Kotaku
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ces08
FPS Gun Makes First Person Shooter Controls More Gun-Like
If you're feeling too detached from the experience of headshotting anonymous competitor's via standard mouse, maybe Zalman's FPS Gun (FG-1000) is what you're looking for. On display at CES 2008, the FPS Gun by Zalman—winner of our Least Worst 3D Gaming Display Award—was impressive in its ability to not be as bad as expected. Perhaps it's that the wrist is positioned vertically, allowing for a wider range of motion that made playing Unreal Tournament 2004 that much more enjoyable. More »
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Comment by fuchikoma: Better for FPS? I seriously doubt it. New idea? No, I've seen other FPS gun mouse controllers like it. But maybe a... more » | Other threads
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Comment by Sabre_Justice: Okay, no more long name.: I swear I've seen this in Gametraders. Might pick it up, though I'm not too interested in lightgun titles. I... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Zalman Wins Kotaku's Least Worst 3D Gaming Display CES Award
Congratulations to the team at Zalman for walking away with this year's coveted Least Worst 3D Gaming Display award, which I suppose will now have to be a yearly tradition when we cover CES. Of all the companies demonstrating custom 3D solutions for PC games, Zalman's caused the least eyestrain, generated the lightest amount of nausea and required players to suffer the least dorky eyewear. Playing Unreal Tournament 2004 was actually quite fun in simulated 3D. What made the experience even better was that crowds had thinned on the fourth day of CES 2008 to the point where we don't think anyone but Zalman reps saw us wearing dainty polarized glasses. Kudos to them and the team at Nvidia for making a nearly interesting experience!
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Comment by mgdRAEBer: check out: [www.3d.wep.dk] if You want to get an idea of what 3D looks like. more » | Other threads
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ces08
TN Games Brings Real Head Trauma Fun To PC Shooters
Apparently, many of you have been demanding a "full body experience" and want to beaten about the head and shoulders by bladders filled with compressed air. At least, that's what I've been led to believe by the folks at TN Games, who were showing off their 3rd Space HXT Gear, which consists of a force feedback vest and helmet. You can most likely gather that the helmet excels at developing perfect helmet hair, effectively blinding hippie/emo/dirtball types, but what's not apparent in photos is that the device simulates 360 degrees of harsh noogies more accurately than any other force feedback helmet I've ever worn. More »
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Comment by The Amazing Exploding-Man: Call me crazy but it would seem odd to buy a peripheral that I would hope to never feel while... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Hands-On With The Retro Duo, The NES/SNES Hybrid
Importer Innex featured the Retro Duo, an NES, SNES and Super Famicom player, heavily in its CES booth this year, giving old school console fans a chance to bust out their old carts and save a bit of space. The Retro Duo, which was paired with the NES and Sega Genesis-playing Gen-X, features S-video out, for those looking for a bit more clarity out of their 8-bit and 16-bit collection. The Retro Duo's controller looks and feels like the stock Super Nintendo controller, with another controller, part SNES, part NES Max, that should appeal to fans of that form factor. More »
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Comment by oldskoolfool: Yeah that setup is awesome. You can get the unit at VideoGameCentral.com plus there is a total user video for... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Sony To Bring "Bite-Sized" PSP Games To PlayStation Store
We caught up with John Koller, senior product manager for the PSP at Sony's CES booth this week, to get a quick update on the company's portable plans. When asked about the success of the recently launched PC version of the PlayStation Store that allows those without a PlayStation 3 to download games, trailers and more to their PSPs, Koller told us that while it was a bit too early for accurate numbers, the company is expecting big things from the service. "We have an opportunity to bring bite-size experiences to the system, ten minute, pick up and play content that can be downloaded from the store," Koller told us, part of an effort to expand the PSP's demographic. More »
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Comment by babybrownfox: can't wait guys...this is the best!! psp-free-gamesDOTblogspotDOTcom... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Only At CES: Wii Nunchuk Speakers "On Play"
The South Hall of CES is loaded with traditionally non-gaming companies showcasing their wares with popular games. If you want to get in a few free sessions of Guitar Hero III, Halo 3 or Wii Sports, this is the place to be. If you're looking for a speaker that's shaped like a Wii nunchuk, it's also the place to be. Fenda Tech's home theater offering may have a very specific appeal with it's Wii inspired speakers and subwoofer, but it actually sounds pretty good for a novelty product. Fenda says the 2.1 system "intensifies your gaming with a soundfield that surrounds you," so if that sounds like your bag, watch for the $50-ish system to launch later this year.
