Reaction to Halo 2 AU

Here's some funny tidbits from over at TeamXbox:

SUPERIOR
The dual wielding its fcking up the game thats why they think they should down grade some of the weapons. But what if you dont like to dual wield you might be screw if you dont have a battle rifle.

Apr. 17th, 2005 12:03 pm
Mmmtastey
haloalldayloGreat job Bungie, you made the damn pistols even crappier. Keep up the good work.You think so? Solo the pistols are crap but with a SMG, 3 shots your dead. Considering alone either weapon is ****, together they were too powerfull, at both close range and mid range. That had to change.

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:55 am
SUPERIOR
funnygfgfhgghdgh

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:48 am
kopar
Vadcol:For somebody who hates a game/developer so much and so doens't play said developer's game at all, you sure do get worked up about it. If you want to play Halo:CE, GO PLAY HALO:CE AND SHUT UP!!Hiring a lawyer because you don't like a game? You need a life/girlfriend/boyfriend/gerbil or something. I hated KOTOR and thought it sucked ass and could name 1000 things I woulda done different, so you know what I did?That's right, I scoured TXB for every thread talking about KOTOR and posted how bad the game was. I also hired a FREAKIN' LAWYER to sue somebody somewhere for something (can't be specific, it's still in litigation). That's right! i also kicked my cat 3 times (because I was so emotional about being forced to play this game I hated and everybody else loved).Or, I traded to game to my firend for some comics and read them then went to bed.

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:47 am
ConkersHelmet53
I'm sorry, but this game is the worst game ever made! I'd rather play with barbie dolls than this game. Conker is gonna be the best! umm....wait. actually i'd rather play this than with barbie dolls....but i still dislike this game alot!

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:23 am
BlindMaphisto
The do enjoy nerfing the pistols lol. I loved the Plasma/SMG combo but I can live without it. Especially for better melee and grenading.

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:22 am
smokysmokerson
i'm glad Bungie listened to the gamers... it says a lot to their committment... haven't seen too many ps2 online updates fixing the myriad of bugs and glitches with their games yet tho.... i guess this is why xbox live is better than the competition.. good work, guys...

Apr. 17th, 2005 11:00 am
haloalldaylo
Great job Bungie, you made the damn pistols even crappier. Keep up the good work.

Apr. 17th, 2005 9:58 am
Last Spartan
SUPERIORDont forget about the different levels of sheilds also. In Halo CE

Apr. 17th, 2005 9:39 am
SUPERIOR
Perhaps the only way to actually balance the game its to make most of the weapons stronger, but by doing that we will need more stronger shields that we will be able to fight against someone that might have better combo or a better weapon. All this unfair balance of the weapons have to do with the shields because in halo 1 we had shields and health bars so even if we lost are shields we still had are health bars to count on. Bungie give us stronger shields or bring back the health bars.

Apr. 17th, 2005 1:33 am
FIG
"SUPERIORFIG wont play halo2 but he will be playing the next madden.what? Thats just crazy talk from you FIG. Fck EA and their crappy games, let it be known i hate EA. I hate EA as much as that vacolis guy hates Bungie. But Bungie is a company that at least is trying to fix the problems, unlike lazy EA their are glitches in their games and bet you will find more bugs on madden than halo2. Keep up your good work Bungie."I never said I would play the next Madden man. I said I played the previous Madden at a friends house and thought ESPNs game destroyed it. That said I am not into deathmatching but I am sure fans of that game mode will NOT be disappointed. I hope Bungies next game, whether it be Halo 3 or not, has coop over LIVE. Thats the best mode ever created in my opinion. I love playing Doom 3 and Splinter Cell : Chaos Theory on cooperative mode over LIVE.

Apr. 16th, 2005 11:47 pm
Judge_Jerk
Things that actually need to be fixed are stupid glithes, sudden death, etc.*Make the shotty a real shotgun.*Reduce the traking range of the PP*Dual mags ARE too strong and too accurate*Make frags stronger*Have BR as starting weapon on the huge levels*Reduce the aim-assist on the sniperBah, Bungie is full of it. I love how they tell us what WE want. Screw you Bungie. What makes me sick is that Bungie has the most butt kissing, easily seduced fanboys I've ever seen, next to Nintendo fanboys.

Apr. 16th, 2005 9:50 pm
Pastor Ramdotti
Vadcol memo: 2241 hoursPt.2The Plasma Pistol and SMG are so weak. Bungie needs to tweak these retard ass weapons with Hitting Power. You shouldn't have to need Dual Welding for these weapons to have any effect. A single SMG and Plasma Pistol should kick ass in short to medium range distance.The shot gun is just down right pathetic compared Halo:CE shot gun. **** it, all their weapons just plain suck.................................................................I'm tried of writing about these idiots at Bungie. They have screwed up Halo 2 so bad it makes me want to cry. I'm pisst and mad as hell, I am so emotional right now.......I'm finding a lawyer on Monday morning. I'm tired of the bull****.

Apr. 16th, 2005 9:40 pm
Pastor Ramdotti
Vadcol memo: 2229 hoursPt. 1Tweak weapons balance? Damn, these new Bungie employees are ****'in retarded. I going to speak my mind and if you don't like it....too damn bad. The main thing that needs to be tweaked is WEAPONS AMMO and Hitting Power. I'm carrying a Battle Rifle and I only have 72 rounds only and no additional rounds to be found. That is complete bull****. Halo:CE you had plently of ammo for your Assault Rifle, like 600 bullets.The Covenant Carbine only has less rounds than the Battle Rifle with a stupid 18 rounds in reserve. Stupid!!!!Now I'm hearing that Bungie is making the weak-ass Magnum less powerful. It is official these guys are on crack cocaine.Melee attacks should be deadly no matter how you hit your opponent. Why? Because you're a badass Spartan and not some weak-ass E-1 Private Marine, good lord Bungie is so STUPID!!!!!! Now you have to jump in the freakin air just to kill the enemy? Bullcrap. Somebody please sue Bungie for being stupid.

Apr. 16th, 2005 9:14 pm
BlindMaphisto
The needler has it's uses. It can kill a completly oversheilded person with only 8 needles.

Apr. 16th, 2005 9:06 pm
Judge_Jerk
I hope the fix the ***** BB that is the shotgun, PP/mag combo.

Apr. 16th, 2005 8:57 pm
SUPERIOR
IF you playing with experts not even the best combos will make you unstopable.

Apr. 16th, 2005 8:55 pm
SUPERIOR
oh yeah the game its unbalance but its still fun.

Saw A Shut-Out Last Night

I was at the Padre/Dodgers game last night, and Derek Lowe was amazing. The game was over in just a little over 2 hours...no runs allowed, and only four hits. Thats what I call a nice game.

I was going to do a MobCast from the game...but I forgot the number and it wasn't saved on mey cell phone.

I also got to see Ruban Studdard (2 yrs ago American Idol winner) sing the national anthem and the tribute to Robinson. It was a nice game.

MS Wants To Spend Developer's Money

Standard TVs are not going to cut it for any Xbox booths at this year's E3.

Apparently, MS has set up a stipulation that all developers must use 720p HD Ready TVs to display any Xbox 2 data.

720p looks nice, in case you've never seen it. And, with the stipulation that the TVs must be Ready, not just compatable. This mean clear, perfect picture that is in no way scaled down.

For MS, the HD Era has officialy begun. But, MS has bette not start telling ME I need a 720p TV to play Xbox Next.

We're Getting Fixed

On Monday, Bungie will release the AutoUpdate that will (hopefully) fix the game for the better.

The update, which was long in coming, and hyped more by Bungie than by anybody else, will change just about everything sbout the game, from the weapons to the flags.

Also, Bungie revieled they will be clearing the leaderboards.

I think thats stupid, crass and just plain idiotic, but, hey, I'm not on their pay roll. I belive that it is going to only make things worse, not better. Not at all. With rankings reset, we all go back to zero. That means for at least a week, you r be playing the same guys that were at the top of the leaderboards. And that's no fun. Not at all.

Now, for the first four maps...

Looking in UBI's Crystal Ball

Or just their E3 lineup. This looks like a solid year for both UbiSoft and Xbox as they finish their relationship together, which probably, besides the MS-Bungie one, is the best in the world right now.

