The Console Wars: 08.14.2005 | Xbox 360, Playstation 3 PS3, Revolution

Xbox 360 and Playstation 3: Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD

"The consortiums backing rival next-generation DVD formats Blu-Ray and HD-DVD have moved to taking pot-shots at each other over security features - despite the fact that both systems are adopting near-identical technologies.

The argument kicked off when the Blu-Ray Disc Association - an organisation which led by companies including Sony, which will use Blu-Ray in the PlayStation 3 - announced that it's to use a range of measures to prevent piracy of BD-ROM discs.

Among those measures is something called the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), which is also being used by HD-DVD and provides a content management system that apparently 'enables new consumer usage models around network functionality and internet connectivity'.

On top of that, Blu-Ray has a new step called the 'ROM Mark', a hidden watermark on Blu-Ray discs which can only be mastered by licensed content creators and therefore cannot - in theory - be duplicated by pirates, and a system called BD+ which allows content providers to update their encryption dynamically to deal with hacks to players, thus avoiding the scenario with DVD where encrypted content could be ripped easily once the encryption had been broken once. " [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 07:16:00 PM // PermaLink //

Carmack on next-gen hardware

"id legend John Carmack has revealed that they are currently working on a brand new title for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Speaking at QuakeCon last week Carmack revealed that id is working on a secretive title for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and did not mention the Nintendo Revolution. Carmack refused to reveal any details on the game, but did say we can expect the game to be released on all formats at around the same time. Commenting on the next-gen console hardware Carmack said the Xbox 360 is much like its predecessor, being very easy to develop on thanks to good development tools. He went on to add that the PlayStation 3 is very much like a PC in that Sony is offering a more open source environment." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 04:13:00 PM // PermaLink //

Naka-San: "You will be pleasantly surprised."

"News from Leipzig. This morning, I interviewed Yuji Naka, creator of Sonic. I asked him just how revolutionary the upcoming Nintendo console really was and he answered: 'I am under a strict NDA, so I can´t really say much. But I have seen the Revolution and I think everyone will be very pleasantly surprised, when Nintendo reveal everything.'

In a few days I will be able to view the tape and write down the entire answer he gave. But this excerpt is good news already. Sorry for the lack of posts while I´m at the Games Convention - but please hang on in there."

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 02:36:00 PM // PermaLink //

Nintendo Revolution: New Franchises Beyond Mario

"EGM sat down with current executive vice president of sales and marketing Reggie Fils-Aime. Here's the interview regarding new franchises and Mario

EGM: So you would say for Revolution, that we should expect more of those key franchises you already have to kind of drive and launch Revolution?

RFA: Absolutely. And as Mr. Iwata said, so we're working on our next true Mario platformer for Revolution; we're working on our next Metroid, and we showed snippets of that work. And I'm actually meeting with Michael Kelbaugh to spend some time with him to understand the vision for our next Metroid Prime game. You'll see Zelda. You'll see Smash Bros. And Mr. Iwata certainly wants that to be a wireless Internet-enabled game because we know it would be so much fun for the core gamer.

So absolutely, for Revolution you will see all of our franchises, plus, we've gone on record to say that we are aggressively working on a number of new franchises. And that is something that has been a criticism of the past, you know, 'Folks, are you milking Mario and doing too many Mario-type games?' We are hard at work at new franchises and we believe that's going to be critical to the launch of Revolution." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 01:16:00 PM // PermaLink //

Origen Xbox 360: OurColony.Net v2?

"A new web site, registered to Microsoft Corp, has gone live today, featuring a backward countdown. In addition to the countdown, origenXbox360.com also has a tree, a green shape that looks like a rabbit and behind that shape a hidden item that looks like an Xbox 360 placed in its vertical position.

