Section: Gaming News, Genres, FPS, Conventions, CES

Sega has quashed rumors that its first-person shooter based on the Aliens film franchise has been axed by announcing it is will be released in the first quarter of 2009.

After Gearbox Software’s Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway sold less than expected, rumors ran rampant that this sci-fi themed shooter might have been given the heave-ho from Sega. I’m just spitballing here but could those lackluster sales be because every third game on store shelves these days is a World War II shooter?

If the Axis powers had a soldier for every WWII shooter released in the past five years, they’d have won the war in a week. Besides which, the Aliens license will be an additional sales tool Brothers just didn’t have.

This is the second such denial in three months as in November 2008 the game’s developer assured us Aliens: Colonial Marines was still coming out. Gearbox Software President Randy Pitchford issued a statement trying to dispel the rumors then. With both Gearbox and Sega doing their best to still promote the game, it looks like a release both companies are expecting great things from.

It’s only fitting that the Colonial Marines should appear in a video game, as every “tough American military grunts beat up evil imperialistic aliens” game including Halo owes a debt to the Aliens films. If this project can adequately capture the thrilling exploits of the movie series, count me in.

If they screw it up, I’ll be first in line to blow this thing out the airlock.

Read [VideoGamer] Also Read [Xbox360Fanboy]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Reviews, Features, Opinions, Consoles, Wii, PCs, PCs-Other

Title: Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People: 8-Bit is Enough
Price: $8.95 PC, $10 Willware
System(s): *PC, WiiWare
Release Date: December, 15, 2008
Publisher (Developer): Telltale Games (Adventure Company)
ESRB Rating: “Everyone +10? for comic mischief
Pros: You get to play games within a game. Chock full of video game clichés that will keep you laughing. See the Homestar characters as zany video game characters. Plus you get to fight Trogdor.
Cons: Seemed shorter than the other episodes, no mini games to speak of, not even searching via the metal detector.
Overall Score:Two thumbs up; 96/100; A; * * * * 1/2 out of five.

The final installment of Strong Bad’s Cool Games for Attractive People has made its way to your PC and Wii. It’ s called 8-Bit is Enough and as always you play as Strong Bad getting into all kinds of predicaments.

In this one, Strong Bad accidentally breaks the Trogdor arcade machine he has in his living room, causing it to come to life and wreak havoc all over the town. When he tries to fix it, he ends up causing the whole town to warp into a paradox, where the town’s people and the video games he plays become mixed up.

So now it’s up to you, Strong Bad, to defeat the evil dragon and restore the town back to its normal state. Uh, does anyone know how to defeat a dragon?par

And the dragon lives in the niiiight!

This is another interesting episode, seeing as you are playing a world that has basically been converted into different video games. You get to see Marzipan as Donkey Kong Girl, throwing crates at a poor hapless Bubs, and Homestar appears to you in obnoxious pop-up box giving you “advice” throughout the game. Also you get to interact with some of the classic Homestar Runner games you know and love like Peasant’s Quest and Stinkoman 20XD6.

Because you are playing a game within a game, Strong Bad will make a lot of cracks at his own game (Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People),. For example, when entering a certain game, he will say, “Man I hope this isn’t one of those lame ‘pick up item, use item, or ask someone about item picked up’ type games!”

It’s worth playing just to find all the video game clichés within the game, similar to the last episode which was packed with movie clichés. Some good ones are the item that can’t be grabbed no matter what you do, the lame licensed video game companies come out with to promote their product and the awesome use of a checkpoint.

Even powerful dragons have their weak spots

This episode seemed much shorter than the previous episodees. That may be because there was less to do in this one, due to the fact there was no side quests of any kind. You could still play the Fun Machine but it was really part of a quest you had to do.

They even got rid of the searching via metal detector since it is destroyed after its first use, likely alluding to the fact that it wasn’t a very important aspect of any of the games.

When you beat every episode, you unlock “free mode” where you can roam around and do whatever. In this game, though, there was absolutely nothing to do in free mode. I was hoping that you could at least play some of the games on your fun machine. The only thing you could do that wasn’t available the rest of the game was a Trogdor mini-game where you burnanate peasants.