Here's the offical lineup, taken from www.teamxbox.com:
My Comments in Slant

AND 1 Streetball [PlayStation 2]: Experience the jaw-dropping moves of genuine streetball legends or establish your reputation by creating your own unique moves and signature style.
Can it take on EA? Dosn't EA own part of UBI?

Far Cry Instincts [Xbox]: The PC survival shooter and smash hit of 2004 re-imagined for console gamers.
Nothing to say here. This is a serious game of the year contender.

Heroes of Might & Magic V [PC]: The legendary heroic fantasy game returns, based on features and values of the original saga, but with a more mature fantasy universe and unrivaled innovation.

187 Ride or Die [Xbox, PlayStation 2]: Outrageous urban combat racing comes to life as you defend your turf.
Odd. But UBI likes Odd. Like Chessmaster.

Peter Jackson’s King Kong [Xbox, PlayStation 2, next-generation console]: Experience the must-have game based on Universal Pictures’ King Kong film from Academy Award winning director Peter Jackson.
Going to suck. Jackson was a one-time wonder with LOTR. But, Next Gen? Nice Indeed. Only more confirmation Xbox Next is coming soon.

Prince of Persia 3 [Xbox, PlayStation 2]: Blending the winning elements from the first two masterpieces to bring a unique and unexpected twist to the award-winning franchise.
News to me. I'm not in to the whole Ninja game, but the POP series has always been nice.

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (working title) [Xbox]: Experience the most gripping and famous battles of World War II through the eyes of a squadron commander and ace fighter pilot.
Xbox-Only! Nice!

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon 3 (working title) [next-generation console]: Next-generation console technology meets the soldier of the future to revolutionize the classic squad-based shooter.
Did they really have to annouce this? But, Next Gen is a nice hint!

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown [Xbox, PlayStation 2]: The critically acclaimed multiplayer experience returns with the all new Rivalry Mode and Persistent Elite Creation Mode.

America’s Army: Rise of a Soldier [Xbox, PlayStation 2]: The most authentic military game to date incorporating true-to-life character progression with an all-new Career mode (displayed at the U.S. Army Booth, #1608 in the South Hall).
The AA always seemed to me like propaganda. Weird stuff.

Bungie to Play New Maps!

This week's Humpday provided something a little unusual: a tidbit of info on the new Halo 2 maps. Heres the quote:

"Stay tuned next week for a super special edition of the Humpday Challenge. It will be played here in the studio, face-to-face with our opponents, on new maps!"

The maps are coming. I. Can't. Wait. Any. Longer.

People.Must.Think.Putting.Periods.After.Every.word.is.cool.and.
makes.me.seem.more.excited. becuase. see. all.the. punk.twelve.year.olds.in.the.forums.doing.this.wow.i.am.so.cool.now.

Upload YOUR Video

Heres a link so that you too can upload your very own video files to Google Video.

Be sure that they are CC Licensed or below.

https://upload.video.google.com/

Google Does Video

The guys that first changed web searching, then the web itself, are now aiming to change the world of video content.

Google Video, which opened in early Beta today, will allow people to upload video content, then allow others to search for it, watch clips, or buy the file.

Right now, Google is accepting "applications" for your video file to be included in the Beta, which will release at a YTBD date, probably late summer.

I think this will be really nice. The MPAA keeps complaining about illegal downloads...what it needs is what iTunes did for music, a nice way to look, try, and buy ligitmatly. I heard rumors that Sony was attempting something of the same...but since Sony distributes movies, it would never be the same as iTunes (think a Virgin Records owned version). But, if Google could do the samething, that would be cool.

To be clear, this current project is for Creative Commons only, no Major Motion Pictures allowed. Thats still a dream.

In Xbox 1 News Today...

DLC was reviled for almost every game except for Halo 2. Looks like GR 2 is getting a full new upgrade, which looks really nice (A typical UBI DLC, awsome). Also, looks like Snowblind is alreadly getting some DLC. I still have to buy that game...

It's getting sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo old now with no new DLC. Hurry up!

Xbox Next, This Year and For Less then $300

If the best investment firm out there is to be belived, Xbox Next will release this year and will cost about the same as Xbox 1.

This comes as, well, good news. It's clear the next generation is indeed upon us, and zI'd like to get started on it. And for as little money as possible.

But it is still all rumor untill E3. Remeber, noithing is final and occial until the big MS sings it out loud. Rumors are cool and fun to listen to, but, in the end, they are just rumors, and it's hard to get real excited about anything that could be total BS.

Possible PGR3 Pic?

TeamXbox reported today on a possible pic from PGR3. It looks nice. Real, real really nice. I mean like piss my pants nice.

Whether it's real, fake or total BS, I don't know nor care. It has managed to peak my interest in a profund way. I can now no longer wait the month or so untill E3.

Untill then, let's all hope that it's from in-game.

New ARG

Seems like Microsoft likes the ARGs. And whats not to like about spending a few hundred dollars to do the same thing as a million dollar ad campagin?

The Coloney is a new ARG set up to promote the next Xbox. It should be interesting.

The password you need to get in rhymese with "hay" and is four-letters long. It starts with a P.

Half Life 2 Confirmed (Sorta) For Xbox 1

Looks likes OXM has reveiled that Valve is working on getting an Xbox version of the popular, game-of-the-year FPS over to the Xbox. And, not Xbox Next.

I, personally, don't trust much info that comes from OXM...but IGN apparently does, at least enough to post a story on their main page.

I would love to see it come over to Xbox. It's a great game. The only real problem with the news is that why would Valve choose Xbox 1 over Xbox 2? The game won't release untill at least late summer, and by then, Xbox Next will be around the corner.

I assume the reason is that they started working on it awhile ago. In that case, rock on! I can't wait!

Kiss Your Halo 2 Stats Goodbye

OK, so Bungie hasn't gone on record to offical say they are doing anything to the Halo 2 stats, but what thery havn't said definatly is just as important. In this week's WWWU, the following was asked:
I have heard MANY rumors about you guys resetting our levels on Halo 2 on Xbox live. Is that true? People are saying you guys are resetting the levels because of TOO MANY people using stand by... I hope it isn't true because a lot of people WORK for their levels and do not cheat to get them. Please, PLEASE... reply to this message on the weekly news update. We all want to know what is going on about this, we are scared stiff about it. Thanks Frankie.

And Bungie answered with:

We should have more news about levels, cheats and stuff next week, but you should know that your level is for matchmaking only. It is not a sign of prestige, but rather a way to match you with players of similar skill. If we changed your level to be "Spastic Donkey Sphincter" you'd still get matched against other "Spastic Donkey Sphincters." Even at the highest levels of play, the level number itself is far less relevant than the players sum total of achievements. So really, there's literally nothing to be scared about whether we reset stats or not.

There is no magical prize for being ranked in the number one spot, nor is there any cash to be earned for having a higher level – the reward is an enjoyable game. So people who abuse that system are idiots, with no understanding of what it is they're achieving (nothing). With all that said, we're seriously considering doing just that at some point after the cheats and other ranking problems are fixed.

Heres the most important part: "It is not a sign of prestige". This leads me to belive they are simply going to make the levels invisable. You'll still have the Level, but you will have no clue what the level is.

But Bungie also goes on to say: "We're seriously considering doing just that". Doing what? Restetting the stats? Bungie isn't clear at all on this.

I wouldn't be too pissed if they chose the first way, but I think the second is stupid. Sure alot of people have cheated, but not everyone, not even the majority. By resetting the stats, you blow the entire proportions that the community has set up, and we're forced to start all over again with what were 30's looking like 2's. It would be just like New Years. And it would suck.

So, in summary, I think Bungie is defiantly going to do something with the stats. Exactly what, no one can be entirly sure, but, from a combination of what I like personaly and the facts I see, I thinlk Bungie is going to make the stats invisable. In the end, it might actually make the game more fun.

No Joke, I Mean It

IGN likes to roll out those 9.9's. I know it's near the end and some feel like they need to score a perfect game (cough, OXM, cough), but these 9.9s are just popping our left and right. What I can't figure out is why Halo 2 didn't get one.

