We do not see the necessary drawing power in the title pipeline at this point," said analyst Eiichi Katayama. "We expect Sony to take measures to increase market penetration of PS3 hardware, including extending the software line-up, and expect to review our medium-term estimates for the game segment if and when such measures come into view."

Clearly, it's all about the games then. "We think losses in the game segment are temporary and expect its earnings to improve," Nomura's analysts added. "That said, we think the extent of profit growth in the segment will hinge on how well the PlayStation3 sells at the expected price and the launch of titles for it." ...

via Computer and Video Games


Activision and Red Octane rolled out an update for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II this weekend, and already a mass of unfortunate downloaders are reporting 'bricked' Xbox 360s caused by the update.

The patch was released to address a whammy bar response issue, but if the mass of internet postings are to be believed many people are experiencing game freezes or even the infamous 'red circle of death' leaving them with a botched 360.

Of course nobody has provided anything in the way of actual proof yet, but considering the outpour of reports it's likely that the whammy bar update is causing problems for some users.

As usual once they're in the office we'll get on the blower and let you know what Activision have to say on the matter, but for now - download with caution. ...

via Computer and Video Games


The secret HD mode in God of War II has been dropped from the European release as the disc space was required for all the extra European languages.

It didn't take US gamers long to discover that God of War II on PS2 contained a very pleasant upscaling surprise. Fans soon discovered two puzzles on God of War that, once solved, lead to details on how to get God of War II running in 480p.

But just as we're getting excited over the upcoming UK release, word comes from Sony that this option won't be available in our version. A Sony Europe spokesperson told CVG this afternoon, "This option isn't available in the European release because there wasn't enough space on the disc to allow for it. Whereas the US version still had enough room to incorporate this feature it had to be removed for ours because we had to use the final disc space for localisation (all the extra European languages)."

It's a shame but couldn't be avoided, according to Sony. There is hope though if you have a PS3. GOW2 will work from launch on your PS3 and the next-gen console upscales the game to 576p, provided you use the HDMI cable.

Look out for the full God of War II review soon. ...

press release:

Three classic games from three classic systems. The only problem you'll have this week is deciding which one to download first. For the best retro gaming around, it's time to pay a visit to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Punch Out!!® Featuring Mr. Dream (NES®, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): As young boxer Little Mac, players have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association circuit. Take them on one by one, starting with skinny Glass Joe. Battle up through King Hippo and all the way to the WVBA Champion himself. Players use their best jabs, hooks and power uppercuts to knock out opponents, but must pay attention to subtle changes in their body position to dodge jaw-breaking blows. With great graphics, addictive action and a touch of humor, this game will keep players entertained for hours.

Virtua Fighter™ 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Virtua Fighter was the very first 3-D fighting game in the industry and introduced six unique characters, each with their own martial arts style. In Virtua Fighter 2, the intrepid fighters return to the World Fighting Tournament. Players take to the stage to see who will claim the championship title. Will it be Lau Chan, Kage-Maru, Wolf Hawkfield, Jeffry McWild, Akira Yuki, Jacky Bryant, Sarah Bryant or Pai Chan? The answer lies within. Players immerse themselves in this technically challenging game and see if they have what it takes to be the champion of the second World Fighting Tournament.

Bonk's Revenge (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): The "hardheaded" hero is back for more in the second installment of the Bonk series. Taking place in the Monster Kingdom, Bonk the Caveman makes his way toward King Drool III. Bonk's Revenge is a side-scrolling action game in which players Jump and "Bonk" (head-butt) their enemies while they make their way to the goal at the end of each stage. Double, even triple, attack power by eating the meat that appears in a stage. There are eight different hidden bonus stages, and the Dinosaur Train that appears after players defeat a boss will change depending on how many Smileys they've collected. With new actions such as the Triangle Jump and the ability to climb trees, as well as seven variety-packed stages, Bonk's Revenge will keep players playing over and over.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com. ...

press release:

Publisher Playlogic Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB: PLGC) announces the acquisition of the survival horror game “Obscure II” from French development studio Hydravision. The sequel of the innovative Obscure© will be released in Q3 of this year on PC and PS2. The release for Wii is set for Q4.

Obscure II (PC, PS2, Wii) takes place two years after the gruesome events of the first game. The survivors have gone on to college and try to return to their normal lives. After the discovery of a beautiful but strange plant on school campus, events take a turn for the worse. Soon, the college students have to battle for survival once again.

Players of Obscure II can choose their character and one AI controlled sidekick. In total there are six playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. These can be switched at various points in the game. Due to the game’s unique co-op feature, friends can join at any time to team up and attempt surviving Obscure II together. There are many available weapons to keep the monsters that hunt you at bay. Light might be the players’ biggest ally because you never know what’s lurking in the shadows.

Stefan Layer, VP of Marketing & Sales of Playlogic International N.V: “I am extremely pleased that we added Obscure II to our line up. The first instalment was well received by both press and public. Hydravision has pushed the envelope with Obscure II and I am confident that the game will do even better then its
predecessor.”

