<![CDATA[Kotaku: Videogames]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Videogames]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/videogames http://kotaku.com/tag/videogames <![CDATA[ Crazy Old-Timey Game Patents ]]> Insert Credit has unearthed some patents from the early days of videogaming that are.. special.

There are some great little nuggets here, from an early design for the Nintendo Powerglove — sorry, "Forearm mounted multi-axis remote control unit" — to a 'button presser' that lets you hit two buttons alternately by rolling the device back and forth. This sounds ridiculous, until you think about Track & Field.

There is even a slice of true console history in the form of a prototype for the first NES cartridge.

My favorite, though, has to be the SEGA racing controller/game pictured above that has an actual model car that moves left to right on a shelf in front of your TV. Come on SEGA, the time is right for this thing to see the light of day - bring it out on a current-gen console & you will clean up.

News: Old videogame patents [InsertCredit via Boing Boing Gadgets]

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:20:00 MDT Stuart Houghton http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5042704&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ The Ultimate eBay Auction: 30 Years of Videogames ]]>
So you think you're a hardcore gamer? Try again. Someone on eBay is selling their personal 30-year video game collection. The bidding starts at $9,000 and includes 1,8000 items. Keep in mind that you'll also need to pay up to $1,500 in UPS fees just to have the collection shipped to you. If you want a complete list of every game and item in the collection, check out this site where everything is fully detailed. It definitely skews toward the old systems, as the seller is only offering up 6 Xbox 360 games including Perfect Dark Zero. But you do get a VM Labs - Nuon as part of the deal!

Giant Game Auction
http://videogames.neocurve.com/list.aspx

]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:20:00 MST geoff http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=320763&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 9th ]]> myst1.jpg1997: Dark Horse Comics announces a new 4-part series based upon the game Myst, 'Myst: The Book of the Black Ships'. Hmmm...Myst in comic form. Exciting panels of valves, levers and lighthouses...the whole idea reeks of a bad Thomas Kinkade prints.

2004: The Federal Trade Commission publishes an undercover investigation where they found that 69% of UNDER-17-year-olds were able to purchase games rated M without adult consent. And then the PTA attacked the FTC for their perversion of statistics.

2007: TDIG hits its 365th day on Kotaku and enters early retirement. Because shuffleboard is the ultimate game.

]]> Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:40:53 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=276098&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 8th ]]> 2002: Nintendo announces Game Boy Advance Latias/Latios editions. They are special versions released to commemorate (read: promote) the new Pokemon movie. Because nothing says commemorate like ugly purple and pink GBAs.

2003: Playmore Corporation changes their name to SNK Playmore Corporation. We know you don't care, but it might be on the quiz. Do you care now? Good. Because we were just making that quiz stuff up. We would never do that to you. OK, we would, but it would involve large heads of industry "giants."

]]> Sun, 08 Jul 2007 12:40:44 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=276035&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 7th ]]> Rc750j1f.jpg1987: Konami releases Metal Gear for MSX2 in Japan. This is the first release in the famous/revolutionary/uberawesome Metal Gear series—so let's commemorate it right. What is your favorite Metal Gear moment in any of the titles? Then let's dream about how great the PS4 PS3 version will be when it finally comes out.

2000: Square Co. releases Final Fantasy 9 for PS in Japan. The game sells less than the previous two FF titles, even though it receives rave reviews and overall positive reception. I think it's an issue with cover art that alters the mass appeal of FF titles, because the die hards buy the game no matter what, and obviously the reviews have little to do with the success.

]]> Sat, 07 Jul 2007 12:30:25 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=275969&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 6th ]]> 51DF6S4TS0L._AA240_.jpg1998: Prima Publishing releases Lara's Story: Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider Phenomenon. More than just a compendium of strategy guides, the paperback features a hefty collection of Lara Croft pictures and "facts". Though we're sure prepubescents everywhere bought this literature for the articles.

2000: The 3DO Company releases Vegas Games Midnight Madness: Table Games for PC in the US. Why is it "midnight madness"? Because you are up late. Because you are cool. That's why.

]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:00:18 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=275662&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 5th ]]> pc_fsoldier.jpg1991: Hudson Soft releases Final Soldier for TG in the US. It looks like a great title, a space shooter allowing you to change weapons between levels. Of course, I remembered Bonk as pretty awesome until I recently loaded it up on VC.

2001: Sony confirms the rumors of a hard drive system for the PS2. They were quoted as saying something along the lines of, "Yes, we are releasing a hard drive. It's one of those peripherals console manufacturers will hype up and then never do anything with. Needless to say, we're very excited about the possibilities for disappointment."