Jade Empire just got a 9.9 from IGN. No, the other scores aren't in yet...so it's just one publication, but still, a 9.9?

This comes from a game that flew under the rader for me. I bearly even now what the game is, let alone anything that makes it special. Needless to say, the review has peaked my interest. Enough, at least, to cheek out TeamXbox's score, which I assume will come some time this week. But man, a 9.9. Thats high.

BTW- You did READ the DATE right?

That was just supposed to be a funny joke. Hey, I figure if everyone else does one for April Fools, I should too.

Hahahaha. I know.

But in all seriousness, the other jokes sucked, IMO. TeamXbox did a Lugi in Halo 3. Not funny! IGN... WTF is up with Yaddle? And even Bungie skipped their usual Pimps At Sea joke and instead made a promise for more DLC. That really isn't funny. Don't joke about that Bungie. That's serious stuff right there.

The End of an Era

Today marks the last day I will blog. This is the last entry I shall ever post on this blog.

It has been a great ride, but I feel it is time now to step off. The blog just isn't going anywhere. I've already down everything I can think of. I think it's better to end now, at the top of my game, then to whiddle away.

I wish to thank everyone who has made my blog the success that it is. For that, I thank about two people.

Thanks for the memories.

chris

My B-Day Tomorrow

Feliz Cumplanos a mi!

SC:CT Best Game Ever?

Has the torch passed from Halo 2 to Splinter Cell? It seems like it.

The first sign was the OXM reveiw, giving it a 9.9...almost perfect, and much better then Halo 2's low 9.7 score.

Then Major Nelson did his "Splinter Cell: CT" Spectacular show and made us all drool.

And then, TeamXbox gave it a 9.8...lower than Halo 2.

So, which is better?


They are two entirly differant games...but in the end, are still games. SC:CT offers very specialized gameplay that is not for everyone. Whiule it is a good game, it lacks the "pick up and play" aspect of Halo 2/. It is not a game for everyone, and thus, it creates diverese opinions.

I like CT. It is a great game, just another tick on the list of the great UBI games.

Tivo Tests Ad Scam

Last weekend, Tivo started testing their new ad idea. Most customers, myself included, just record a show, wait till it finishes, and then fast foward through the commericals. But Tivo wants to change that.

Now, when customers fast foward through the commercials, a "pop up" ad will cover the screen, over the TV show going fast. If the customer pushes up on the remote, he/she is then taken to a screen with more information on the product.

Iyt dosn't seem that bad, but, I would rather not have pop ups on my TV. Also, Tivo is having problems getting the ads to only pop up during the commericals. If a pop up comes during my CSI, I'll be pissed.

AOTS Verdict

After watching the rest of AOTS, I have very mixed feelings. Heres my summary

POSITIVES
+ Same Cast
+Like the Couch idea
+The Feed is still there
+ Dark Deals and Gems are still there
+Still chat
+Nice set

NEGITIVES
-Bad title.
-Hate the bands
-It's on G4
-The opening is cheesy
-The constant graphic introducing each new sceene are stupid, boring and annoying
-Will we get any real tech news?
-Since when is a dino a tech news item?

Overall, it is no TSS. But, essentially, there is no real differance between the last TSS epsiode and this one, save for the set. I probably will still watch, dispite how much my heart tells me not to. And yes, I got a season pass.

Sin City: What a Movie

Last night I had the chance to get into a "early" screening of Sin City. It is, by far, the best movie I've seen this year.

What stands out most is the unique visual style. Most of the flim is in black and white, with splashes of color thrown in to add emphasis, like the red of fire or the blue in an eye. It really makes the flim look like the orginal graphic novels.

The cast, story, and music all are incrediable. This is a really good movie to see, but, hey, it is rated R and it is very violent. And bloody. So the 10- and 65+ croud may want to steer clear, but, it's perfect for everyone else. Hey, take the wanna-be tween too, let them puke or pass out!

Video Games Recalled

Two video game "recall" news caught my attention today.

• PS2 was recalled becuase of a pattent issue. I'm not sure if this makes PS2 illegal or what, but it dosn't sound good for Sony. E-mail me if you understand what this really means for the gamer, becuase I don't
• The Xbox recall of power cords was, as VGN calls it "a BS liability scam" VGN says the cords don't neccessary fix the problem, which was do too falty sawdering on the cord, resulting power surges and blow outs, but instead just limits the porblem down to your Xbox. Which, I geuss, is better than nothing for those LCD HD 80" rich Xbox bastards, but only just hurts the rest of us. Would it have been that hard to just fix the problem MS?

Did you watch AOTS Today?

Attack of the shw, the replace-er of TSS, premired today on G4. Did you watch?

I saw the first 15 minutes or so, untill I ran out of Tivo fast-foward power. I'll watch the rest tomorrow. It seems just how I thought it would: a clone of E! or Access Hollywood.

It is sad to bid TSS good-bye. It is even sadder to know that this is what is was replaced by. Maybe I should just move to Canada and watch Leo and Call for Help. And get free medical care. Sounds good to me. I could learn to say "eh" and "aboot".

Star Wars: Republic Commando Review

OK, so I just finished SW:RC and I thought I'd post a little "review" of the game. Older timers will note that I treid this before, but I just couldn't keep up with the new releases. I actually play the games, all the way through, before I publish a review. That takes time.

Singleplayer
The SP experiance was great. I think it's probably the best Star Wars action ever. You really feel like your part of a large-grand scale battle.

Heres an imporant note: RC is a differant kind of SW game. There is no crawl at the begining. There is actual bands playing the soundtrack. You never feel like your fighting the entire batte of Geonosis or something, but instead, that you are a part of a small team, working together to accomplish some task, that, while small, will help the Republic win the battle.

Towards the end, the game gets a little repitive, but the ending is top-notch.

Graphics
There is nothing spectacular here, but they don't hold the game back by any means.I really like the effects they used your helmet, with things like rain, smoke and blood getting stuck there and using a virtual wiper to clear it off.

Multiplayer
The game does ooffer some classic FPS games, like Deathmatch, Team DM, CTF and Assualt (Bring your falg into enemy's base), but it never feels like they really ment it. Sure, it's there, but there nothing special in it. The Live play lags and it's hard to get into a good game. The splitscreen is cool...but becuase there are no sit-out times after you die...it's rather hard to play CTF or Assualt, becuase the enemy just respawns right in front of the flag.

Overall
RC isn't a bad game, there just not a whole lot to justify a purchuse at it's current price of $49.99. I would either rent it over the weekend and just beat the SP, or wait a couple of months and get it when the price goes down. While it is a nice prelude to Epsiode III, only serious, hardcore SW will buy it for that. Others should consider the game as a solid FPS worthy of about $10.
Rent It

Halo 2.5 Not May be, Now Definatly, a Reality

As I said before, Halo 2.5 looks like it will be coming. Today, in a special WWW Update, all was reveiled. In my mind, heres what it means:

• A total of nine maps are being made for Halo 2.
• The first two will be free to XBL people, available in April.
• Two additional maps will come out on the same day, in April, but will cost 4.99
• Then, in June, a disc will be made available, that will include all nine maps, all XBL updates, and some special movie things.
• On that same day, the other five maps will be available to Download, for $11.99, over XBL
• At some point in late summer (think September) all Maps will be free to DL over Xbox Live.

Bungie also said they will deal with the pemium issue, in that not everyone will have the maps and that could potentialy destroy matchmaking, by creating a special playlist for the premium maps.

Another playlis- 2 Vs. 2, was also reveiled as in the making.

For pics, the offical press release, more legal stuff, and ome more issues, visit Bungie.com

In my mind... I think summer is a tad bit late, but April seems fine. This plan actually sounds reasonably smart to me.

Halo 2.5 May Be a Reality

All signs point to a Halo 2.5.

-Bungie has statewd week after week it wants non-Live members to get the maps
-EBgames has it on its listing
-Korea has it listed on www.xbox.com

So, it really looks like this Friday, that's what Bungie is going to announce. The question is: when the hell will it come out? Some are thinking a summer 2005 release...thats wayyyy to far off in my book. I'd like to see an early May at the earliest.