What exactly is happening in 37 seven days? Before we counted the days on the calendar, we thought this date could either coincide with the TGS or X05 shows but to our surprise neither date matches the September 26th date the countdown is counting to." [more]

Link: Origen Xbox 360

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 12:26:00 PM // PermaLink //

NBA 2K6: New Gameplay Details, Xbox 360 Box Art

"If you're at all like me, the baseball season's chipping away at its schedule merely means the NBA season is that much closer to kicking off. So imagine the excitement when 2K Sports today released new details about the passing mechanics in NBA 2K6 and gave us a glimpse of the box art for the Xbox 360 version.

2K Sports has enhanced the basic directional passing and lead passing in NBA 2K6 for more accuracy and realism, with alley-oop passes able to be performed at anytime. Of course, in order to complete a successful alley-oop, the timing and situation must be right, so don't go you won't want to go lobbing the ball from the opponent's baseline, or the pass will fly out of bounds or result in a turnover.

New to NBA 2K6 is also "Icon Lead Passing," a feature allowing gamers to perform a pass to a specific player and lead that player to a designated area on the court. In other words, gamers will be able to use athletes with great passing attributes to perform flashy passes without needing to pop in NBA Street V3 (read DailyGame's review).

In addition to releasing this new passing information, 2K Sports sent along the box art for the PS2, Xbox and Xbox 360 versions of the game. The box art for each is darn near identical, but we decided to share the Xbox 360 version, since that's the only next-generation system coming out this year."

¶ D.Vader // 8/20/2005 10:23:00 AM // PermaLink //

REIN: "WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON UNREAL 4 FOR TWO YEARS"

"Epic's VP announces Unreal 4 to the world and appeals for extra manpower and firepower to seal global dominance!

17:40 Not content with ruling the next gen with its all conquering Unreal Engine 3 - which has been licensed by Microsoft for the 360, Sony for the PS3 and just about every serious next gen PC developer worth their salt - Epic Games has already begun the march to global hegemony in the next next generation, with work on the previously unheard of Unreal Engine 4, now revealed to have begun over two years ago.

"Unreal Engine 4 will be totally groundbreaking and the way games will be done in the future," Rein continued. I don't expect it to be staffed up as a full team for several years. But when people come to work at Epic, they can come here with the knowledge that we're always keeping one eye on the future and they're going to be helping to shape the future of the videogame business" continued Rein.

Well our gobs were well and truly smacked at this bombshell, because we've seen what Unreal Engine 3 can do already and we're only at the beginning of it's potential going into the next gen. Imagine what it'll be like in three year's time when developers have got a full handle on it and can use it to maximum potential with Epic's mature toolset.

But Unreal Engine 4? Our minds veritably boggle at the prospect. God alone knows what Epic are cooking up there, but if it's the generational leap forward that Unreal Engine 3 is, then world look out. Rein hinted that it's designed for the next next generation of hardware. Epic feels they got a two to three year headstart on this generation when they started Unreal Engine 3 and aimed it for hardware that was only in the planning stages at the time. Their gamble paid off when Microsoft and Sony chose that level of hardware to power their upcoming next-gen consoles. Rein says the focus for Unreal Engine 4 is getting a leg up on the competition for the next major paradigm shift in computing hardware that is likely to see the light in future PCs and console systems that are mere concepts today." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/19/2005 06:51:00 PM // PermaLink //

The David Hasselhoff Compendium

GU Comics by: Woody Hearn

Last but not least, what were they thinking?

I Like You! Pass it on to people you like, too!

¶ D.Vader // 8/19/2005 12:30:00 PM // PermaLink //

Nintendo stages upset in Joystiq console purchase poll

"On August 11th, we asked the readers of Joystiq to let us know what consoles, if any, they intend to purchase when Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo unleash upon us their next barrage of pixel-rendering goodness. The results are pictured above and the results are surprising.