]]> Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:50 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=275221&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 3rd ]]> Sh3_front.jpg2003: KCET releases Silent Hill 3 for PS2 in Japan. You'd think by the third incarnation of the game, people would know to stay away from scary-looking places that are quite quiet. Horror movies rarely take place in the middle of a Starbucks during the morning rush hour, which is probably one reason they are so popular. Hmmm...grande mocha lattes attack...prices are too high for hungry patrons to eat so they eat one another...screw that, I'll take my scary old mansions and ghoul carnivals any day.

]]> Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:00:45 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=274723&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 2nd ]]> 1997: After Star Wing failed miserably (the European version of Star Fox), Nintendo decides to release Star Fox 64 under the name Lylat War. Because that sounds so MUCH better. Apparently, a company named Star Vox prevents a more normal/successful titling of the series in the area. Looking at the box is like being trapped in a bad episode of Sliders.

1998: The Big Network launches—it's an online gaming site that offers multiple family gaming channels. And it's a really Big Deal.

]]> Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:00:18 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=274114&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, July 1st ]]> 1987: Capcom releases Section Z for NES in the US. It's a port of their arcade game by the same name, and I'm not sure how many Kotakuites have played it, but the game is trippy for impressionable youth.

1999: Hasbro Interactive releases Mechwarrior 3 for PC in the US. It's a fantastic mech battle simulator, not that any of us would know if it wasn't like the real thing.

2003: Blizzard releases WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne expansion for PC in the US. Releasing expansions for strategy titles is a tough balance, but Blizzard did a good job of releasing more units and expanding the singleplayer storyline.

]]> Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:00:22 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=274041&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 30th ]]> 2000: Activision releases Dark Reign 2 for PC in the US. Why do some franchises feel forced to reinvent instead of simply improve? Here's hoping for a Dark Reign 3 the way we all wanted Dark Reign 2.

2005: Atlus releases Trauma Center: Under the Knife for DS in Japan. I seriously just looked at this game and thought, "That was released only last year?" Then I remembered, it's 2007 and half-way to 2008. And I'm never going to med school to please my parents.

]]> Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:30:14 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=273954&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 29th ]]> 2000: Blizzard releases Diablo II for PC/Mac in the US. If there was ever a sequel that was the epitome of good sequels, or a game that was an argument for the necessity of sequels in gaming (even if they are horribly overused), it's Diablo II.

The new features are too numerous to list, but playing as a Necromancer and raising little skeletons from fallen corpses was one of many early highlights of the game. Its expansion, Lord of Destruction, was released a year later and brought the ninja class of fighter, which was equally innovative.

Diablo II, you owe us our lives back. Hit the comments and let us know your favorite moments.


]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:00:43 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=273630&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 27th ]]> 200px-Anarchy_Online_box_art.jpg2001: Funcom releases Anarchy Online for PC in the US. After writing about Star Wars Galaxies yesterday, Anarchy Online makes me remember a time when I thought, "Can anyone ever beat EverCrack? MAYBE Anarchy can do it...but probably not."

2002: Codemasters releases Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing for PS2 in the US. It's not quite the same as my favorite NES boxing game. Maybe it's the more complicated controls, maybe it's the ear-biting. But something is amiss. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:00:54 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=272625&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 26th ]]> 200px-Star_Wars_Galaxies_Box_Art.jpg2003: SOE releases Star Wars: Galaxies for PC in the US. It's a controversial title, as making Jedi proved as difficult as becoming the real thing, and eventually "New Game Enhancements" were released that threw the game's basic setup out the window. But as for the original time it took to unlock Jedi powers, I think it cements the difficulty in designing an MMO. If achievements can be scored too easily, your audience complains about it...as in WoW's expansion. But if they are too difficult, gamers start claiming the unlocked content doesn't even exist, as with SWG.

Still, was I the only one who expect Galaxies to be, not WoW big, but pretty freakin' big? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:00:49 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=272254&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 25th ]]> 250px-Indiana_Jones_and_the_Emperor%27s_Tomb.jpg2002: Atlus releases Skygunner for PS2 in the US. It's a steampunk flight sim, which is a pretty cool concept. Any fans out there?