The other question is: will Xbox Live members get something special? I really hope it's not just the maps for free latter on in the year. Because most of us will have alreadly bought them.

So, maybe this is a good thing....but it definatly has the potential to really piss me off.

TSS No More

Here is a perfect example of what coroporate America can do.

Act I
TechTV is created. The world is good. The Screen Savers is at its heyday with both Leo and Pat.

Act II
Leo quits/is fired (still not really sure what happen) TSS gets worse and worse.

Act III
With TechTV at its end, G4 swoops in and buys it out. Looks good at first.

Act IV
Set moved to LA. Pat quites. Show is getting more mainstream. Looks bad.

Act V
By now, TSS and Access Hollywood are the same thing. We've got things like "Band Fridays" and "Sponsered by..." and it's now just G4, not G4techTV

Act VI
TSS is canceled. It's replaced by Attack of the Show!

I thought that G4 would mean a good thing for TechTV. I thought it would mean less reruns. But no. G4 just took the TechTV veiwer audiance, not the network. The only remaining show is now X-Play...and I bet that will go soon to.

What happened to the good shows, like Call for Help, Tech Live and that Martin Sargent show? Even the good G4 shows are gone now, like that Areana. They seem to be replaced by Judgement Day's from 2002 and reruns of "Icons".

I now officaly hate G4. I probably will still watch AOTS, but I canceled my TSS season pass, and did not renew it with AOTS. I just don't think I can handle 5 hours a week of reruned slashdot news a week.

I'm Still Not Dead

I know the posts have been few and far between the last two weeks. There are two, wait, three reasons for this.

Reason One: I had finals last week. Finals=No time at all, with a side of big headache.

Reason Two: I was hooked one Republic Commando.

Reason Three: No one really cares. Except me.

But, now, I',m free and will make up for it. I promise. I really do.

The Highest Score

OXM gave SC:CT a 9.9. Thats really, really, REALLY high. Halo 2 only got a 9.7, so by comparison, CT is about .2 better than Halo2. If you trust OXM, that is.

That does make Splinter Cell the highest rated series on the Xbox, receiving scores of 9.6, 9.5 and now 9.9, all respectivly.

I'll wait for the Big Three's to come in before I dub it better than Halo 2...but I've alreadly preordered it...so I do hope it's good.

GDC- The Mostly Bad Key

J gave a nice keynote speech today at GDC. MajorNelson was nice enough to put out the thing in a nice MP3 and .wav file format for us all to hear.

However, nothing "huge" was reveild. But some "bad" things were.

Games seem to be changing from "How do we do this new" to "how do I make the most money off of this". I know it's bussiness and they have to eat too, but I think they are starting to lose the creativity in favor of corpral settings.

Jay's highlight was the new XBL features. One of them bing renewed support for PDLC. Really, thats all there was. Hello, we alreadly have this. They just want to make it smaller, like only one car, or one tire. I geuss this is the reaction fro the XBL Arcade deal...what a reversal.

Other highlightes were more universal connections...it seems that all Xenon (Jay did use this term...so now, little annoying kids that feel the need to correct all the differant terms like Xbox 2, Xenon or Xbox 360....eat it) games will have a univeral dashboard to play custom music and access freinds. All this seems so, 2002-ish. That was cool back then...but now, gamers have more important things they want...like better online infustracture, more patches, and new ways to play online.

I was majorly disappointed with the speech. He speaks of the HD Era. Thats cool. I don't have an HDTV...but I geuss 1,000 of attendes do now.

I hope E3 goes better...something jsut seems old about Xenon...where was anything new? Maybe it's because,as a gamer, I care more about actual games than avatars and freind's lsit. Their cool...but it comes down to the quality of the actual games, not all the extras, when I stand at Circuit City. In a lot of ways...Xenon looks less "hardcore" and more "universal". If thats the case, it's a sad, sad day.

Before the Storm

The Xbox keynote is tomorrow. MN is over there, blogging away about everything over at his personal blog, www.majornelson.com .

Wha I expect to happen is a lot of hints, teasers, little screen shots, if you will, of the Xbox Next's power. I don't expect anything close to a full reveil, more like a cinematic teaser of whats sure to come at E3.

XNA, as it is a developer's tool, and this is GDC (Developers, remember), will take a big chunck of the future of Xbox and gaming in general. I have a feeling we are going to get a lot of "in general"s tomorrow.

Also, I think universal encorporation-like a media center-will take the primary focus of the entire conferance. The next-gen (Now thats Next Gen III) will do more than play games...at least I geuss thats what the population wants.

I probably won't blog the results...as I'm sure all the others will do a better, quicker job of that. I might give my reaction, f anything big happens.

I Hate This, Wk 2

This week really only deals with men. Spefically, the Men's Bathroom.

Why do guys not like to flush the damn things? It's so gross to walk into a sall-or worse, a urnel-and see the yellow stuff still in there. Why can't you take the extra, what, two seconds and flush the thing? No, instead you leave it there for me to deal with. It's enough to make me puke. But it's also so obvious...you walk out, I walk in. I KNOW it was you.One of these days I'm going to walk out and make you flush it with your mouth.

I know it's gross becuase there are the sick ones out there who gvet a kick by peeing on the handel...but just wash your hands. You shoudl anyway.

I hate all who can't flush the John.

Star Wars Tuesday on Wednesday

Yesterday...two big things happened in the wolrd of SW.

One, LucasArts finally came through and delivered the SW:BF DLC, entitled Jabba's Palace. The map is nice, big but not too big. It probably won't be enough to bring me back to the game now, but it is nice to see a developer who does what they say they will.

Two, the SW:ROTS trailer was officaly confirmed by Lucas. It will air first on FOX's The O.C on March 10, then on the website for the stupid idiots who pay for HyperSpace, then with the movie Robots the next day, and finally open to the public on March 14.

I geuss I will have to set my Tivo for the OC on 3/10. I'll just fast-foward through all the teenage wanna-be drama...

Eat that EA!

Even though EA ius now kinda part of UbiSoft, the French company is still fighting with the evil giant.

UBI, this years winner for worst developer for their work with SC:PT online play, has annouced their plans for a future golf game to feature world-champion (insert name I dont remeber here). This will compete with Tiger Woods and EA's golf game.

In the end, its still golf, an dits still boring no matter if the title is down the side or in a circle.
The big question is: will Tiger be in UBI's game?

Annoucing: This week in my FBBL

Baseball season is upon us. EA has released their crap, the brids are startinbg to throw their crap, and the pitchers are ready to throw theirs. With that, Fantasy BaseBall is coming.

I particpate in the CBS sportsline one with a bunch of freinds. I want to do a blog about what happens there.

Should I:

a) Post it here as another "weekly" thing (So far, we have weekend audio, what I hate this week, and someother shit)

b) Create a new Blog...which would give the millions who read this another source for my BS

Again, email me at stardrummer@gmail.com fr what you think. But I really know that noone here could crae less.

HaHa Fooled 'ya!

I didn't go anywher this weekend. So send me the hatemail! At least I would get some mail. God. No one reads this AT ALL!

Instead, I stayed home, played Halo2 for like 4 hours, my clan got banned becuase they are all dicks and kept quiting the games just becase we were losing, played with some modem hackers, left, sent feedback. Hopew I don't get banned becuase I did nothing wrong. I just simply played. While everyone else around me was cheating, I did not. I hope they can tell.

Next week is the GDC up in San Fransico...where the gays get their chance to play Halo2 without looking like real men. Major is heading up there to do a few "podcasts" from there, should be worth cheeking out.

TSS looks pretty normal this week...overal this week is going to be pretty dull...save maybe a Chem test for me (But I love or at least am good at chem so its actually fun, in a sick, but odd way. But, come on, taking a test you know you are acing is always fun, right? Now, a Trig test, thats a whole differant world) I am getting paid $140 on Monday so I'll probably pick up Snowblind and Street Fighter 2...both look interesting...maybe SW:RC but it got bad reveiws. Maybe I'll just rent that one. I think I still have my february coupon for Hollywood video...let me tell you about these things. I bought my PS2 from them (only place I could find it, literaly). It came with a years worth of coupons for anything at Hollywood. No other renting requird. Just plain free stuff. Anyway, you get one a month, and you can only use them in that month. It seems like I'm always forgewtting though to actually use the damn things. So, I get a free game in February, June, August and November...thats whats left over from last year. If I don't remeber it this time, they are trash. Which, in a way they alreadly are since my Hollywood never has anything but old crap in stock...I usually rent from Gamerfly or Blockbuster or netflix...yes, I have accoutants at all three...I also have a SuperSatr accoutnant...they really suck. I go there to get old PS1 and N64 games...they STILL rent them, but the cool thing is they still work. I hate how you rent a game, get home, and realize it won't work.

