<![CDATA[Kotaku: Freebies]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Freebies]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/freebies http://kotaku.com/tag/freebies <![CDATA[ Play The Suffering For Free, Thanks To Your Tax Dollars ]]> Midway's pretty alright horror adventure The Suffering can now be had for the low, low price of nothing. Well, close to nothing, thanks to your U.S. tax dollars, because the download of The Suffering for the PC, now up at FileFront, has been paid for by the United States Air Force. Hey, someone's gotta foot the bill for your 1.26 GB download of a four-year old game and our military forces have obliged. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy about my quarterly tax payments!

Sure, the game is horribly dated, graphically — and FileFront has actually been hosting it for a few weeks — but for zero bucks this close to Halloween, we don't want to hear any complaints. Just kidding, internet. Complain away!

The Suffering - Sponsored by the US Air Force [FileFront]

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Kotaku-5066051 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:40:34 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066051&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Hot Flashes: Untangle ]]> AAARRGGGHHH!!We love a good Flash game, especially when it takes about .05 seconds to understand the gameplay concepts involved. To wit, I'm loving—and pulling my hair out to—Untangle by Chris Benjaminsen, which couldn't be simpler to get into. Unfortunately, I'm finding it increasingly damn hard. You may remember the creator's previous work on Multiplayer Asteroids, but if not, don't fret as they bear no relation. All one need do to win a round of Untangle is move the points around until none of the puzzle's lines intersect. It's a fun little diversion that can only be made more complete with the inclusion of a timer, a move counter and a more obvious puzzle reset button (hint hint!). Let us know how far you get.

Untangle [Nonoba]

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Kotaku-355667 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:10 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=355667&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo, Won't You Be My Valentine? ]]> Fact: Mario is the master of love. Sure, his relationship with the Princess sometimes feels more innocuous than passionate—and the whole Bowser infatuation certainly kinks up the confusing sexual undertones—but no matter what the circumstance, he always wins back the Princess against overwhelming odds. So why not celebrate Valentine's with some free Nintendo valentines? From 4 Color Rebellion, these charming notes will only cost you some color ink or a few seconds of copy/pasting into an email. Beecause really, what potential lover can resist a good "bee" pun?

It's Valentine's Day! Show Your Geek That You Care!
[4ColorRebellion via GoNintendo]

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Kotaku-355589 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:40:25 MST Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=355589&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ PS3 Megabox Homebrew Project Is Linux For Commitment-Phobes ]]> The PS3 is an amazing piece of machinery, but the PS3 Megabox Homebrew Project isn't waiting for Sony's inevitable firmware updates to make their dreams to come true. Nor are they installing Linux. Instead, the group is taking the bull by the horns and offering an incredible (update: beta) software package—completely runnable from a USB drive or DVD—to add a slew of new functionality.

A modification of open source software Freevo, Megabox brings VOIP, P2P, Firefox, 3D Linux gaming, TV recording (not sure how on this one), and emulation—as well as plenty of other features. Essentially, it's Linux without the install, reskinned with a neat media center interface. The price is right (free) so we'll give this a try and tell you what we think. Until then, here are the full details:

Video: 1-Reproduction in the premises of almost all the formats of video, including the MKV. 1-Reproduction in the premises of almost all the formats of video, including the MKV. 2-Reproduction in Streaming (from Internet or the local network) reproduces just like in the point 1 that if, the MKV would cost to him more but, depending on the bandwidth of Internet, since in local network we have all 100MB. 2-Reproduction in streaming (from the Internet or local network) reproduces just like in the point that if 1, the MKV would cost more to him but, depending on the bandwidth of the Internet, since in local network we have all 100MB. to 3-Encoder and to decoder of DivX, DVD, TDT and others. To 3 encoder and decoder of DivX to DVD, TDT and others. 4-Recording to CD's/DVD's etc. (Necessary external recorder USB) 4-recording to CD's / DVD's etc. (Necessary external recorder USB) 5-Possibility of using compatible digital cameras with Linux. 5-Possibility of using digital cameras compatible with Linux.


Audio:
1-Reproduction of all the habitual formats. 1-Reproduction of all the habitual formats. (Local and streaming.) (Local and streaming.)
2-Encoder and decoder of CD's and other formats. 2 encoder and decoder of CD's and other formats.
3-Recording of CD's/DVD's etc... (Necessary external recorder USB.) 3-recording of CD's / DVD's etc... (Necessary external USB recorder.)
4-Possibility of using compatible reproducers MP3/MP4 with Linux 4-Possibility of using reproducers MP3/MP4 compatible with Linux

TV/Radio: (compatible with multiple models and marks of devices USB TV) TV / Radio: (compatible with multiple models and marks of USB devices TV)
1-Reproduction of TDT, TDS, TDC and IMAGENIO. 1-Reproduction of TDT, TDS, TDC and IMAGENIO. (Necessary USB capture device.) "one in pack MegaBOX PS3 will be included" (Necessary USB capture device.) "In one pack MegaBOX PS3 will be included"
2-Radio and TV in streaming by Internet. 2-Radio and TV in streaming by the Internet.
3-Recording of programs of TV "to the hard disk of the PS3, external Hard disk or to record it to CD/DVD "with possibility of programming the hour and date of recording. 3-recording of programs of TV "to the hard disk of the PS3, external hard disk or to record it to CD / DVD" with possibility of programming the hour and date of recording.

