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Brazilian Senator Seeks Violent Game Ban
Valdir Raupp, who is both a senator and a lion of a man, has put forward a bill seeking to ban the sale and distribution of violent video games in Brazil. Raupp is looking to “curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage [of] the video games that affect the customs [and] traditions…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 5, 2009 -
New PSN Game Is Nearly 10GB In Size
Upcoming PlayStation Network title Record of Agarest War may sound tempting to fans of strategy RPGs, but if you’ve got a 20GB system (or even a 60GB system), you may want to be careful. Why? Because a representative from the game’s North American publisher, Aksys Games, has revealed that the download-only title will be between…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Hey, Stop Blaming The Australian Government/People For “Banning” Games
You know, every time a game is “banned” in Australia, I see people from the US and Europe saying stupid, stupid things. I’d like to try and put a stop to that. This morning, for example, I awoke to find Rebellion – the developers behind Aliens vs Predator – saying that they wouldn’t be making…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
The True Meaning Of Cricket
To: Stephen From: Luke No, not Christmas. Cricket. I get the impression a lot of Americans don’t quit “get” cricket. Think it’s actually a sport where you sit, beer in hand, and watch every second of. It’s not. That’s what football is for. No, cricket is a grand form of social adhesive, confined to the…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Mario, Tetris Turned Into Robots That Serve You Drinks
Roboexotica – a festival held in Austria where people build robots that mix you cocktails – is just the kind of event we can get behind. Especially when it also involves Mario & Tetris. Reader Kyle, an entrant in the exhibit, sent us in these two videos of his creations. One, above, is a game…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
PAL PlayStation Store Update: Take The Lady For A Spin
Don’t sweat it, Europe, you’re not getting left off the Bayonetta Express, with a demo for Platinum Games’ high-kicking beat-em-up available right now on the PAL PlayStation Store. It’s a big download (for a demo), but if you’re a fan of bright things that kick a lot, it’ll be worth it. PS3 STORE Special Offers…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Metal Gear: Peace Walker Hits The UK Next May
So the next game in the Metal Gear franchise hits Japan next March. But what about Western gamers? When can we expect a copy in a language a little closer to home? Might have to wait just a little longer. Konami have announced that Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will be out on the PSP…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Already, Homefront 2 Is On The Cards
Homefront, THQ’s shooter set in a US conquered by a rampaging…North Korea isn’t even out yet, but already, the publisher has big plans for post-release DLC and a full-blown sequel. Speaking yesterday at the FBR Capital Markets 2009 Fall Investor Conference, THQ’s Danny Bilson revealed that Homefront’s plot involves your player and his colleagues moving…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Infamous Gets “New” DLC, Sells Over 1 Million
Poor Infamous. It’s a good game, though one that’s been overrun these past few months by titles demanding more of people’s time/attention. So Sony figure, maybe some DLC will get you spinning the disc back up? From December 10, the “Gigawatt Blades” superpower – which had previously been available only as a preorder incentive –…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Javelin Cheats? Sony Don’t Give A Hoot
While Microsoft will take swift, stern action against anyone caught using the javelin “exploit” in Modern Warfare 2, Sony apparently couldn’t care less. A Sony rep has told CVG “I don’t believe we are banning people for using the glitch”. If they’re not banning people outright, makes you wonder what they are doing. Simply watching?…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Phoenix Wright Does Not Object To iPhone Ports
First the Wii, now Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch are in line for ports of Capcom’s best-dressed, best-educated and most eligible of franchises: Phoenix Wright. It’s definitely on its way to Japanese users, with Capcom Mobile “looking into” porting it for a Western release. Good, good, good. I stopped playing Phoenix Wright about the time…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Saboteur’s 11th Hour Butt Censorship
It’s not just in-game lady parts that have been censored in Pandemic’s Saboteur. Some out-of-game lady parts have also been covered up at the last minute. Sharp-eyed reader Mateo has noticed a little edit on the back of the game’s box. Above, you’ll see the back of the retail box, the one shipping with an…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Here’s Where The Idea For Spirit Tracks Came From
See this book? It’s called せんろはつづく. Or “Senro wa tsuzuku” (“The Tracks Go On And On”). It’s a children’s book by husband and wife team Fumiko Takeshita and Mamoru Suzuki. And it’s the inspiration behind Spirit Tracks. In one of his regular “Iwata Asks” columns, the Nintendo president sat down with Zelda mastermind Eiji Aonuma…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 4, 2009 -
Aliens vs Predator “Banned” In, Yes, Australia
It’s with a heavier heart than usual (normally it’s as light as a sparrow!) that I tell you Rebellion’s upcoming Aliens vs Predator has been “refused classification” in Australia. Which is as good as a ban. Should have seen this coming a mile away. It’s shaping up to be an incredibly gory game, and Australia’s…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009 -
Gran Turismo 5 Demo, December 17
Sony announced today that, come December 17, we’ll be able to play a Gran Turismo 5 demo. Probably. See, there’s a little confusion as to whether this is a GT5 demo or just some new, GT5-flavoured content sprinkled atop the existing GT5 Prologue. The download is called the “Gran Turismo 5 Time Trial Challenge” in…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009 -
Reviews
Tropico 3 Review: Go Bananas For El Presidente
I’ve played a lot of games over the past 29 years. I’ve been wizards, warriors, soldiers, pilots, businessmen, cops, athletes and actors. One thing I’ve never been, until now, is the despotic ruler of a tinpot Caribbean island. Tropico 3 is the third game in a series that tasks you with assuming control of small,…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009 -
Canada’s Bungie-Scented Xbox 360 Bundle
Microsoft announced this week that, for a limited time, Canadian gamers will be able to grab a special bundle that includes a console and both of Bungie’s Halo games for the 360. In all, you get a 360 Elite, two controllers and copies of both Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, all for CAD$400 (USD$380).…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009 -
Wii Hits British Sales Milestones
The Nintendo Wii has carved two big notches on its belt today, passing not only the six million-sold barrier, but also becoming the fastest console in British history to do so. The Wii went on sale in the UK in December 2006, so we’re looking at an average of 2 million per year. Not bad.…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009 -
Cover Your Christmas Tree With Hand-Made Gaming Ornaments
Just in case those fancy controllers weren’t pushing your yuletide buttons, here are some more game-related ornaments suitable for hanging from your Christmas tree. Thrown together by the lovely Alice, there are Zelda rupees, Mario mushrooms, a 360 and even some delightfully garish Yoshis. Interested? Get more info on each item over at Wonderland. Gamey…
By Luke Plunkett Published December 3, 2009