Anyway, thats this week, and this is officaly the longest post Ive ever written (for the trivia buffs out there...there was the 9/11 list but I didn't write that, I justr Ctrl C, CtrlV-ed it.)

As the Major says...goodnight, have fun, and play fair!

Weekend Audio Post?

I have a good location this week. Your going to like it. Cheek in around 9 PM on Sunday.

Anyone else can post audio for me as well, just cheek below for the previous post, or e-mail me with any questions.

I'd also like to do a quick, 5 minute inteveiw with someone. E-mail me to set it up. Winner will recive... ah, a free Gmail accoutant?

I Hate This, Wk 1

Fridays are too postivite. I will brin them down with a weekly (or sorta-weekly) series of I Hate This.

I hate gum. Its ugly, its disgusting, and it has no real purpose. You look disgusting when you sit there, chomping away like a cow. Then, people throw it on the gorund, place it under a table, smack it, streach it, blow it, or take it out and "play" with it.

It's just so gross. I even hate that smell gum gives off when people first stick in their mouths, and the little sliver balls people leave behind.

Is it not gross to walk aorund, stepping on old gum that was once in some weird, strange, disgusting mouth? Is it not the worst thing in the world to see tht red string on you foot going back for like a foot to a wad of gum?

I hate gum. And I hate people when they chew it. So, stop it alreadly!

A "Tree" of Info From BWWU

Yes, a tree. Frankie told us this week that yes, the DLC will have trees in them. Notice I said them. Why? I quote: "I like one for graphics, the other for gameplay." That means at least TWO maps are coming in the wave of DLC. One will look good, one will play good.

He also said a bunch of other crap. Oh, and the "red wins ties" thing is going to be "100% fixed".

This Week's (Or Today's) Top News

Lotta news came out today in almost every sector I'm interested in.

• New screenshots of Destroy All Humans! This game looks really fun. Found at teamxbox.com
• MechAssualt 2 now Unlimited: Two exclusive maps released to the public. Some reaction to this from the TX forums:

lnin0
LAME! You should change that headline - very misleading. It should have read "MechAssualt 2 LE content released as free DLC to the 1% of the public that managed not to get the LE disc."I didn't even know you could buy a non-LE version of this game as everyplace I looked when it came out only sold the LE. I go and get all excited thinking there are some new maps out there only to find out NO - there is nothing new out there.

• Apple releases four new iPods...well, variations of their old ones. Among them, a 30 GB iPod Photo for $350
• SW:ROTS Trailer to debut on March 11 with "Robots". Hypersapce members can get it a few days early on March 8. Can someone please put up a "mirror"?
• The Army Game "America's Army: Rise of a Solider" set for a summer 2005 release on Xbox and Ps2. Hope it's not too realistic.
• Intel will publish new Star Wars themed controls. No, I still won't buy a Thrid Party. Even if Vader tells me to.
• TeamXbox gives Republic Commando an 8.3/10. Not that great. Even BattleFront scored higher than that.
• Bungie's Weekly What's What update gae us another one-word DLC hint: aquaduct. They siad DLC was still "on its way", but it looks like a patch, which they describe as being "huge", will come out first. Maybe by my B-day (3/31) I'll get some new maps. Maybe.

So I Have No Friends

I geuss no one decided to do an Audio MobCast for me... :( Oh well. In their defense, I thinlk they were going off to Six Flags, and it has rained here since Thursday. They probablyjust didn't go (or so I tell myself). Or they didn't want to get their cell wet. Yeah, thats probably it, right?

Also, MajorNelson over at www.majornelson.com is running contests to win cool new Xbox Live Headsets. They look comfy enough, a lot better then the mass produced stuff we have now. I'm going to try to win one!

Free Gmail Today, Today's News

First to click on the link below gets a free gmail accotant:
http://gmail.google.com/gmail/d-2-xbox577@hotmail.com-8a2c098e61c68f4ef0165ec3e945cb71ff8e742e

Also a gave some freinds the blog number, so I think they will do he Weekly Update (#3)

Also Remeber VGN? Did you start listening to this great podcast? Well...this Tuesday I'll be on the Guest Extension program. Look for it to pop up on their site sometime this week (VGN LINK)

Post Audio For Me!

Heres the info so that anyone, anywher, can do a MobCast for me!

STEP ONE: Call 1-(661) 716-blog (May be long distance)
STEP TWO: Enter in Primary phone number: 9097906478
Enter in Passcode: 33333, then #

Record after the chimy sound!

Anothe "Play of the Telephone" Via Google's Translate

OK, last time this didn't go over this well. But, I am willing to give the great Google gods one more, just one, more chance to make us all see how great their tool really is. But it better work, or else everyone who has a paper with anything on it in black ink will make fun of the Google guys, calling them bad names, and making them think they are not good people. Let's hope on my brother's best toad that it works like the wind that it should.

Vez ACEPTABLE, último esto no pasó esto bien. Pero, estoy dispuesto a dar a los grandes dioses uno de Google más, apenas uno, más ocasión de hacer que todos vemos cómo es grande su herramienta realmente está. Pero ella mejor trabajo, o bien cada una que tiene un papel con cualquier cosa en él en tinta negra se reirá de los individuos de Google, llamándolos los malos nombres, y haciéndolos piensa que ella no es buena gente. Vamos esperar en el mejor sapo de mi hermano que trabaje como el viento que debe.

ACCEPTABLE time, last this did not pass this good. But, I am arranged to give great Gods one of Google more, as soon as one, more occasion to do than all we see how its tool is great really is. But she better work, or each one that a paper with any thing in him in black red has will laugh of the individuals of Google, calling them the bad names, and doing she thinks them that she is not good people. We go to hope in the best toad of my brother who works like the wind that must.

8 Years Worth of Email

An interesting study was released today...dealing with eight years worth of emails. Apparently, this uy saved each and every one, for eight years, and has released his findings.

What did he find? Well, spam of course has gone up. We all know that. But what's interesting is how he manages to break down a week's worth of emails into like 15 categories, lists estimated time spent reading, thinking and responding to each, and then anaylizes it.

This stuff is deep. Heres the LINK, you know you want it now.

(Found at slashdot)

Crappy Nothing from Las Fuentas

This Weekend's Audio (Housework)

OK, so its not perfect

After playing around with this Google translator thing... I realized its not perfect. But, you can play a pretty fun game of Telephone with it!

Heres the orginal:
This is a game of telephone. I will say the same thing, just translated into differant languages. I will start with English to Spanish, then Spainish to German, then German to French. I hope that it works, ad that it dosn't make me go to the bathroom and throgh it all up!

Then after translated:
This one is a play of the telephone. I say the same thing, at once that translated that languages differant. * I beginning with Spanish English zum, then German, then German Spainish the French. I hope that, the fact the advertisement functions with this one dosn' T which goes in the bathroom and throgh him very for in top!

Not perfect...nut hey, thats like five languages!

Todays Post.. En Espanol!

NOTE: I don't speak Spainish. This is using Google's Translate Tool :)

Así pues, pensé que intentaría algo differant hoy. Como usted puede decir probablemente, este podcast está entirly en Spainish. Ningún... no puedo hablarlo en todos. (seguro, su mi cuarta clase del período, pero, infierno, Im no que bueno poder escribir todo el esto, lol) no, no. Estoy utilizando Google traduzco la herramienta. Jugaba alrededor con ella antes y pensado le estaba bastante fresco. ¡Esto puede definatly ayudarme hacia fuera con la preparación de Spainish!

Where should I go this weekend?

Perhaps this could be the start of something... weekly audio posts from somewhere cool! I need suggestions though...where should I go? It's gotta be somewhere where my cell will work (Thats why no inside Disneyland rides were posted). And, of course, I've got to be able to talk.

