Black Widow

Kotaku ‘Shop Contest: Merit Badge Edition Winners

The Cub Scouts are now offering pins and belt loops for meritorious study and applied knowledge of the subject of video gaming, but they failed to consult with Kotaku on the lesson plan. That’s where the ‘Shop Contest comes in! The chance to offer a wry take on a familiar subject – achievement whoring, in…

Isn’t It A Little Early For A Star Trek Online Winback Weekend?

Atari and Cryptic Studios have mounted a huge push for players in Star Trek Online, featuring a referral program, veteran rewards, a free demo, and an invitation to lapsed players of the three-month-old MMO to try it again for free. Has Star Trek Online really lost so many of its launch players in the past…

First Footage Of Enslaved, From The Makers Of Heavenly Sword

Developer Ninja Theory will work its multiplatform ninjitsu with Enslaved, a lovely looking post apocalyptic buddy game bound for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. See Enslaved’s Monkey and Trip in action for the first time, thanks to GameTrailers TV

Is The PSP Go Dead Yet?

This is the last picture I took of my PSP Go before selling it on eBay for $200. Is anyone still holding onto theirs? Three months after Sony released the UMD-less, sliding screen PSP Go I finally caved and bought one of my very own. Why? For one, it is a very pretty device. It’s…

Ocarina of Time’s Goron Leader Gets a Cheeky Statue

Prepare for some naked Goron ass as you behold the majesty of First 4 Figures’ Darunia, Goron Leader, statue. This cheeks-out statue of The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time’s Darunia stands 15 inches tall and is set to hit the U.S. later this year for just under $155. The statue is also built to…

How To Be A World Of Warcraft Guild Leader, Now In Convenient Book Form

If leading a large World of Warcraft guild seems like a fun way to spend your free time, then you should probably check out Scott F. Andrews’ The Guild Leader’s Handbook to see the hellish task it really is. Leading a guild is no easy task. Well, let me clarify that: Leading a successful guild…

These Awesome Arcade Machines Are Art

This feast for the eyes is the Deluxx Fluxx NYC art exhibition, which New Yorkers can visit at 158 Allen Street in Manhattan. I highly recommend local gamers pay it a visit. I shot this video tour during a visit on Thursday. What you see in the video are real arcade machines, converted into interactive…

The Forgotten Sands Opening Cinematic Is Quite Memorable

If this opening cinematic for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands doesn’t get you excited about the game’s May 18 release, nothing will. Now this is how an epic action-adventure game should start. Mysterious beauties in pools of water, large-scale battles filled with warriors in exotic garb, flying balls of flame, buildings toppling, and lots…

If Kafka Were a Game Designer…

he wouldn’t be very good. I like the idea of taking the parable, Before the Law, found inside The Trial and turning it into a flash game. But in this case the result is really just a bit of flash animation. Anyone up for making it a bit more interactive? Before The Law [Thanks Sephi]

Weekend Talk Amongst Yourselves

Wake up. It’s time to talk about video games. Confused about commenting on Kotaku? Read our FAQ

Man Plays Wii, Bites Mother Then Goes On “Rampage”

According to a report from ABC’s Denver outpost, a man by the name of James Williams has had an adverse reaction to a day spent playing games on his Wii. Having “gotten angry over a Wii game”, Williams (pictured above) is alleged to have gone on a “rampage”, racking up the following rap sheet: –…

Who Is Your Favorite Game Designer?

Hello! My name is Brian. Nice to meet cha. Do you come here often? If so, let talk. Here’s how it works: We ask a question, you answer it. Simple and no strings attached! This isn’t some marketing survey or whatever. It’s an emotional investment in you. Yes, we’re interested in knowing you, Kotaku reader…

Nintendo’s 3D Can Be Switched Off (But What Does This Mean For Games?)

Seeking to allay fears over the possible health problems associated with playing games in 3D, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has said that his company’s upcoming 3DS handheld will have a “toggle”, allowing users to switch between 2D and 3D. From a legal standpoint, it’s a solid decision. There are many people with conditions that mean…

First XCOM Screens: Mad Men vs Gray Men

Though we’ve seen OXM’s coverage of the upcoming XCOM reboot, PC Gamer also have a piece on the game, and it’s now online. There’s not much new in the way of info, but there’s now some screenshots for you to…enjoy? As you can see, this isn’t a 50’s-inspired America, it is 50’s America. And while…

StarCraft II Does Bullet Hell Shooters Too

Blizzard’s Galaxy Editor for StarCraft II does more than custom maps and Mario Kart-style mods, it does screen-filling bullet hell shooters too! Want proof? See how hellishly this Touhou-style shoot ’em up mod performs. [via GameSetWatch]

Kotaku Off Topic: *Unintelligible Warbling*

Oh wow. Is it Friday already? You know what that means? It’s time to party, and whether you’re a boozehound like old Chewie or a teetotaler, get your bad self into this Kotaku Off Topic so we can hang. I’ll be in and around, out and about, heading to my local Mexican themed watering hole…

British Steel Cuts Into Rock Band Next Week, Live

Judas Priest’s sixth album, 1980’s British Steel, is coming to Rock Band next week in its live incarnation. Yes, that does include “Breaking the Law.” Nine live versions of tracks from British Steel will arrive on the Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 starting May 11, playable in Rock Band and Rock Band 2. All…

The Ultra Realistic Metroid Is Anatomically Correct (And Maybe NSFW)

Jaime “Kalapusa” Margary, maker of ultra realistic Piranha Plants, Goombas and other Mushroom Kingdom fungus, gorgeously explores the physiology of the Metroid. Perhaps a little too revealing. As seen (larger) at Kalapusa’s deviantArt page.

New Left 4 Dead 2 Mutation Explained, ‘Realism Vs.’ Made Permanent

Valve’s weekly update to Left 4 Dead 2’s gameplay altering Mutations brings us “Follow the Liter,” a new spin on the gas guzzling Scavenge mode. The better news? The game’s debut Mutation is going to be a permanent fixture. Voting for the regular institution of Realism Versus mode was an resounding “Yes!” according to the…