Two weeks back, New Zealand site Game Console wrote up a spoof about Kiwi dev Sidhe, based in Wellington, claiming they were developing a skin for the breakout/Arkanoid clone that would replace the blocks with Shatner's face, among other things.

Taking apparently everything at face value, Boston Legal swooped in with a cease-and-desist to Sidhe. and, not only that, notified Paramount Studios (the Star Trek licensor) and Bob Dylan of the developments.

Though he didn't write it, it so helps ... if you ... read this in ... Shatner's ... ... voice, full of ... gratuitious pauses ... and inflections.

We represent William Shatner and it has come to our attention that you are planning to develop or have already developed and will soon place on the market for commercial sale a digital game utilizing our client's name and likeness as well as infringing on both Paramount's rights to the character 'Captain Kirk' and Bob Dylan's rights to the song "Mr. Tambourine Man".

Please be advised that you are to immediately cease and desist the further development, production, and or distribution of the game SHATNER or any other product that uses William Shatner's name or likeness without first obtaining his approval.

Sidhe managing director Mario Wynands, not exactly quaking his boots, sent the following response.

I've done far worse than kill you, Admiral. I've hurt you.

Dammit, wrong quote. OK, Wynands sent this, and also posted it on NeoGAF.

Thank you for your email.

The GameConsole 'report' you reference is what is commonly referred to on the internet as a 'joke'. The article is a parody of our game, and has no basis in reality in that it does not in any way reflect our intentions for further development of the Shatter IP or relate to any official statement we have made relating to the game.

We have the upmost respect for Mr William Shatner and the licensing process, and if we had any intent of using rights related to either Mr Shatner, Star Trek, or Tambourine Man (which we do not) we would do so using the appropriate channels.

Please respond acknowledging your receipt and understanding of this message, and confirming you have notified both Paramount and Bob Dylan's representatives of your misunderstanding.

Well, I think that deserves an updated facepalm pic.

Shatner's Lawyers Send Cease and Desist to Shatter Developer [GameSetWatch]

These spots almost make me want to play WoW again. But then I see the scars on my hands and back away.

World of Warcraft Commercials [blizzard] Thanks Victor!

Speaking of cameos, the latest episode of ABC legal drama Boston Legal featured a brief guest appearance by THQ and Volition's Saints Row. A portly William Shatner as chronic nutjob Denny Crane is seen getting his virtual hooker on, probably at the behest of some nerdy writer on the show's staff. Either that or a production assistant was tasked with getting "one of the Grand Thefts for the Nintendo PlayStation so Mr. Shatner can keep busy between takes." Surely, THQ didn't pay for this kind of product placement. I hope.

Thanks for the tip, Greg!

William Shatner will be voicing Captain Kirk, the character that made him famous, for Star Trek: Legacy (Xbox 360 and PC) and Star Trek: Tactical Assault (DS and PSP). So, getting back in the saddle as Kirk must've been hard, right? Shatner explains:

I have to do a lot of preparation. I need to walk. So I took a walk with my wife. And there's a tree near my house that I have to climb to get into this part, so I climbed the tree and broke off a little twig, and there he was...

M'kay. Brian Ashcraft

New Star Trek Games [GameSpy via Shack News]

Kotaku graduate Lore Sjoberg did a fun sit down with William Shatner about all things Shatner, including his reprisal of the Kirk role for the upcoming video game.

WN: I saw a preview of the Legacy game, and I heard you were involved with it. Am I right in thinking this is the first time you've officially played Kirk in about a decade? Shatner: That's right. WN: How did it feel stepping back into the role? Shatner: The game is very well-written, and it was a kick to do, and it's all done with your voice. It's fun. WN: Do you play any video games yourself? Shatner: No, I don't. My real problem is that I don't know how a computer works. I mean, it's difficult enough to turn it on, let alone off. But, my main reporters are my grandsons, and they'll love this game.

Love the Shat...umm..ner. Brian Crecente

A Star Date With Shatner [Wired]