Over Too Soon

We come to the end of our reign of terror with Strong Bad and his crew. This was definitely a very fun way to end the series. It was unique, hilarious as always, and brought back all the elements you learned to love from old-school video games.

I wish it was a bit longer but I guess the length of the game really depends on how quickly you figure out and solve the puzzles. Also we never got to see the Cheat Commandos in a mini game, among other things.

So congrats Telltale on a great Strong Bad series and I really hope they decide to make more of these episodes in the future.

Previous Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People Reviews:

• Episode One: Homestar Ruinner
• Episode Two: Strongbadia the Free
• Episode Three: Baddest of the Bands
• Episode Four: Dangeresque 3
• Episode Five: 8-Bit is Enough

Site [Telltale Games] Read [Nintendo]

Full Story » | Written by Jessica Moen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Features, Lists, Handhelds, iPhone & iPod Touch, Updates, Apple App Store

It’s our second edition of the App Store gaming update! This week wasn’t as bad to put together as last week’s, though the insane amounts of turkey didn’t help things.

In this edition of the update we added two new sections entitled: “What’s Free” and “Games you might like.“ I won’t bother explaining to you the complex definitions of these sections, as I’m sure you folks can figure them out. Since we are still in beta, we can tinker around with the list week to week to find just the right format for you guys. As always, feedback is appreciated so feel free to let us know how much you love the list or heaven forbid, hate it!

We also hope to provide reviews for these games at some point so look out for those as well! Now, on to the list: Read More

Section: Features, Gift Guide, Gear, Books, Ads & Media, Movies, Web-Sites

Over at Crispy Gamer, writer Troy Goodfellow recently posted a fantastic list of the best books about gaming (all published within the last year), which make perfect stocking stuffers for gamers. On the list is the oldster-friendly Wii for Dummies and the incredibly intriguing sounding Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts. Everything on the list is totally worth a read, especially for brainy gamers who like to know a bit more about their hobby of choice.

Also on the list are the season’s best game-related flicks, from the long-awaited DVD release of Wargames to the very, very awesome The King of Kong. Again, this is prime stocking stuffer country for gamers. Hint, hint.

Read [Crispy Gamer]

Full Story » | Written by Danielle Riendeau for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Gaming News, Features, Collecting, How-To, Mods-Hacks, PCs, Mac, Windows, Gear, Accessories, Mouses

Back in 2000, Radio Shack (and Digital Convergence) gave away free barcode scanners called the CueCat (aka :CueCat) that connected to your computer. You’d use it to scan stuff and then it would open a web page based on whatever you scanned. It was a nice idea that simply flopped.

A lot of those little scanners are still around (heck, I have three) and operational so, naturally, people want to use the cute little scanners with more modern applications including home collection software made by Collectorz. Particularly, gamers can use a barcode scanner to scan their collection of video games for a complete and easy-to-browse catalog using Game Collector.

Although Collectorz sells that and other software (for music, movies books, photos, MP3s and comic books) bundled with a laser barcode scanner ($199.90 for Game Collector with laser scanner), you can also use your freebie CueCat and save some money, making the software $29.95 (or Pro version for $49.99 or Pro on CDC is $69.95).

Collectorz also sells USB CueCats along with the software for $100 less, at only $99 for a CueCat scanner with CD software. You can also find CueCats online for about $10 to $15 each.

A recent email sent by Collectorz indicated that the company gets “lots of questions” concerning how to use a CueCat with its software. Here’s the email and quickie How To:

TIP: How to setup your CueCat scanner
======================================
…How do I setup my CueCat to work with my Collectorz.com software?

So here it is, a complete step-by-step guide on how to do that:

Step 1: Plug its USB connector into a free USB port.

And that’s it! Just plug it in and start scanning barcodes!

Our software has integrated support for the CueCat, so there’s no need to install drivers or anything. Also, you don’t need to use the Initialize or Find Scanner commands in our software, those are for Flic and Opticon laser scanners.

The CueCat will work straight out-of-the-box! That’s the beauty of it!

It’s probably about that easy if you have the early 2000s freebie model that has the PS/2 connectors. The nice thing about that pricier laser scanner is that you can remove it from the PC connector and scan things on your shelf (or in the store) and it stores a bunch of codes. The CueCat, however, has to remain corded, though it does work with Windows and Mac.