2003: LucasArts releases Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb for PS2 in the US. I didn't realize that for the game, 33 minutes of original music were recorded by a 65-piece orchestra. It's too bad that the game itself wasn't better—maybe LucasArts should have made nice with Eidos to do the game some justice. Of course, they would have just given Harrison manboobs. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:00:48 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271791&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 24th ]]> Soul_reaver1wtmk.jpg1999: Eidos releases Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for PS in the US. Confession: I played this game for 10 minutes at a demo unit and could make absolutely no sense of the game. Since then, I've stubbornly assumed that hordes of people play the series only with the addiction to one day actually understanding how to play, let alone how to beat, the game. And no one can change my mind.

2003: Activision releases Star Trek: Elite Force II for PC in the US. You've gotta feel sorry for the Star Trek special ops guys at the bar. "So what do you do?" "I'm part of an elite force." "Really...wow. For whom." "Uhh...that's classified." Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:15:16 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271730&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 23rd ]]>
1996: Nintendo releases the N64 console in Japan, along with Super Mario 64. The system goes to sell a little over 30 million units with this Mario launch title becoming the most successful software released for the console.

But it's actually a sad story, given that Sony's Playstation goes to sell almost triple the units than videogame veteran Nintendo. And it's a rough, transitional time for games in general as programmers learn the dos and don't of programming in 3D.

That's not to say the N64 didn't have some great titles that still bring tears to the eyes of grown gamers everywhere. So commenters, what were your favorite N64 moments? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:08:58 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271653&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 22nd ]]> 1994: Playmates Interactive releases Earthworm Jim for SNES in the US. It's rare that a hugely publicized game can live up to its hype, but this title was so refreshing during an era inundated with sidescrollers...even if it came out for Genesis two weeks earlier and I missed it.

2000: Eidos releases Deus Ex for PC in the US. Take everything I said above about Earthworm Jim, replace sidescrollers with FPSs, and you'll get the point. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:00:15 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271238&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 21st ]]> 250px-Battlefield2Cover.jpg2005: EA releases Battlefield 2 for PC in the US. Needless to say, there are many who take this game more seriously than real war.

So here's my reality show pitch of the day. Take 20 or so Battlefield 2 experts, boot camp their asses/give them Rambo muscles and have them compete for real (well, minus the bullets). How do you think the gamers would do? I'm betting really freakin' well once they got over their soft drink dependency. Of course, games like Counter-Strike and Rainbow Six would work well, too.

Fox, send money at will. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:40 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=270903&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 20th ]]> Fftbox.jpg1997: GT Interactive releases Blood for PC in the US. At least they were upfront about it. Parents can't complain about the content on that one...though "Grand Theft Auto" is fairly upfront about its content as well.

1997: Square Co. releases Final Fantasy Tactics for PS in Japan. Final Fantasy fans—do your thing.

2006: Microsoft announces that half-billion games of Halo 2 have been played on Xbox Live. With around 7.4 million copies sold at the time, that means the average owner played over 100 matches online. And that's a moderate success. Too bad I don't enjoy Halo's multiplayer. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:18 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=270439&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 19th ]]> 1999: Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess "Cliffe" Cliffe release a Half-Life mod known as Counter-Strike. Hmm...sounds like just another stupid fanboy mod. Nothing will ever come of it.

2000: Microsoft announces that they have acquired Bungie Studios. Seeing as how integral Bungie is to Microsoft Game Studios now, it's crazy how late Microsoft secured their number one "killer app" maker with so much on the line. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:00:30 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=270090&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 18th ]]> neverbox.jpg1985: Nintendo releases Wrecking Crew for NES in Japan. It's an arcade/strategy game where Mario and Luigi make an appearance, along with a bad guy named "Blackey" (Spike in the US). Good change? Probably.

2002: Atari releases Neverwinter Nights for PC in the US. These Bioware RPGs are so fantastic, I don't even know where to begin. If only they featured some setting to freeze time and let us play longer—that's all they really need. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:00:17 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269654&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 17th ]]> 256px-Silent2002.jpg1994: EA releases Ultima Gaiden (or Ultima: Runes of Virtue II) for SNES in Japan. As usual, the American version of the title is SO much lamer than Japan's.

2004: Konami releases Silent Hill 4: The Room for PS2 in Japan. What do you think, fanboys? Resident Evil, or Silent Hill? Which series is the best?

Fight! (To the death only, please.) Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:13:28 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269589&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 16th ]]> 1999: Eidos releases Official Formula 1 Racing for PC. Today is an admittedly light day for gaming history, so let me ask this question:

Does anyone care about "official" or "licensed" games? Would you opt for an official game, just to play with real jersey or team names, especially if the unofficial game looked or played better? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:10:26 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269521&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 15th ]]> 612_s.jpg1999: Hasbro announces Hasbro Sports—a label that will focus on sports games. The funny thing is, their sports games are titles like Trivia Pursuit: NASCAR Edition. And last I knew, Trivia Pursuit was a board game, at least until I tried to cheat and my sister older brother twisted my arm back and made me scream "uncle".