Software:
1-FireFOX. (Formed with all plug-ins for its perfect operation.) (Formed with all plug-ins for its perfect operation.)
2-System P2P. 2 system P2P.
3-System VoIP and instantaneous mail. 3 System VoIP and instantaneous mail.
4-Emulation of games of almost all the platforms. 4-emulation of games of almost all the platforms. (Reading of ROM's from any unit, even from local NETWORK.) (Reading of ROM's from any unit, even from local NETWORK.)
5-Game for LINUX in 3D (to still not contrasted.) 5-Game for LINUX in 3D (contrasted to still not.)
6-Possibility of launching PS3 games directly from MegaBOX. 6-Possibility of launching PS3 games directly from MegaBOX.
(In the future possibly ISO loader) (In the future possibly ISO loader)
"Software requests are accepted" "Software requests are accepted"

Appearance:
1-Skins Manager so that you modify to your taste the appearance of MegaBOX in your PS3 (Necessary knowledge of XM) 1-Skins manager so that you modify to your taste the appearance of MegaBOX in your PS3 (Necessary knowledge of XM)

Components needed: Components needed:
1-Playstation 3 sixaxis (PS3) 1-PlayStation 3 sixaxis (PS3)
2-Any compatible PS3 device 2-Any device compatible PS3

Screen Resolution: Screen resolution:
1-1280x720 (720P) 1-1280x720 (720P)


PS3 Megabox Homebrew Project PS3 Megabox Homebrew Project [allgaming] ]]>
Kotaku-346073 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:40:33 MST Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=346073&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Reminder! Carcassonne is currently available ... ]]> Reminder! Carcassonne is currently available for free via Xbox Live Arcade, as part of the Xbox Live Is 5ive celebration. Don't sleep, because the digital version of the board game becomes pay to play exactly one minute after November 16th at 11:59 PST.

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Kotaku-323396 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:30:01 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=323396&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Xbox LIVE Turns Five, Gives Away Carcassonne ]]> 10854.jpgWe've long been waiting to hear what Xbox LIVE would be pulling out for their fifth anniversary. Now we know. Carcassonne, an already released XBLA board game, will be available for free download between 12:01 a.m. PST on Nov. 15 and 11:59 p.m. PST on Nov. 16. In addition, members of LIVE who've been faithful since 2002 will be gifted 500 points.

Also, our new press release has mentioned that Psychonauts is coming to XBLA as a classic Xbox download with the fall update. Score. Here's the full press release:

As Xbox LIVE Turns Five, Microsoft Announces Next Wave of Social Fun

Xbox LIVE membership soars past 8 million mark, Microsoft unveils new download service for Xbox games direct to your living room beginning Dec. 4.

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 13, 2007 — On Nov. 15, Microsoft Corp. will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Xbox LIVE. In addition, the company notes that the latest membership figures show more than 8 million members are now actively engaged in the largest social entertainment network on TV. Xbox LIVE has grown from a small community of gamers in two countries, playing a handful of games online with their friends, to a worldwide social entertainment network offering online access to gaming, music, movies and TV shows. As friends across 26 countries and nine languages have connected on Xbox LIVE, it is their feedback and active participation that has guided the service to become what Wired magazine recently called "the king of the online arena." As a gesture of thanks to the gaming community, all 8 million members will have the opportunity to download a free Xbox LIVE Arcade game,* available for downloading between 12:01 a.m. PST on Nov. 15 and 11:59 p.m. PST on Nov. 16.** In addition to this, every active member who joined the service in 2002 will receive 500 free Microsoft Points.

Starting on Dec. 4, all Xbox LIVE members will receive a free system update with a host of new features and enhancements. Included in this update will be the launch of Xbox Originals, which, for the first time, will enable consumers to download and own full Xbox games, such as "Halo," "Psychonauts," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" and "Fable," among others, directly to their Xbox 360. This new service will launch with an array of blockbuster titles spanning the most popular genres from action-adventure to classic role-playing games.

With no disc necessary, and at just 1,200 Microsoft Points per game, Xbox LIVE members can easily rediscover these hit titles, or check out a game they missed the first time around. This launch lineup is only the beginning, as Xbox 360 owners can expect to see a growing catalog of Xbox games to download and own over the coming year.

"In just five short years, Xbox LIVE has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services at Microsoft. "On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand."

More information can be found online about the downloadable games available on Xbox LIVE, the evolution of Xbox LIVE or the Xbox LIVE is 5IVE member rewards at http://www.xbox.com.

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Kotaku-322129 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:00:11 MST Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=322129&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo Giving Away Phantom Hourglass Feather Styli ]]> phantom_hourglass_stylus.jpgFeel ever so slightly disconnected from Link when using a dull, stock Nintendo DS stylus? Friend, we have a deal for you. Simply buy a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, register it at Nintendo.com, burn through a quick online survey and a mere 4 to 6 weeks later, you'll be tapping touchscreens to your heart's content with this lovely little feather pen stylus.

Sorry, Canada, you're going to have to wait a little longer for yours, but you can still partake. The rest of you? Out of luck.

Nintendo wants to hear your thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [Nintendo - thanks, Tim!]

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Kotaku-307363 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:40:39 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=307363&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Ethics of Free Stuff ]]> ZeldaTshirt.jpg

Next Generation tackles the temptations that face us game journalists. According to author Kyle Orland, these enticements are found in the forms of free drinks, free software, hardware, season tickets to sporting events (wtf I have never received season tickets for anything).

Kotaku editor Brian Crecente doesn't keep the bounty of free games he receives, he plays through them and ends up giving them away to friends, family or relatives. However, the non-game swag is a different story altogether for Crecente: "I can't imagine anyone thinks a game sucks and then sees it came with a T-shirt and is all 'wait a second, I DO like this game." I'm new around here, so I haven't formed my free stuff ethics, yet. But what the hell, I'll take a T-shirt.

Freebies, Junkets and Junk [Next Generation]

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Kotaku-130604 Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:41:42 MDT lsmith http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=130604&view=rss&microfeed=true