Kotaku: ponies

And Now 360 Avatars Can Have Pets

Mike Fahey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:40:00 MST

If I had 240 Microsoft points tomorrow, I would buy you a monkey. Haven't you always wanted a monkey? The Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace pet shop opens tomorrow.

Depending on your opinion of the Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace, tomorrow brings either a wondrous new addition or another ridiculous thing to waste your money on - pets! Microsoft has most of the bases covered in its pet lineup, with three types of dogs (including Dog in Bag), three cats, birds, snakes, fish, guinea pigs, and of course, monkeys. They'll even have a pony up for sale, making countless childhood dreams come true with the push of a button.

The downside? Each pet will run you 240 Microsoft points. The upside? They don't pee on your girlfriend's robe, who then tries to cuddle you while wearing it because she has a cold and can't smell it, leaving you with the moral dilemma of whether or not you should tell her she smells. That's just an example, mind you, and certainly didn't happen in my apartment last night.

Yes, you can haz Pony [Major Nelson]

Behold The New Diablo III Logo T-Shirt

Mike Fahey — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:20:00 MDT

I just got out of a brief interview with Diablo III lead designer Jay Wilson, where we discussed a few things about the role of gender in video games and the new rune system in Diablo III, but the whole time I was in there I couldn't take my eyes off of his t-shirt. I've seen it around the convention, but this was my first chance to see it up close. Behold, the new logo for Diablo III. I really dig the ponies.

The shirt is of course a direct response to the fans who cried out that Diablo III was too bright and colorful for a Diablo game. I'm a little sad that this isn't the real logo myself.

Jay said that if there was a huge outpouring of demand thaqt these shirts might one day be offered to people for sale, so you might wanna start outpouring now. I need one of these. I briefly considered taking Jay's, but he seems like a rather tough fellow and I'd rather not take any chances. Outpour!

Rockstar Leeds Sets Sights On Consoles

Mike Fahey — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:20:21 MDT

The team at Rockstar Leeds isn't content with creating some of the best games available for the PSP. In the latest issue of the magazine Develop, studio head Gordon Hall reveals plans to expand from working on handheld versions of existing IP to original IP for the 360 and PS3.

"To succeed on those formats you've got to put everything into it or step away - we're already lucky to have a really committed team, so I think that we will step up to become an established Rockstar studio know for original projects."

With the shift in focus the studio is looking to its team of 70 by another 25. Let's hope they announce something soonish, as Rockstar could use a game that isn't horribly delayed or too violent to be released. Might I suggest ponies?

Rockstar Leeds looks to next-gen [develop]

IDOLM@STER Micro-Transactions For Every Fetish

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 04:00:54 MST

How do you squeeze yen from otaku pockets? Ask Namco! The game maker has laced cult, build-your-own-popstars hit THE IDOLM@STER with a string of odd micro-transactions on Xbox Live Marketplace. Like what?

Kimono (Fairly normal): 500 Microsoft Points
Horse Head Cover (Uh...): 200 MS Points
Horse Tail (A wha?): 200 MS Points
Horse Shoes (Ah, riight, to match the tail ): 200 MS Points
"Chocolate Head" (V-Day chocolate hat): 250 MS Points
Idol's Email Address (For in-game communication): 100 MS Points

Eds Note: Xbox Live 1000 Microsoft Point card = 1480 yen (US $12.20)

Other games, have been worse, but all these Marketplace items total 4, 850 points. And I'm sure people who are in the market for Horse Tails are also gonna pick up Chocolate Head. So, what do you think is the highest priced item in THE IDOLM@STER Marketplace? And no, we haven't mentioned it yet. Hint: Answer's fairly obvious. Brian Ashcraft

The Answer Is The Item At The Top [IDOLM@STER]