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Comment by Supervillian: This looks awesome, but I can tell you that the product is being produced and sold by 4Gamers and its... more » | Other threads
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Comment by Skunky: With a name like "Optimus Maximus," it better damn well transform into a robot. Truck not keyboard. :) more » | Other threads
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ces08
Soulcalibur IV Director's Choice For A Cameo Fighter? Pac-Man
After playing Soulcalibur IV for a few hours last night, suffering many beatings at the hands of Siliconera's Spencer Yip and his Cassandra skills, Soul series director Katsutoshi Sasaki asked us what we thought of the game. We told him we were pleased, if a bit disappointed in the limited character selection in the early build. When we were done chatting about our own opinions, Yip inquired what Namco Bandai character Sasaki would like to have seen in the game, if he had his druthers. More »
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Comment by Bakachan: An amusing coincidence since I was just (trying to) play Soul Edge in MAME and the NAMCO logo intro features... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Gates: 360 To Be the Most Reliable Console Available
The BBC News had a sit down with Bill Gates at CES recently and instead of asking him their own questions, they asked him their viewers. This gem, the first in the Q&A video, asked Gates about the hardware issues that have plagued the Xbox 360, almost since launch. More »
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Comment by molife: May I quote the past tense: "a lot of great things "were" done in Vista." You got it exactly right, Bill! Good... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Microsoft Says Xbox Live Outage Due To Server Strain
The weeks long connection troubles many Xbox Live users have experienced since the holidays was due, according to Microsoft, to heavy Xbox Live server load brought on by a record number of users attempting to access the service. Xbox group marketing manager Albert Penello told us that "It's wasn't a malicious thing." He explained "We had the biggest concurrent day we've ever had on Live. We had more people than ever signing up on Live, it was 9 million, then 10 million, and it literally was that a lot more people were trying to get on, sign up and play than we had expected over Christmas." More »
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Comment by King Gunz: I amstill exepriencing issues on line. Yesterday - All Afternoon my console was saying i was connected but the menu... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Soulcalibur IV Hands-On Impressions
Namco Bandai had the first press playable build of Soulcalibur IV on hand at their CES event tonight, giving us a hands-on look at the next game in the now thirteen year old franchise. While the build looked extremely early, featuring only three playable fighters and barebones in content, it provided us with a good look at how Soulcalibur IV looks and plays in person. While increases in the Soul series have generally met with graphical upgrades, the fourth in the series may have seen the biggest jump in graphical fidelity, bringing with it self-casting shadows, subtle bloom lighting, beautiful environments and gorgeous models, all running at a reliable 60 frames per second. More » -
ces08
CNet's Best of CES Gaming Nominees Announced
Cnet has posted their the nominees for their annual best of CES Awards. The awards include a gaming category which lists, this time around, a wireless nunchuck from Nyko, Gateway's FX gaming desktops and that mammoth Alienware curved monitor everyone is going gaga over. More »
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Comment by riabear: Yay Wii DDR will be less stressful now :D. I get worried that I would break the cord... more » | Other threads
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ces08
PS3, Xbox 360 Get Exclusive Star Wars Soulcalibur IV Characters
The recently announced guest appearances of Darth Vader and Yoda in Soulcalibur IV come with a catch—each release will feature a console exclusive Star Wars character, with Darth Vader playable only in the PlayStation 3 version, Yoda playable only in the Xbox 360 version. Yes, you'll be able to enjoy pitting light saber against sword, but you may not be able to actually have a Yoda versus Darth battle unless Namco Bandai and LucasArts decide to make them available via downloadable content. More »
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Comment by Monkey-Of-Cheese: @suya123: I went to resurve my copy at gamestop for 360 and the guy said there is no longer exclusive... more » | Other threads
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Comment by Dudemeister: Loved the second video, makes me wonder how many players will actually make such good looking maps. more » | Other threads
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ces08
Soulcalibur IV Hands-On Coming Soon
Namco Bandai is holding a press event in Las Vegas tonight, featuring a "special presentation" and offering hands-on time with Soulcalibur IV. We're still just maxin' and relaxin' at the Wynn's Blush bar, waiting for the event to kick off proper, but will have new details and impressions of the first build of the weapons-based fighter. We've just been promised new trailers and undisclosed developments—which could be that Star Wars news that 1UP broke earlier today. The action is about to kick off, so stay tuned for breaking news. -
ces08
Set-Top Xbox Not Able to Receive or Record Live TV
There wasn't a whole lot of details flapping around when Robbie Bach announced that British Telecom would be the first company to team up with Microsoft to offer consumers an Xbox 360 set-top IPTV box. More »
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Comment by The-Plummer: If you have Windows Media Center, you can already do this. Media Center streams it to the X-Box if you... more » | Other threads
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ces08
The Agency Targeting The Halo Crowd For Sexy MMO Time
The folks at Sony Online Entertainment are one of the few gaming companies who have a presence at CES, showing off upcoming wares like The Agency, the MMO that's heavy on action and light on grind. The development team walked us through a video demonstration of the game, one that was played live, but filmed from multiple perspectives and edited to show off the game's features, giving plenty of details on how the PC and PlayStation 3 game will work. More » -
ces08
Microsoft: We're Still Committed to HD-DVD
Yesterday when Reuters reported that Microsoft will consider going to Blu-Ray if consumers demand it some people sort of freaked. Among the list? Microsoft. Today the company reached out to us to "clarify" a story they say was missing some much needed context.