The question is, where should I go?

50 INVITES!!! WOW!

Looks like, by purpose, accadent, or glitch...Gmail has given me 50 invites!

It all started last week, when a box appeard on the left hand side. The old way to send an invite was via a link at the top. Last week, a new box appeard at the bottom.

Now, it says I have 50 invites left.

Needless to say...if anyone (your dog included) wants an invite...don't hesitate to ask! I NEED people to take them!

Should I encorporate Disney into this blog?

As Disneyland approaches the big 5-oh this year, I am wondering if I should start to blog more about Dinseyland and my various trips there. I do, in fact, love going, and I do, also in fact, have a lot of trivia about the park and tons of stories about various inside info and just weird trips and sights from there.
Some Info:

• I do own a Season Pass
• Ilive very close
• I go about once a week
• I know alot about it
• I know alot of "Cast members" = Inside scoop

I think it would make the blog a little more "random" and less "Xbox"...Not that there's anything wrong with Xbox...just it gets a little boring.

I am not quit sure. I want YOU to help me. Post a comment or send me some mail...should I include Disneyland in this blog? (Creating another one...no. I don't want to).

id Delays Doom 3...again

I think they really just want to give Xbox owners everything that the PC owners got. Now, all we need is a hack from the GDC or E3 to pop up and it's all set!

Interestingly enough...I actually stumbled upon this before TeamXbox, IGN or Gamestop. I just happened to be looking at an investment site and id's fiscal plans popped up and I read them. I cheeked IGN and the lot and at the time, it was still not set up. I would have blogged about it, but I was lazy. But I swear I did do it first!

Outside Disneyland

By Space Mtn

On the Way to DLand

Tomorrow...Remember to Cheek

Don't forget...tomorrow is the Disneyland trip! I'll try to post audio about every hour or so...depending on we I am at the time. Since no one gave me any suggestions...I geuss I am on my own.

Also, Bungie says they are upgrading the Halo2 stats tomorrow night, starting at 10. This should NOT effect actal gameplay, or stats on Xbox Live...but apparetly Bungie.net may be down for a day.

Another, Smaller LAN Party

I' having a couple of friends over tonight...and we will be looking for more players on Halo2!! Much smaller this time, and we will probably be doing Team Training or Custom Games all night.

Rember to send F/R to
StarDrummer
Cheers44
El SexyBeast

New Podcast--MostlyTrivial

This is a nice, quick, almost dialy podcast about...trivia. It's owrth a look and a listen.

LINK

Now thats a Nice Mod

Cheek out this ebay auction...it's freakin amazing. Man...If I had the dough (or pounds, in this case) I would so buy this. This must be the ultimate hardcore fan's dream...likethe guy that owns the Death Star model...if only...if only...

LINK

Note on The Disneyland Audio

As I mentioned below in the audio post...I am going to Disneyland this Sunday (2/6/05). As I will not have access to my laptop, the audio will be posted without a headline. While this really isn't that bad if your reading this via source...those who use the RSS will have some difficulty. You may not be able to see it at all, in fact. But, just to be sure, cheek for "white space" above.

Hope to get some good audio...any ride suggestions? (No shows...they don't allow it. But, I might be able to dial up inisde, say, Splash Mout'n...hey thats a good idea. No, wait...water+Phone=not good. Maybe...ah, Thunder M'tn? Sorin' over CA?)

Sound Update--Walking in my house

SW:ROTS Plot Leaked...sorta

Lucas, as we all know, thinks very highly of his new SW movies, and guards and and all info about the flims with thekind of force one expects Fort Knox to use.

Lucas as we all know, likes to mkae lots of money with his new SW movies, and will do anything to make the Toy compainies happy.

Apparently the latter is much more important. According to www.rebelscum.com , The plot line for Episode III has been sorta reveild throgh a released card collection title list. Nothing major, but definatly some confirmation to alot of the rumors flying around.

I'm not going to post the list...becuase I like to actually be surprised (imagine that, My God!) when I see the movie. I, myself, have not read the list yet. You can find it above or at www.teamxbox.com. (And yes, the only rreason I spelled out the www. was becuase Im lazy and Blogger will do the link for me. So, eat it.

So, you Like?

So, how'd you like my audio posts I did over the weekend? I k now the quality sucks...but thats OK becuase it came from my cellphone. I promise I'll only use this audioblogger thing when Im away. And Im NOT going to do a podcast...I just don't think enough people care to make it worth my time. I will, however, continue to do these audio posts.

I also want to work on a way to get a weekly Halo2 Audio file or something. That could be considered my "Podcast" I geuss. But, as you can tell, its still early on.

If anyone has any comments, suggestions, or knows how to record the game audio...drop me a line

StarDrummer@Gmail.com

Halo2 Game Audio

Audio Test

Oddword: Strange Games

I went out and rented Oddword this weekend. I have not followed this game at all...and was actually surprised to learn (via the back of the box) that its an FPS.

Its a good game, and manages to keep most of the smart (and unsmart) humor of the frist game fairly well. Thew graphics are OK, and the controls are tight, but something seems askew. I can't put my fingure on it. Perhaps its the live ammo thing. I don't know...something just don't flow with the game. Ive played about halfway through and Ill post once Im finished...but I doubt it will change.

Not Playing with Incubus? Play with Me!

Didn't win the GWF this week? No troubles. Im having a LAN party this weekeend, for today (1/28) and tomorrow (1/29), probably going into early Sunday/Monday (1/30,1/31). Feel free to add me or join up to my game...under the following names:

StarDrummer
StarDrummer Douce
El SexyBeast
Cheers44
ASSWHOOO

Xbox 2 at E3

TeamXbox reported that MS execs are going on the record to state that Xbox 2 will debute at this years E3. Sony and Ninetndo have already done the same, however, many were hoping for a GDC release.

In the long run, though, there is only two things people want to know: price and date. Becuase, afterall, what else will E3 show us.

It seems that this year E3 will be all about the consoles...making OXM wrong, again. I hate that magazine.

Got the Halo2 Stat Reader to work!

No, Im not dead (for real)

Cheek out this story here.

Thats odd, eh

(Early or extremly smart readers may notice the irony in the title)

Why EA (might) Fall in 2005,2006

Yesterday I presented you with a chilling thought...EA and Microsoft working together. I, perosnally, do not belive that to be the case. This is my personal belief on the future of EA.

This year, its going to take a nose dive. Wayyy down. Below zero. Its gonna see reds so dark balck will look light.

Heres why: EA has officaly lost the hardcore base. Its deals have undermined the entire gaming community, so much so that people are willing to start petitions and stand outside EB and yell. While this probably won't do anything (Unless you yell for Family Guy...FOX listens, lol), but they show the result of EA screwing over the gaming community. As a result, the gaming community hates EA.

So, whats the big deal? EA dosn't get its money from the hardcore you say. True...at least 10 percent buy their games based on the cover alone...but this year will be differant. Two words: new consoles. I belive that Xbox Next (Or Xenon, or Xbox II or Xbx 2...w/e...nothings been "officaly" annouced so wtf do people feel the need to correct me!)

Back on subject...new consoles. By Christmas this year, only the "hardcore" will have the new consoles...even into 2006, only the hardcore will have chucked up the money for them. EA will push their new games onto this new consoles, and they will flop.

Thats my theory...sure it has holes, but so do all the rest.

A Differant View of the EA Deals

Take a look at this comment, posted in the TeamXbox forums by someone (Not me):

(Name Deleted)
again....im the only one saying this.....but i bet with my life that Microsoft is behind these moves of EA. why did oddworld become exclusive for xbox in the first place? wasn't it slated for ps2 too? noooo..after the announcement of the "again" exclusivity of oddworld and after the announcement of microsoft not going ahead with xsn and after microsoft announcing that EA has "joined" the XB LIVE band wagon....this kinds of shiznits starts to happen...not to mention a SUSPICIOUS "spill out" by EA having to accidentally announce an exact date on an xbox launch and their plans for its future....eg burn out 4 etc...ever wonder why microsoft is not fighthing these exclusivities? why are they not commenting about it? obviously it would impact their business right? so why is MS staying quite about this?

the reason is...EA and MS has secretly teamed (both american companies) to bring down sony and other foreign competitors. just imagine how much money the two companies can make if they had ALL of the rights and exclusives on popular sports like NFL and other blockbuster games like ubi and so on....in my mind...i believe that MS owns EA already...mark. ..my. ..words...EA wont do a drastic move to acquire these licenses if they have not been informed that they would get top position over the console market....and that market is xbox next

In deed, this is one way to see the whole EA thing....I'm too sure about it, but it is a possibility. I still belive that EA is in bed with Sony, but this does present a much more comforting veiw of the future for Xbox gamers.