2005: EA releases Batman Begins for all the big consoles. How was the game? Don't know, don't care. But the movie was incredible. Has everyone seen the pictures of Heath Ledger as the new Joker? Scary. And awesome. Writer/Director Christopher Nolan is a genius and I can't wait for the sequel. And...uhhh....I'm sure it will have a videogame, too. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:00:24 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=269123&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 14th ]]> g05789mr20u.jpg2000: Capcom releases Tech Romancer for DC in the US. Let's see: two giant robots battle to the death in 3D. Why are people still making games? Things may have peaked.

2002: Sony announces a $250 million campaign to promote the PS1 and PS2 in the United States. Needless to say, that's a lot of money. Instead of advertisements, Sony should just give away $X million in product. That would give them a.) instant install base b.) a shitload of free publicity. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:00:18 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=268722&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 13th ]]> 200px-Shogun_Total_War.jpg2000: EA releases Shogun: Total War for PC in the US. It's a combination of RTS and turn-based strategy...otherwise known as Total war. Not just partial war like the other games.

2005: THQ releases Juiced for PS2, XBOX , and PC. It's either a non-franchise NFL spinoff or a street racing game. Or baseball—it could definitely be baseball. Or...ooohh...DS smoothie game! Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:00:57 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=268373&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 12th ]]> garagesale_title.gif1998: Capcom, Konami, Namco, Sony, and Square file a lawsuit against a Tokyo game shop for selling used games. Having failed a campaign to make resale of games illegal, they now prefer to supervise the resale of games.

Because when you buy something, it's not yours to sell. And you should know that by now. On one hand, resellers are selling games for less than their new counterparts. Of course, this also means that these games once sold as new and profits were made. From the other perspective, resellers might be charging MORE than retail value for a title, in which case there is an easy way to fix that supply and demand structure...

Given the strong state of Japan's game shops, I'm assuming the big companies failed. But ask Ash. He knows everything about Japan since he lives there. Absolutely everything. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:41 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267964&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 11th ]]> 1998: THQ releases Quest 64 for N64 in the US. The game uses an unconventional level-up system. For instance, if your character gets beat up, they gain hit points. Little do they know, these hit points are really just scar tissue that will one day require surgical removal and skin grafting.

1999: Nintendo releases Mario Golf for N64 in Japan. The series never worked logically: Mario has absolutely NO leisure time available with the flighty Princess getting kidnapped all the time. Though, all those gold coins could certainly fund the country club lifestyle. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:00:15 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267609&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 10th ]]> 1961: Yoshiki Okamoto is born into the the world/videogame design. His footprint is on a slew of huge titles, from Gyruss and Timepilot, to Street Fighter, Resident Evil, SNK vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom, Zelda Oracle & Seasons, and the Genjis (ok...Days of the Blade might not be the biggest game on this list). A Capcom vetertan, Okamoto eventually left the company to start his own company, Game Republic.

Happy birthday, Yoshiki Okamoto. Thanks for showing up. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Sun, 10 Jun 2007 13:00:55 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267561&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 9th ]]> 250px-Killer7boxnew.jpg2005: Capcom releases Killer7 for GC and PS2 in Japan. It's a highly stylized, cel-shaded rail shooter. But responses to it are extremely mixed. It seems to be a love or hate experience, with reviewers like GameSpy rating the game at less than half of IGN's score. What did you think?

2005: Success releases Metal Saga for PS2 in Japan. Tanks? Check. RPG gameply? Check. Story? Graphics? Anyone? Are you still out there? Why'd you turn off the light? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:10:27 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267485&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 8th ]]> ChipnDaleRescueRangersBox.jpg1990: Capcom releases Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers for NES in Japan. Great, now I'll have that cartoon's theme song stuck in my head for the rest of the day. It wasn't even a show I watched, yet 17 years later I can't get the thing out of my head. And by the way, you're welcome.

1999: Sony announces a new laser for their upcoming PS2 console that can read both CDs and DVDs, eliminating the need for separate components. Kinda neat, in a 1999 sort of way. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:00:15 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267060&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 7th ]]> Vtmr.jpg1999: It's reported that a 5-year-old boy Inuit boy shot his 7-year-old brother while fighting over the use of their Nintendo. No positive spin on that one. Ed note: and that was not a challenge.