Compared to other polls that we’ve been watching, Nintendo appears to have staged a bit of an upset, coming in a close second place behind the Xbox 360 console when we asked readers which next-gen system or systems they intend to buy. Many Joystiq readers voted for all three consoles. No surprise there as we’ve got a strong contingent of hardcore gamers who purchase just about any and every system that’s released." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/18/2005 07:19:00 PM // PermaLink //

Ubisoft to support Revolution

"Ubisoft recently announced that they will be fully supporting the Nintendo Revolution. However they did not state if they will be making any of their older titles avalible for download via Nintendo's Online download sevice.

Last Wednesday, UK MD Rob Cooper spoke at a press and retail event and said the company had "many" next-generation games in development and would support PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Revolution fully. The company also intends to continue producing "innovative, new brands regularly"."

¶ D.Vader // 8/18/2005 04:19:00 PM // PermaLink //

EA and Def Jam Tag-Team Up

"Electronic Arts and Def Jam Enterprises, a subsidiary of Rush Communications, announced today that they are extending their strategic partnership. The two companies have signed a multi-year exclusive agreement (length and financial terms of the agreement not disclosed) to "deliver next-generation videogames across multiple genres." The first game under this new deal will be Def Jam 3 (working title) the sequel to Def Jam Vendetta and Def Jam Fight for NY. No specific systems were announced for Def Jam 3, but a PS3 and Xbox 360 release seem likely.

"EA and Def Jam are two of the most recognized brands in entertainment and we are thrilled to extend this partnership into the next generation of console technology," said Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO at EA.

"This partnership continues to solidify the Def Jam Enterprises and EA brands as catalysts of cultural product innovation in all facets of entertainment. The next generation platform opens unlimited possibilities in gaming and we are confident that along with EA, we will guarantee ground-breaking titles," said Kevin Liles, President & CEO, Def Jam Enterprises/EVP Warner Music Group."

¶ D.Vader // 8/18/2005 02:20:00 PM // PermaLink //

Image Source: totalvideogames.com

PRO EVO 5 CONFIRMED FOR XBOX 360

"Konami has confirmed Pro Evolution Soccer 5 for Xbox 360 this morning at Games Convention 2005, currently underway in Leipzig, Germany. Great news, although not exactly unexpected with Konami announcing Winning 11 (Japan's version of Pro Evo) for Microsoft's next-gen machine at the Xbox Summit in Japan last month.

No more details at this time, although with Konami giving an autumn 2006 release for Winning 11 on 360 it looks as though it'll be a fair few months before us Western folk see Pro Evolution Soccer 5 on the console.

Konami has also said that Pro Evolution Soccer 5 will appear on 'other new hardware' in 2006, or in other words on PS3 and potentially Nintendo's Revolution."

¶ D.Vader // 8/18/2005 11:14:00 AM // PermaLink //

Wired News: Blu-Ray Closer to Being Universal

"Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies, said it planned to back Sony's (SNE) next-generation DVDs, firing another salvo in the media format wars.

Blu-ray, developed by Sony, is challenging rival HD-DVD to be the main technology used in new DVDs that delivers sharper pictures and more features. HD-DVD was developed by Toshiba.

The backing by Universal Music, whose talent roster includes Elton John, Mariah Carey and U2, is of little surprise. The company is listed as a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association on its website.

Blu-ray is expected to be introduced by Sony in its next video-game console, the PlayStation 3, by spring 2006. Devices that run Toshiba's HD-DVD are expected to be in stores by this fall."

¶ D.Vader // 8/17/2005 04:51:00 PM // PermaLink //

[New] Xbox 360 Images

"New images of Tiger Woods, Fight Night & Need for Speed.

EA has been gradually releasing images of their upcoming Xbox 360 titles to keep the anticipation mounting, and today they released some new images of Tiger Wood's PGA Tour 2006, Need for Speed: Most Wanted & Fight Night 3.

The screenshots themselves look absolutely amazing, and make us anticipate the launch of the Xbox 360 even more.

The XBox 360 is currently set for release at the end of November in Europe, and in early 2006 for Australia. The images can be found in the Media Panel, and we'll have more as soon as they become available."

[read]

¶ D.Vader // 8/17/2005 03:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

So, You're Buying an Xbox 360?

