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.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Friday, April 15, 2005
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.
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...
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...
Thursday, April 14, 2005
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.
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.
"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/
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
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.
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!
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!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, April 01, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