2000: Activision releases Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption for PC in the US. I was so excited for this game—all the elements were in place and the press leading up to release was very positive—and I desperately tried to enjoy playing...it just wasn't very good. I came back to it a year later, thinking I was unfair. How could I NOT love this game?? Same results, though I almost beat it the second time (damn AI walking through sunlight.) But what did you think? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:55 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=266703&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 6th ]]> Links_Awakening_box.jpg1993: Nintendo releases The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for GB in Japan. One day, when the asteroids hit the earth and it's me, some cockroaches and a half-melted GB, I'm gonna do some catching up on missed titles.

2002: Konami releases Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance for GBA in Japan. The name is so cool that it's absurdly stupid. Or maybe the other way around. Either way, we like it. We think. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com

]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:00:57 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=266300&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 5th ]]> 1994: Philips Media releases Zelda's Adventure for CD-i in the US. The game was born from compromise between Nintendo and Philips, after the SNES CD add-on failed to come to fruition. Unlike other CD-i Zelda titles, Zelda's Adventure uses an overhead camera just like in the original. I wouldn't mind trying it out. Any fans out there play the game?

2002: The UK's Independent Television Commission asks Microsoft to stop running their commercial, Champagne. The received a number of complaints, especially from the pregnant and elderly. Hit the jump if you've never seen the spot—it's really great.

Awesome commercial. Of course it would upset some people. It's thought-provoking and shows naked men. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:00:49 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265907&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 4th ]]> 255px-Bloodmoon_Expansion_box.jpg2003: Bethesda Softworks releases The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon for PC in the US. Add-ons including werewolves worked for Bethesda, but the concept would do just fine for almost any game. Think of it like Game Shark, but instead of infinite lives you get to play the game Altered Beast style. And zombies would work just as well, if not better. No need to thank me, world. I'm here for your service.

2004: Eidos releases Get On Da Mic for PS2 in the US. I'm glad the blogs are still written, as I have no interest in ever saying that title out loud. Well, not sober at least. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:00:03 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265542&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 3rd ]]> Mariobros2japanbox.jpg1986: Nintendo releases Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Super Mario Bros. 2 to them) for NES in Japan. As a child, playing the US version of SMB2 was utterly confusing. Why did they take this approach? What's with the birds in the bricks? What's with everything?

And then, as an adultish, I learn that my instincts were correct and something was amiss. Businessmen had made the decision that American gamers were as lazy as they were fat, and that the real SMB2 would be too hard for our pudgy beef-eating brains. Instead we would get to play a 20 hour acid trip with Mario and friends sloppily pasted over the drug cartel.

So it's with a bit of pent up hostility that we celebrate today. Woo. Hoo. Mario. I'm glad that the world is advancing to a more open IP economy. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:00:44 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265478&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 2nd ]]> 2000: Eidos releases Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour for GBC in the US. So why is the racing tour "magical"? Because it's Disney, duh! Magic didn't even exist before their polished animation and happy Grimm tales.

2003: 3DO releases CUBIX: Robots for Everyone: Showdown for GC in Japan. It's based upon one of those newer children's cartoons that my generation frowns upon. Because when I was growing up, we walked 20 miles barefoot in the snow to school. And our robots assembled to make Voltron, which was/is/will always be the coolest thing ever. Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:30:46 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265412&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, June 1st (Sequel Edition) ]]> 1998: Nintendo releases Dr. Mario for the SNES in Japan. The subsequent malpractice suits were unfortunate. I wish someone had told Mario that Mike and Ikes didn't cure colds sooner.

1999: EA releases Dungeon Keeper 2 for PC in the US. This is better known as the day S&M fanboys everywhere wept for a second time (well...more than that if you count the anal beads).

2001: Eidos releases Gangsters 2 for PC in the US. The original was brilliant if not more than a little frustrating. How was the sequel? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:00:44 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=265072&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ This Day in Gaming, May 31st ]]> 1997: Interplay releases MDK for PC in the US. I was always too confused by the box to pick up the game—stupid me.

2000: Koei opens up a separate publishing unit in Taiwan with the aim to release enough copies of games to counteract piracy in the region. While I have no clue if it worked, it seems like a progressive idea...especially for the year 2000. How long until games and movies are no longer regionally released? Mark Wilson

Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you'd like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com


]]> Thu, 31 May 2007 12:00:29 MDT Mark Wilson http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=264699&view=rss&microfeed=true