"So, are you one of the many spoiled children who will be waiting out in the cold this November to pick up an Xbox 360? I know I'll certainly be braving the chilled 48 degree (Fahrenheit, of course) Arizona nights to battle the crowd to pick up this piece of hardware. But, as with almost all public events, your bound to notice certain people. Like the shirtless fat guy with man jugs and a cheesehead at a Green Bay Packers game, there are always undoubtedly the "freaks", "weirdos", and "perverts" at these gatherings. And I can guarantee now, you'll probably see at least one of these types of people when you march on up to EB Games or Wal-Mart this November to get your hands on that sweet, sweet 360. " [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/17/2005 02:21:00 PM // PermaLink //

Metal Gear Solid 4 at Tokyo Game Show PS3

By: Richard Allen

Konami has annouced it's plans to demonstrate the the next episode for Solid Snake in "Metal Gear Solid 4" at the Tokyo Game Show next month. It is unclear whether this demonstration will just be a rehash of what we saw at E3. However that footage has been widely circulated in Japan, so one would think that Konami would want to have a bit more to show.

"Metal Gear Solid 4" was introduced at this years E3. The next installment will be a departure from the series with regaurd to sneaking around the teaser trailer seems to indicate. "No where to hide" was the teaser's theme, what exactly this means is anyone's guess at this point.

The Tokyo Game Show is scheduled for September 16th-18th.

¶ D.Vader // 8/14/2005 07:21:00 PM // PermaLink //

The Video Game Revolution

PBS's website has a section on the video game industry it's growth and the effect on popular culture. It is based around the show of the same title. Click the link to check local showtimes.

"From Fad to Phenomenon
This is the story of how a whimsical invention of the 1960s helped spawn the computer industry as we know it. Video games have influenced the way children live and play, forever altered the entertainment industry, and even affected the way wars are fought. See how it all began and find out what it means for the future."

¶ D.Vader // 8/14/2005 03:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

Free games: Download over 400 DOS games!

400 free classic DOS games. The site does provide support to make them run on modern computers and operating systems.

¶ D.Vader // 8/14/2005 02:17:00 PM // PermaLink //

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Video Games, Part One

"America's Army knows a thing or two about the power of video games; not only can they inspire new recruits to sign up for the armed forces, they can also actually teach them some basic tactical information. Well given all the combat games I've played over the years, I figure I've reached veteran status by now." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 8/14/2005 12:11:00 PM // PermaLink //

NBA 2K6 to rock hip-hop on Xbox 360

"2K Sports will drop the beat in NBA 2K6. The next in the hot basketball series will include hot tracks from hip-hip acts like The Roots and Common. Several artists will be featured as playable characters and tour to promote the game, due out this fall on Xbox 360, Xbox, and PS2.

NBA 2K6 will include 14 original tracks created exclusively by artists like The Roots, Common, RJD2, Jean Grae, Aceyalone, Aesop Rock, Lyrics Born, Zion I, Hieroglyphics and more.

Celebrity hip-hop talent like Method Man, Redman, Flava Flav, ?uestlove from The Roots, Common, and Aesop Rock will be playable in the first ever simulation of The Entertainer's Basketball Classic (EBC) at Rucker Park.

Take-Two will rock the 2K Sports Bounce Tour to support the game and soundtrack. The Roots will headline the tour and feature undergroud acts RJD2 and Aceyalone.

"Basketball and hip-hop culture have always been connected at the street level, so we wanted to ensure that NBA 2K6's vibe is as authentic as the gameplay," said Tim Rosa, director of marketing and promotions for 2K Sports. "By featuring exclusive original tracks, accompanied by both a tour and the ability to play as select musicians in the game, our pioneering approach to music integration marks a turning point in what is possible in the video game industry."

NBA 2K6 is developed by Visual Concepts, a Take-Two studio. "

¶ D.Vader // 8/14/2005 11:17:00 AM // PermaLink //