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Comment by bertfallen: @ShaggE: What with also losing Paramount. Universal next. more » | Other threads
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ces08
Nyko Brings Guitar Hero, Rock Band Together Via One Guitar
While Activision, RedOctane and Harmonix sling barbs at each other via the internet and corporate statements in a very un-rock and roll like fashion, PlayStation 3 owners are twiddling their thumbs waiting for second guitars to play Rock Band with. Nyko, manufacturer of all things wireless and occasionally of questionable worth, has its own solution, one that lets PS3 owners play both Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. Using the power of dongles, one shaped like a small scale footpedal, fake guitarists can switch from one title to the other, all while playing a very capable guitar controller. More »
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Comment by druchebag: ... I thought the whole point of third party controllers was an affordable alternative. Instead they're almost double the price... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility Updates "Winding Down"
Speaking with Albert Penello, group marketing manager for the Xbox 360, at CES this week, we touched on the future of the Xbox past. The most recent update to the list of original Xbox games that are playable on the Xbox 360, bringing the total to 465 last gen titles, could very well be the last, according to Penello. "I don't know if we have plans to do any more releases," Penello said "It feels like we kind of hit the point of diminishing returns there. I know with the Xbox Originals, there are still things happening there, but in terms of a lot of engineering work around bringing out new titles, I think they're winding that down." More »
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Comment by pvt.nelson: I would like to know if u could update The Chronicles of Riddick, Mortal Kombat Shaolin monks... Thanks more » | Other threads
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ces08
Finally, A Halo 3 Gaming Chair
If you've found your gaming life with a void that a Halo 3-themed special edition Xbox 360, a Halo 3-themed wireless headset and Halo 3-themed wireless controllers by Todd McFarlane can't fill, perhaps this Halo 3-themed X Rocker gaming chair from Ace Bayou will make you whole again. It's on display at CES and will hopefully already be in stores by the time you read this (fingers crossed!). It's fortunately hooked up to an Xbox 360 that's playing Halo 3, so you'll know how well it performs under fire. We haven't gone ass-on with the new Pro Series line yet, but expect a gaming chair blowout later this week. Yes, a blowout.