Dominique Morel, CTO of Playlogic International N.V: “Obscure II displays refined talent in every aspect, from high attention to visual details and optimized control schemes; and a dense and intense in-game atmosphere. It’ is a thrilling and unique game with polished game features; an incredible experience.”

Denis Potentier, CEO of Hydravision: “We are happy to work together with Playlogic on Obscure II; they meet all of our expectations and I'm sure that their expertise will be very positive for the game. The two-person cooperative gameplay of Obscure II has been fully optimized. I think players will love this game."

Features:

Adventure and action in a teen horror movie scenario
6 charismatic characters with unique skills Unique co-op mode: second player can join in at any time Highly detailed and rich 3D environment Find clues and solve various riddles and mysteries Vast variety of weapons and horrifying monsters Stunning soundtrack performed by the Boston Symphonic
Orchestra and the Paris Opera Children’s Choir

Screens Via Comments ...

press release:

Publisher Playlogic Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB: PLGC) announces the acquisition of the survival horror game “Obscure II” from French development studio Hydravision. The sequel of the innovative Obscure© will be released in Q3 of this year on PC and PS2. The release for Wii is set for Q4.

Obscure II (PC, PS2, Wii) takes place two years after the gruesome events of the first game. The survivors have gone on to college and try to return to their normal lives. After the discovery of a beautiful but strange plant on school campus, events take a turn for the worse. Soon, the college students have to battle for survival once again.

Players of Obscure II can choose their character and one AI controlled sidekick. In total there are six playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. These can be switched at various points in the game. Due to the game’s unique co-op feature, friends can join at any time to team up and attempt surviving Obscure II together. There are many available weapons to keep the monsters that hunt you at bay. Light might be the players’ biggest ally because you never know what’s lurking in the shadows.

Stefan Layer, VP of Marketing & Sales of Playlogic International N.V: “I am extremely pleased that we added Obscure II to our line up. The first instalment was well received by both press and public. Hydravision has pushed the envelope with Obscure II and I am confident that the game will do even better then its
predecessor.”

Dominique Morel, CTO of Playlogic International N.V: “Obscure II displays refined talent in every aspect, from high attention to visual details and optimized control schemes; and a dense and intense in-game atmosphere. It’ is a thrilling and unique game with polished game features; an incredible experience.”

Denis Potentier, CEO of Hydravision: “We are happy to work together with Playlogic on Obscure II; they meet all of our expectations and I'm sure that their expertise will be very positive for the game. The two-person cooperative gameplay of Obscure II has been fully optimized. I think players will love this game."

Features:

Adventure and action in a teen horror movie scenario
6 charismatic characters with unique skills Unique co-op mode: second player can join in at any time Highly detailed and rich 3D environment Find clues and solve various riddles and mysteries Vast variety of weapons and horrifying monsters Stunning soundtrack performed by the Boston Symphonic
Orchestra and the Paris Opera Children’s Choir

Screens Via Comments ...

press release:

SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America Inc. today announced the development of Sonic Rush Adventure™ for the Nintendo DS™ system. Sonic Rush Adventure will seamlessly utilise both screens of the Nintendo DS to navigate the high seas in search of pirate treasure, delivering Sonic’s classic high-speed 2D gameplay in the ultimate Sonic handheld experience. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS will be available in Autumn 2007.

Sonic returns to the Nintendo DS in an all-new frantic adventure complete with dizzying dives, near vertical curves and brain twisting loops. Sonic Rush Adventure will retain the DS action that fans loved so much from Sonic Rush™, as well as providing a new high seas adventure where Sonic clashes with ruthless pirates. Players will set off from Windmill Village as Sonic and blast their way through seven action-packed and widely diverse levels. Sonic Rush Adventure will make full use of the DS Download Play feature and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which enables gamers to compete with friends in wireless racing and mission-based battles.

Guide Sonic through numerous action stages in the fast and furious single player mode, whilst collecting valuable items and materials that enable Sonic and Tails to track down the villainous pirates. With a fleet of up to five ships, including a submarine, water bike and hovercraft, Sonic Rush Adventure uses the Touch Screen technology in exciting new ways. Use the Nintendo DS Stylus to help control vessels as they race across the ocean gathering rings, performing tricks, and torching pirate boats, whilst engaging in fierce ship-to-ship battles. At the end of each level, epic 3D boss battles spanning both screens will test gamers skills to result in an ultimate showdown with the evil boss character, Captain Whisker.

Sonic Rush Adventure allows players to bounce, fly, swing, ride and run through grand environments of lush forests, an ominous ghost ship, snow covered mountains, pirate villages and a vast underwater sea cave. Along the way there will be a variety of enemy characters to battle against including robots, skeleton warriors, pterodactyls, and a robotic triceratops.

Screens Via Comments ...