They Fought EA...and THEY Won

Take Two is standing up to EA. In what maybe a shot heard 'round the world in the world of videogames, EA has lost a battle. Well, almost.

Takje Two annouced today that they have agreed, in principal, to an exclusive deal with the MLB Player's Association. The deal is complicated, and roughly inlvolves the folllowing:

-Only the player rosters would, in theory, be exclusive, as the MLB is not part of the deal.This would mean that they (EA) could publish an MLB game, but not with the likeness of any real players.

-This deal allows first-party publishers (Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo) to still publish games.

-The deal does not start untill 2006....so a MVP Baseball 2005 is going to still come.

-It currently isn't set in stone. This could all change.

I will buy any product thats trying to give the stiff arm to EA.

Doom 3 in March, Limited Edition Available

Looks like Doom 3is now offical for an ealry March (Like 5-8) release date. Id also annouced their plans for a "limited" collectors edition, which includes some crap making of, and the first two version of the game.

I'll probably get the Limited Edition, even though its like 10 bucs more, just to play the first two version, since I never really have. Should be interesting to see how well they made the PC to Xbox jump...

Whats up with all the limited editions latly? Gamers won't keep buying these things forever. With Halo2 it was like, cool, more stuff! Then the MK came, and it was neat, then Splinter Cell got it, now this and a bunch of others. My point is, I don't think gamers care enough about all these games to make the whol "special" edition work. With Halo2, it did so well becuase people love Halo sooo much...they loved the idea of a "special" tin...but I doubt enough people will love these games to make the LE work out the way it did for Halo2.

R63 Assult Pack 2

For those who havn't heard,, the latest R83: BA content was released today. MajorNelson put some pics up over at his blog and the full report on it.

I, for one, will not be buying this. I bought the last one and have played maybe two of the maps on there. I'm not wasting five bucks for something I know I won't use. Halo2 is just too good to put down for the lagfest that is Black Arrow. I'll take a lag-free and developer-supported game over one thats the exact oppoiste ANY day.

Now, when the Halo2 content comes (which, BTW, has something to do with trenches...yay!) I WILL gladly pay 4.99 or, for that manner, 9.99 for it.

Another News Story

Sorry, forgot to cheek with the trusty TeamXbox...

Annual 2004 Top 10 Video Game Titles, Ranked By Units Sold
-------- ----
1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
2 Halo 2
3 Madden NFL 2005 (PS2)
4 ESPN NFL 2K5 (PS2)
5 Need For Speed:
6 Pokemon Fire Red W/Adapter
7 NBA Live 2005
8 Spider-Man: The Movie 2 -
9 Halo
10 ESPN NFL 2K5 (XBX)

Total sales this year was close to 10 Billion...thats a lot. Note that GTA did beat Halo2...but its been out longer as well. Also...note that Halo 1 was in the top ten...that an amazing feat for a game made all the way back in 2001!

Daily News Round-Up

Lotta news today, so I thought I'd sum it all up in one post for today...

-EA gets ESPN-This one struck me as odd...I suppose ESPN sold out on VC, the makers of the 2K series of games. EA just continues to gather up all this huge companies and take over the market, like a big fat guy takes over the all-you-can eat bar. I seriosly don't know about this... EA already had the NFL, so I geuss this is only "for the better"

-MSN puts RSS on My.MSN- Nice, a tad bit slow, but nice integration. I alreadly lilke my RSS reader (Pluck), but, for the common man, this should get more people into the whole RSS thing because MS is behind it...they seeem to do that to people.

-Another MS Thingy, the Anti-Spyware-I know its has been out for awhile and really isn't new news in itself, but I DL it today and ran it for the frist time. It didn't pick anything up...

-NFL on youe iPod- This is kinda new news...I know iTunes had something similar, at least last week or so. But I doubt this will catch on. The fact that it isn't live will just hold it back too much to make it even a contender. I can't speak for everyone, but whats the point of listening (not even watching, mind you) a game you probably alreadly know the result of. Untill they can get instant downloads using WiFi (or airport)...radio will remain ahead in this one.

-Lastly, in a late news report-Incubus is playing Halo2 on the "Game with Fame" thing...but its another one of those contests, not a luck of the matchmade game thing...you have to enter, then get placed on their FL.

Did you cheek out VGN yet?

If not, go right now! Their podcast is awsome, and their reveiws are even better. But, best of all, they give free games! This weeks its some PC strat game...go now!

LINK for main site

LINK for podcast

LINK for RSS feed

Thats alotta Nickles

This story stuck me as down-right odd. Read it here.

Where'd they all go? Of coure the driver looks like the guy, but still, why nickels? Quaters would be easier...but then the dollar coin would be the most profitable...imagine if it was pennies!

Whats Up With The Halo2 RSS Feed?

Bungie's had a hard time with stats this month. First the entire Rumble Pit stats get erased at the start of the new year, the now-infamous 2K5 bug. Then the sie goes crazy. Then it shuts done altoghter. Now, the RSS feed is, well, going crazy as well. Here's what its spewing out...every second:

Arranged Game: None on Unknown
Game played at Wed, 12 Jan 2005 22:41:44 GMT
Playlist: Arranged GameNone on Unknown
Gamertag (Team): Score, Kills, Deaths, Assists
hello (0): 12, 12, 1,
0goodbye (0): 1, 1, 12, 0

Thats odd, isn't it? Its not like Im pissed at Bungie, no. But they have had one rough month havn't they. Maybe they are up to something...something on Halo2?

Thanks Guys!

Recieved news today that a free game is in the mail for me!

The cool guys over at VideoGamenews.com have a really cool system set up...just write them a letter about games, and you could win one!

I received Full Spectrum Warrior...this week its Amazing Island for the GameCube. Give it a shot!

Their podcast is also pretty good (R-Rated)

StarDrummer's STAR Awards 2004

Its that time of year...when everyone seems to be making little lists that try to sum up the year in a few awards. It really dson't, but its still fun nonetheless. Here's my 2004 STAR Awards.

Console of the Year
Xbox
Runner-up: GameCube

New Device
Nintendo DS
Runner-up: iPod Photo

Best Online Game*
SC:PT
Runner-up: R63:BA

Best Offline Game*
KOTOR II
Runner-up: Fable

Best Graphics
Halo 2
Runner-up: Ninja Gaiden

Best Gameplay
Halo 2
Runner-up: Burnout 3

Best Controls
Halo 2

Best Star Wars game:
KOTOR II
Runner-up: Battlefront

Best PC Game
Half Life 2
Runner-up: WOW

Best PS2 Game
GTA: San Andres
Runner-up Dog's Life, MGS3

Best Gamecube Game
Metriod Prime 2
Runner-up: None (?)

Best Console Add-on
Donkey Konga (GC)
Runner-up: Xbox Media Extender, PS2 HDD

Best Xbox Game
Halo2
Runner-up: Burnout 3, SC:PT

Game of the Year
Halo 2
Runner-up: Half Life 2

Best Developer
Bungie (for Halo 2)
Runner-up: Valve (For Half-life 2)

Best Publisher
Microsoft (For Halo 2)
Runner-up: LucasArts (For KOTOR II)

Best DLC
PGR2 Maps
Runner-up: R63 Maps

And now, the bad awards
Worst Developer
Tie: UBIsoft/Atari (For SC:PT and Driv3r)

Biggest Flop
Driv3r

Worst Add-on
Xbox Live Arcade

Worst DLC
SC:PT

(Note: Halo2 was not included in best online game or best offline game because it was winner of the GOTY award. It recived higher marks then those that did win that catagory, but, I didn't want Halo 2 to win everything, so the GOTY award now superceeds all other awards...so it comes in like 0 place in all applicable ctagories...lol)

Tomorrow: The STAR awards for all non-videogame stuff, including:
Best TV Show
Best Movie
Best new Blog
Biggest News story of the year
Best Book

...and more!