Product Page [Game Collector]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, GameCube, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox-360, PCs, Windows, Handhelds, DS, GBA, PSP, Ads & Media, Print, Advertisements

Well, the most anticipated video game related Black Friday ad may have just emerged today. Both Kotaku and BlackFriday.info are reporting that GameStop’s ad circular for Black Friday 2008 has been leaked onto the internet. Aside from the rather obvious “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” used game deal that GameStops are known for, there are also a few extra notable sales. Plus, GameStops will give an extra $40 credit to people who trade in PS3s, Wiis or Xbox 360s. Extra credit will also be given if you trade in games – 3 games get 10% extra credit, 4 gets 20% extra and 5 gets 30% extra.

You have to be careful when checking the ad though. While some deals are really good, there are quite a few advertisements for games that aren’t discounted. So be sure to comparison shop before committing to buying a game from GameStop’s Black Friday ad. The ad also highlights that GameStops will have 2,500 possible video game items for under $20 and, if you don’t mind picking up a preowned game as a gift, they likely will. However, a lot of these 2,500 items under $20 are that price everyday, so you don’t have to worry about the sales.

Also, GameStop will be donating to charity this holiday season. The ad mentions that GameStop will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation every time someone buys a gift card between November 3 and December 26, 2008. It also states that up to a $300,000 donation will be made to Make-A-Wish due to this promotion.

To make things easier for you, Gamertell has poured over the possible GameStop Black Friday 2008 ad and picked out the notable deals.

7am – 11am Door Buster Deals

• 4gb SanDisk memory stick is $24.99
• Select PSP UMD movies are reduced to $3.99
• Free copy of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 for Xbox 360 when you buy any of the following new Xbox 360 Arcade, Pro or Elite bundles

• Xbox 360 Arcade bundle with Sega Superstars Tennis, five Arcade games disc, wireless controller and 256 memory card
• Xbox 360 Elite bundle with Kung Fu Panda, Lego Indiana Jones, wireless controller and 120gb hard drive for $399.99
• Xbox 360 Pro bundle with Kung Fu Panda, Lego Indiana Jones, wireless controller and 60gb hard drive for $299.99 (Note: After 11am you won’t receive a free copy of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 with this bundle.)

System Sales

• Preowned Xboxes will be $39.99
• New, limited edition ice blue DS with Brain Age and Mario red DS with New Super Mario Bros. bundles are $149.99 each
• Preowned GameCubes will be $29.99
• Preowned original DSes will be $79.99
• Preowned GBAs will be $49.99
• Preowned Xbox 360 will be $149.99
• Preowned PS2 will be $49.99
• Xbox 360 Pro bundle with Kung Fu Panda, Lego Indiana Jones, wireless controller and 60gb hard drive for $299.99 (Note: After 11am you won’t receive a free copy of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 with this bundle.)
• Madden Cobalt PSP bundle with 1gb memory stick, In Just One Play UMD, Beats coupon, Madden NFL 09 and a $30 gift card for $199.99
• Ratchet & Clank PSP bundle with 1gb memory stick, National Treasure 2 UMD, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters and Echocrome coupon for $199.99
• If you buy a new PS2 for $129.99, you will get a $30 gift card

DS Sales

• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution will be $19.99
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will be $9.99
• A TouchMaster and TouchMaster 2 game bundle will be $34.99
• Guitar Hero On Tour will be $29.99

PC Sales

• If you buy Guild Wars Trilogy ($49.99) or Guild Wars ($19.99), you get Guild Wars: Eye of the North free
• World of Warcraft will be $9.99
• Crysis will be $19.99
• Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria will be $29.99

PS2 Sales

• The Dragon Ball Z Trilogy will be $19.99
• Final Fantasy XII will be $9.99
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 will be $14.99
• Resident Evil 4 will be $9.99
• Monster Jam will be $14.99
• Guitar Hero Aerosmith will be $19.99