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Comment by raiders0218: Holy cow, does it even work with the Xbox 360? I have the Renegade Game Chair and is rocks... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Ion Rock Band Drums Pass, Drummer Fails
Chris Paladino with Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog got a chance to rock out to Black Hole Sun on a prototype Rock Band drum set being developed by Ion. Lovely little set, with cymbals included that mirror the placement of the drum for a more authentic drumming feel. Chris kicked it up to expert and held up like a trooper until failing towards the very end of the song. Hit up the link below to read the ensuing barrage of excuses as well as his impressions on the set of dateless and priceless drums. More » -
ces08
Skype For PSP Hands-On At CES
A pair of PSP Slims were on hand at this week's CES, showing off the recently announced Skype software designed specifically for the Sony handheld. While it's harder than one might think to test the clarity of a peer-to-peer phone call via Sony's own mouse-phone hybrid in a busy convention hall, there were no complaints about the actual technical capabilities of the service. Actually, the two Sony reps making the calls were about six inches from us when we picked up the phone, so those with an ear for such things may want to wait until in the field reviews arrive, if they're picky. More »
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Comment by taomaster99: lame!!! doesn't support the fatty version!!!! LAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more » | Other threads
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Comment by JoelSchmidt: Indeed it can play games while both slots are occupied simultaneously. Goodbye FC Dual, hello Retro Duo :) more » | Other threads
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ces08
Microsoft Will Consider Going Blu-Ray, If Consumers Demand
Responding to news that Warner Bros. opted to put its eggs in the basket of Blu-ray exclusively last week, Microsoft execs told Reuters that the company would consider a Blu-ray player add-on for the Xbox 360, should consumers show interest in such a product. Group marketing manager Albert Penello said the decision would be up to "consumer choice; and if that's the way they vote, that's something we'll have to consider." Penello said that he didn't consider that Warner's decision to drop support for HD-DVD would have a "significant impact" on the console war. He also confirmed, in a way, that it was a "bummer." More »
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Comment by SoldierX25: I still want this bluray for my 360...now!!!HD-DVD is now dead more » | Other threads
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ces08
PSP GPS Hands-On At CES
Sony had a handful of PSPs in its CES booth this year, two dedicated to Skype and one to its GPS accessory, which it released in Japan in late 2006 and plans to ship in North America at some point this year. While the display on the CES show floor was nothing more than an interactive demo, showing the device's capabilities in video form only, reps confirmed a few facts about the final product. The GPS device will access map data from an included UMD that's region specific, but updated country maps and 3D landmarks can be purchased and downloaded to a Memory Stick for those planning on traveling abroad. Sony plans to add major countries in Europe and Asia as downloadable add-ons, meaning PSP GPS owners will be spared carrying multiple discs if overseas. More »
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Comment by taomaster99: I'm sure you will not have to pay for map upgrades......."walks away whistling"!!!!!!!!!! more » | Other threads
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ces08
Samsung 3D TV Gaming Capabilities Underwhelm, Nauseate
At CES, Samsung is showing off the "World's First 3D Ready Plasma TV" complete with three-dimensional versions of Madden NFL 08 and Need For Speed ProStreet. After watching another CES attendee take the Samsung—and its required 3D goggles—for a spin, seemingly walking away unimpressed, I decided to take the wheel. After picking my Volkswagen GT and hitting the track, the goggle shutters kicked in, going into full 3D mode. More »
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Comment by joelface: when the technology is better, ONLY THEN will 3d media flourish. its not that we don't like 3d, its that we... more » | Other threads
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ces08
LittleBigPlanet Team Talks DLC, Show New Levels At CES PS3 Preview
Media Molecule team members are currently on stage at CES, showing off the "play, create, share" title LittleBigPlanet to conventioneers and business types. The team just showed off a new pre-built level for the first time, one that introduces player death and respawn points to the DIY platformer. One of the new materials, under the "terribles" group, is a steaming hot magma rock, one that kills on contact. Sackboys who've been killed off can return later, courtesy of respawn portals. This adds a bit more of a competitive element to the game, as those still alive can secure unclaimed Fluff. At the end of the level, the LittleBigPlanet player with the most Fluff wins, naturally. Score results are shown on a TV with cute retro styling. More » -
ces08
D is for Digital Recommends More Educational Games
Kids (or, more likely, parents) may have more educational games to choose from thanks to the recommendations of the D is for Digital report, unveiled during the Sandbox Summit at CES. The report was put together by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, a recently established production and research group that looks into the educational potential of interactive media. The study isn't game specific, but it seems to hint heavily that video games do make up a large part of the range of interactive media that children come in contact with. More » -
ces08
The Microsoft Community Mobile
With CES now in full swing, Microsoft has taken up the task of shuttling around lazy members of the press and community in style. This is the Community Mobile, a dual-branded stretch hummer with Games for Windows on one side and Xbox Live on the other. As a special bonus to the already far-too-extravagant conveyance, the Microsoft team are loading up the limo at the end of the day on Wednesday for a special trip to In 'N Out Burger, where their own Larry Hryb will be on hand to lend his credit card towards the eventual cholesterol-choking death of everyone involved. Hooray! Hit the link for more pictures of the colossal gas guzzler. More »
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By Mike FaheyComment by Shaoko: >.> So uh... I swear the limbo had Erotic Limousines written in the window till I clicked on the thumbnail. Anyone... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Corinex High-Speed Wireless Network For Gamers
Corinex has decided it feels bad for all you console users without a wireless network in your home. So, to alleviate the pain and limitations that come with a wired network, Corinex has come out with GameNet, a wireless, two-part networking solution to connect all of your consoles to the Internet. Here's the deal: connect one part to your broadband modem, and plug it into the wall. Then plug the wireless adapter into any console with an Ethernet port. And according to Corinex, with that two-minute process, you now have a connection to the Internet that's better than wireless, at 200 Mbps. If that really does sound like the perfect solution for you, a wire-free (er, reduced) and speedier world can be yours for US$169.99. More » -
ces08
Shiny New Age Of Conan Screens
Age of Conan is looking as pretty as ever at CES this year, with a slew of new screenshots released for the event, mainly featuring party combat. Judging by the screenshots, Funcom has done an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of Hyborea, and the massive monsters seen here will certainly make for some memorable encounters - though I do worry a bit at the generic fantasy vibe I am getting from the characters. They just seem to lack...character somehow. I suppose it is really difficult to separate yourself from other fantasy games when your subject matter is what launched the genre in the first place.