SC:PT Content Now Free

The previously Permuim DLC for Splinter Cell:PT is now free.

This is good news to all of you who never paid the 5 bucks for the maps.

For those of us who did (myself included), this is just another way UBI is ripping us off. I used to like UiSoft...they used to make good games. Now, I really don't. The release a game full of bugs, and then never ever fix it.Same with Black Arrow. They try, sure, but n the end, they do a half-ass job of "trying" as the real problem is never fixed.

This is why people love Bungie so much!

My Game List

Being its been like 5 months since I last posted this...and I now have a totally changed collection, I thought you all could use an updated list.

Heres what they are, from most played to least.
Halo2
Burnout 3
SW Battlefront
Call of Duty: FH
Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow
Splinter Cell: PT
Bicycle Casino
PGR2
MechAssult 1
XIII
NASCAR 2005
ESPN NBA 2K5 (and 2K3)
--------------------------------
SW: The Clone Wars
SW: JO: Jedi Acadamy
RTCW
Trival Pursuit Unhinged
Counter-Strike
Rainbow Six 3
NFL fever '03 and '04
Unreal II
Unreal Championship
Whacked! (retail and demo)
Moto GP (demo)
(KOTOR)
(Xbox Music Mixer)
(Driv3r)

--This list order, now that its done, is actually only sorta correct...games before the lines I play, ones below I have but don't really.
(Not really a game)

WTF? Stats Wiped Out?

Apparently, there was no Y2K bug. No, it wanted to wait five years...and become the much cooler Y2K5 bug and instead of invading PCs... it wanted Halo 2.

Apparently, something happened to the Bungie servers and the entire stats for Rumble Pit are gone. Wiped out. I'm now a Level 0 (which isn't much bad news, since I was only a measly 10...but still)

What is bad about this is now all the Halo Godz are now ranked about the same as me...which means my ass is going to be getting wooped for a few weeks by Level 30s who appear as only Lvl 1s...that sucks.

All I want to know is...what the hell happened Bungie?

The Bomb?

TeamXbox reported this yesterday...
Halo 2.5 will be an Xbox 2 launch title and is going to run in HDTV resolution with new, improved textures and graphical effects. All the stuff that people expected from Halo 2 but didn’t make the cut will be there.”
Although our source didn’t specify which HDTV resolution the game will run at, HDTV’s lower spec is enough to get excited. Can you imagine Halo 2 running at 1280x720?!!! We also wonder what was meant by “all the stuff people expected from Halo 2 but didn’t make the cut.” With this kind of top-secret info, you don’t ask; you simply listen. We cross our fingers that this will include online co-op, more multiplayer maps, and the final conclusion to the Halo 2 story. “The technology that powers Halo 2 has been designed from day one to take advantage of the next generation hardware,” the insider added. “In Halo 2, the Xbox was pushed to its limits but now the game will reach new heights with the advanced hardware.” But that is not the only info our insider had for us as soon after he dropped the bomb: “Now, here is the twist. Halo 2.5 will come preloaded with the optional HDD. It’ll be one of the two reasons to get the Xbox 2 that comes with a hard drive. The other reason… well, you’ll just have to wait” Sounds crazy to us but that’s what we have been told. Interestedly, if this is true, the rumor confirms the existence of, at least, two editions of the Xbox successor. Last month, we reported about the supposed Microsoft plan to release three versions of the Xbox successor. Although never in console history has an add-on sold enough to represent a large percentage of the install base, the inclusion of Halo 2.5 would probably sell millions of hard drives and/or other peripherals that includes this special edition. And supposedly, there’s still one other reason…what could that be?

I geuss I was right...a Halo 2.5 indeed! Lets just cross our fingures we get a better ending!

Holiday Game Overload

I have too much gaming to do...so many games, so little time. My "collection", for lack of a bettter term, has been extended to now include:

Call of Duty, Finest Hour (XBX)
KOTOR II (XBX)
Burnout 3 (XBX)
ATV 3 (PS2)
Dogs Life (PS2)
Mario Cart Double Dash (GCN)
Metroid Prime 2 (GCN)

Earth to end in 2029

But thats about twenty years too soon...the Covenant doesn't land untill 2054!

LINK

ASOUF, Not that Bad

ASOUF (aka Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfourtunate Events) is actually not that bad of a movie. Acting was great, Jim Carrey was funny, and the adaptation was perfect. The movie totally mathces the sad, weird but funny in-an-odd-sick-kinda-sense the books manage t do so well. I'd be willing to bet that, beisdes the Incrediables, this is one of the best movies this Holiday (I'll say Holiday, lol), unless you wanna include the three-hour long Aviator, which seems good, but I just don't want to sit through another bipic this season. Ray, which, altough good, was enough to last me.

In all seriousness, ASOUF os a good moive. I'd see it. Again. Also, if you like this movie, try the books. They are even better, and they last longer. Not much longer, but, taken all togther, they last longer (each book is only abou 200+ pages, but small pages and large text)

On a side note, the movie IS NOT called Lemony Snicket. Its ASOUE. Not Lemony. Thats the author, who plays a role in the story, but not the title.People will go into this movie under the wrong mindset if they are thinking that Lemony plas some huge role, he dosn't. Well, not yet anyway...

At least its Coming

J.K. Rowling released the ah release date for the sixth Potter book early today...July 16, 2005. Yes, I do read these books, and yes, they generaly are good. This book is entitled "HP and the Half-Blood Prince" and is the next to last book ever.

LINK

If I only Had a real Rocket Launcher...

EA deserves to go down into history as the worst company, ever. As if owning the NFL wasn't bad enough, now they want my Rainbow Six and Midtown Madness.

In a story still unfolding as I write, EA purchused 20% of UbiSoft today, and extended their offer to buy-out DICE (maker of MM3). UBI then declared hat the 20% was hostile (what the hell differance that makes, I don't really know)

EA is tkaing over the world, and briging us their crap! I will never, ever, ever buy an EA Tom Clancy game as long as I live. And thats a promise.

EA needs to die. Now.

Spanglish--OK Movie

Cheeked out this movie over the weekend and I liked it...about 3 outta four stars for me. The cast was great, and most of the writting was good as well, but there are just some holes in the plot that the movie dosn't cover up.

Offended By Warm Wishes?

It really is beyond me why people get so worked up over a simple "Merry Christmas"! Its just a holiday greeting! Even if you were of a totally differant relgious sect, how the hell is that offensive to ANYONE? I wouldn't care if someone came up to me and wished me a "Happy Kawanza", so why do people care if I wish them a Merry Christmas? Its my belifs, anfd I just choice to show them. This is not offensive...a do not see why some people will get worked up over being so god damn PC...come on, its not offensive!

The Winner

Kelly!! I was right!

Xbox in TA

Xbox was in TA (as MN previously hinted at). Jen kinda screwed them over though...I mean, Halo2 without power? Give me a break! I would be screaming at them! Just plug it in, right? Simple, yet, they missed the point completly. Man, that sucks.

The Apprantice Winner?

Gotta be Kelly...that my prediction with just a few seconds to go!

GTA:SA Going Green

The game that beat out Halo2 for Spike TV's "Game of the year" award is going green in the near future.

Rockstar annouced the game will ship for the Xbox and PC June 7, 2005 in the states and June 10 around the world.

Lets see how the game was meant to be played!

If you Didn't Alreadly Hate EA...You do Now

As if EA didn't give us enoughreasons already to hate them, by doing such things as creating crap, selling it, and then telling us it good, or, taking off the online part after the seasons overall, they went ahead and gave another reason to yell at them.

In a deal that is sure to become legendary, EA managed to buy the NFL for five years. Well, the virtual NFL anyway.

Untill like 2009, EA is the only software company the NFL will license its players and teams to for a videogame. period. That means absolutly no ESPN 06. That Sucks.

Don't Belive? Click It.