PS3 Sales

• Preowned Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune will be $39.99
• Preowned Madden ‘08 will be $9.99
• Metal Gear Solid 4 with bluetooth headset will be $89.99
• Overlord Raising Hell will be $24.99
• Dynasty Warriors 6 will be $29.99
• NBA 2K9 will be $49.99
• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution will be $49.99
• Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition will be $39.99
• Guitar Hero Aerosmith will be $29.99

PSP Sales

• Get preowned copies of both Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai Another Road and Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai for $29.99
• Ben 10: Defender of Earth will be $9.99

Wii Sales

• Preowned Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will be $34.99
• Preowned Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will be $29.99
• Preowned Game Party will be $17.99
• Guitar Hero Aerosmith (game only) will be $19.99
• Samba de Amigo will be $19.99
• Luxor 3 will be $14.99
• de Blob will be $39.99
• Star Wars Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duel will be $49.99 and come with a free sticker book
• If you buy Wii Fit for $89.99, you get a free Wii Fit bag

Xbox 360 Sales

• Tomb Raider: Underworld will be $59.99 and come with a free art book
• Monster Jam will be $14.99
• Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition will be $39.99
• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution will be $49.99
• Guitar Hero Aerosmith will be $29.99
• Dynasty Warriors 6 will be $29.99
• Left 4 Dead will be $49.99
• NBA 2K9 will be $49.99
• Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway will be $19.99
• Bad Company will be $29.99
• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows will be $39.99
• Armored Core: For Answer will be $19.99
• Soul Calibur IV will be $49.99

Read [Kotaku] Also Read [BlackFriday.info] Also Read [CAG]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Hollywood is full of catch 22’s, if I haven’t said this already. The trick for a new actor moving here is somehow to have a job that pays the bills, and yet still have time open for auditions and roles. This is difficult because there are, literally, millions of actors here. If there is just one thing that makes the role more difficult for the producers, they can find someone else who does not have that one thing — they certainly will not reschedule for you when you are a new actor, an unknown, a nobody.

Filming goes on here 24/7, so no matter when you work your real job, it will conflict with something you want to do. I’ve been doing odd jobs, losing various jobs (not my fault, I promise!) and generally struggling like a maniac to make ends meet. Well, this past week it almost all fell apart.

Pulling the weeds out

I think that Hollywood kind of works like college calculus — it is simply there to weed out people who can’t hack it. The weeding process here like this — can you somehow work, pay extravagant rent, eat, keep your car working, go to auditions, improve your craft with classes, get an agent, get into SAG, and build your resume all at the same time? No wonder people give up all the time, it’s a daunting task.

Last week I found myself facing a near eviction, phone being turned off, my car insurance expired, ramen and beans to eat, and an empty gas tank. I had been writing a screenplay for someone that I expected to be finished weeks ago — and now it was done and I needed to deliver it to the client about 60 miles away. Except that I had no money to print out the script, and maybe enough gas to get down there, but not get back. I was paid in cash last time so I figured he might do cash again and I could get some gas to go back home. Otherwise, I guess I’d be stranded in Costa Mesa.

Why didn’t I borrow some money? ‘Cause I already had! The people I usually ask didn’t have any for me or had just lent me some. That was just the way it was. So, I figured I’d drive down and see what fate had for me. I’m actually not going to tell you what I did to make it ’cause it wasn’t pretty — but I did get down there and get paid.

I found myself missing North Carolina, my steady job, place to live, normal work hours, getting enough sleep, much less stress… but I’m sort of trapped here being broke. I couldn’t get back if I wanted to.

These are signs you see all around L.A. They are all the same, yellow, with an arrow, text written both ways. It means this way to the set of this movie. Sometimes the title is a false name they are using for the movie that only cast and crew knows so people don’t try to crash the next Brad Pitt set.  I wanted to show you one since they are a part of the Hollywoo d experience.

Anyway, well, I’m here for now. I’m still out of half of stuff I need (thanks Donald for the toothpaste and deodorant!) and low on everything, but if I keep going now I should be at least livable in a few months. I may have to take a break from auditions — hell who am I kidding, I haven’t been out to auditions for months because I’ve been desperately looking for paid work. Anyway I’m going to scrape by for now, and try not to let this happen again. I don’t think I could make it if it did — I’d just have to join the pile of weeds.