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By Mike FaheyComment by desterion: characters turn out pretty ugly no matter what you do more » | Other threads
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ces08
Rolly Rivals PlayStation Presence At Sony's CES Booth
Last year, Sony was proudly showing off the PSP and PlayStation 3 in its CES booth, featuring a number of high profile games like Lair, Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm on playable kiosks. This year, however, you'd hardly know Sony was in the business of games, as the number of PlayStation 3s on the floor I could count numbered only five. Only two of those contain playable game demos within, as the others are dedicated Blu-ray disc players or running reels for the PlayStation Eye. Couldn't actually find a PSP yet, unfortunately, so no Skype calls to mom and dad for me today. More »
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Comment by taomaster99: Didn't even have to read this article cause anything with the word Rolly in it should be burned from existence!!!!!!!!!!!!!... more » | Other threads
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Comment by Pietepiet: @OPT1MUSPR1ME: I'm with you, man. It's a silly idea, mostly because you have to be near a WiFi access point... more » | Other threads
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ces08
LittleBigPlanet Updated Impressions From CES
One of the two playable games at Sony's CES booth this year was the "play, create, share" showpiece LittleBigPlanet piloted by producer Leo Cubbin. While the pre-built levels on hand were familiar to those of us who played the game at Games Convention and Tokyo Game Show, the editor has seen a few changes, with new materials, backgrounds and stickers plus an update to the level editor interface that sees less screen real estate. More » -
ces08
Bill Gates Last Day At Microsoft: The Movie
Normally, "humorous" clips that involve executives showing off their acting chops are nothing short of cringe-worthy, an exercise in amateur comic timing. Not this fictional video of Bill Gates' last day of full responsibilities at Microsoft, however, as the solid cameos and moments that capitalize on Bill's inherent geekiness make the head Borg at MS seem hilariously human. Stick around for Bill's blippy wailing on a Guitar Hero II controller. This clip, courtesy of our brothers at Gizmodo, represents but a grain of sand in the vast desert that is their CES 2008 coverage. -
ces08
Ubisoft Games to Support amBX Surround Sense Tech
Philip's sort of over the top amBX, "surround sense" technology will work with a number of upcoming Ubisoft titles including Brother in Arms: Hell's Highway and Far Cry 2. Games Industry reports that both games are being demoed with the full on amBX tech which includes colored lighting, rumble, air flow and sound. More »
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Comment by Gunloc: Sounds interesting but better suited for a high end theater room. Those speaker lights look too in "your face". I... more » | Other threads
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ces08
Sony Touts Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Exclusivity At CES
Sony may not have much of a gaming presence at CES 2008, but it does feature one title quite prominently: Kojima Productions' Metal Gear Solid 4. Playable on DualShock version of the SIXAXIS, displayed on a massive Bravia television in the heart of Sony's CES booth, MGS4 also comes with a miniature display that not only promotes the PlayStation 3's ability to play games at 1080p, it also points to the next Metal Gear Solid as a PS3 exclusive. That ought to finally settle it, right?
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Comment by ShirtGuyDom: @sascha23: And I recommend you find better things to do than be terrible at noticing satire. more » | Other threads
ces08
Denver, 5:46 PM
Mon Jul 6
34 posts in the last 24 hours
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