Launched in November, Michael Jackson: The Experience has become an instant hit with sales of the video game surpassing two million units across the Wii, Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStationPortable thanks to the recent holiday splurge. Michael Jackson: The Experience allows players to performing the dance steps inspired by the choreography of Michael Jackson himself and to experience the environments from his iconic music videos Thriller, Bad, Beat It and many more. All the while players are listening to and singing along with his music that continues to excite and move people today. High sales figures may also be attributed to Ubisoft’s novel anti-piracy method, in which pirated versions of the Nintendo DS game would emit the horrid vuvuzela horn sound (made famous by the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa), deeming pirated versions of the game unplayable.
“Michael Jackson: The Experience is a worldwide hit and offers fans the game they have been waiting for,” so says Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft, “We’re looking forward to bringing Michael Jackson: The Experience to Kinect and Move so an even bigger audience can enjoy playing the game with their friends and family too.” Ubisoft is expected to release the highly anticipated Xbox 360 Kinect and Playstation Move enabled versions on April 14, 2011. New content includes the songs “Blood on the Dance Floor” and “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”, new dance routines and more additional content to be revealed closer to the release date.
Xbox 360 Kinect and Playstation Move exclusive features will be included in the game enriching the overall experience. Apart from the improved visuals and the integration of the Kinect and Eyetoy cameras on both versions, Xbox 360 Kinect features full body motion tracking allowing for players see their true motion and steps reproduced in the virtual world. Not to be outdone, Playstation Move features automatic Facebook feed integration which allows players to instantly post and upload pictures of themselves playing the gaming direct to Facebook. The game also adapts to the player’s available hardware, for example Move only, microphone only or Move plus microphone offering various game modes – dancing, singing or dancing and singing depending on the player accessories. Sales of Michael Jackson: The Experience across all consoles are expected to be high dance fan rejoice, the King of pop lives on!
For fans of the MX vs ATV series that has been out since 2004, it is now time to celebrate as the series has hit a landmark of 10 million shipped overall according to THQ. Not bad at all for a the motocross racing series that has became a household name to gamers everywhere over the years.
With this bit of news also came the announcement that Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener in Anaheim on January 8, 2011 (which THQ sponsors), a brand new MX vs ATV title will be announced. With only two days to go, it will be interesting to see where THQ take the series next.
“This record-setting milestone for the MX vs. ATV franchise is the culmination of consistently delivering genre-defining innovations and the most authentic motocross racing experience for fans worldwide,” said Michael Lustenberger, THQ Vice President, Global Brand Management. “The next iteration of MX vs. ATV will take the series to an exhilarating new level, and we are absolutely thrilled to unveil the first trailer during the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener.”
Just two more days and we will know exactly what new title may come out of this and on the stage THQ are announcing it on, this could be a new turn for the series with the promise of “taking it to the next level”. Stay tuned as when the announcement breaks, we will be sure to bring coverage for this developing story.
The Nintendo 3DS does not even have a date yet and already we are seeing some accessories that are ready to hit shelves upon release of the new handheld. Mad Catz have been a leader on the gaming accessory scene for a long time now from fight sticks, controllers, and of course portable gaming accessories being available and now the company has announced their full range of products for the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, whenever that launch may be…
Licensed accessories expected to ship as part of the new range are:
· Nintendo 3DS Traveller Bag
Fashionable yet durable, the Traveller Bag proves an ideal travel companion, providing storage for gamers’ Nintendo 3DS, up to 21 game cards and 2 styli, alongside spare storage compartments for accessories such as AC adapters and headphones. Fashioned in a contemporary design with protective inner lining, the case offers safe and stylish transport for gamers’ console and accessories.
MSRP: $19.99
· Nintendo 3DS Microsuede SlipCase
Discrete and refined, the officially licensed Microsuede SlipCase offers a fashionable solution for transporting gamers’ Nintendo 3DS and up to three game cards. Featuring a sleek design and protective inner lining, the plush, tactile Microsuede SlipCase ensures gamers’ console and games travel safely and in style.
MSRP: $12.99
· Nintendo 3DS Extendable Stylus 3-Pak
Mad Catz’ officially licensed Extendable Stylus 3-Pak for the Nintendo 3DS provides a trio of high-quality styli. Designed for comfort and available in multiple colors, the Extendable Styli provide an ideal replacement for the standard stylus provided with the Nintendo 3DS.
MSRP: $5.99
· Nintendo 3DS Stylus & Screen Protector Pak
Mad Catz’ officially licensed Stylus & Screen Protector Pak for the Nintendo 3DS provides gamers’ with a trio of high-quality Extendable Styli, ideal for handheld gaming needs. Designed for comfort and provided in colors which match the console, the Extendable Styli are complimented by two sets of Screen Protectors, designed to protect the Nintendo 3DS from dirt and scratches.
MSRP: $9.99
· Nintendo 3DS Screen Protector Pak
Mad Catz’ officially licensed Screen Protector Pak has been designed to help shield the screens of the Nintendo 3DS from dirt, scratches and accidental damage. Consisting of 2 sets of high-quality Screen Protectors, each set is easy to apply and remove, leaving zero residue and no distortion of the 3D effect or screen quality. Complete with bonus Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.
MSRP: $7.99
Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “The Nintendo 3DS promises to introduce gamers to a new era of entertainment. Mad Catz is delighted to be complimenting the launch of this exciting new handheld with a range of high quality, licensed accessories which we believe enhance the gaming experience and will prove invaluable to gamers everywhere.”
With this announcement, I am now drawing even more to thinking the 3DS launch date is just right around the corner, so I would say now that we got some of the awesome accessories to clean and wrap our 3DS’ in, but now we just need the actual system. Of course no date was given for any of these products to be released so this is ultimately another tease until then, but my anticipation has now peaked for the device that is sure to be a huge draw for all gamers sometime this year. Either way it is good to see Mad Catz on top of things right from the get go with these products and at affordable prices as well.
Game Name: Frobot Platform(s): Nintendo WiiWare Publisher(s): Fugazo Developer(s): Fugazo Genre(s): Action/Puzzle Release Date: December 20, 2010 (US) Price: 1000 Nintendo Points ($10 US)
Frobot is the product of developer Fugazo and an interesting title without a doubt. You play as a stereo-typical robot with an afro, some kickin’ treads and five “foxy girlfriends” who you must rescue by solving puzzles to open each level’s warp pad. As I learned with Frobot, this title has much more that meets the eye and can be quite a mind-bending puzzle experience with a pinch of shooting added to the formula. How does all of this work? Here is my review for Frobot for the WiiWare.
Story
The story starts off by giving a brief history of how Frobot came to be and shortly after a small tutorial your off on your journey as you learn your five girlfriends have been bot-napped and you must make your way to the BotBlocker Headquarters to get back your lovely ladies once and for all.
If you think the story sounds a bit over the top, you would be right. That is what makes the game stand out though is the over the top storyline and the setting that will make you feel like your in a time warp between the 70’s and the future. Frobot himself is full of some brilliant one liners that bring some humor to the game and all of the characters interact in this funky style and dialogue that set the whole mood for the entire experience.
Gameplay
The story and setting pack quite a punch for creating such a visual and original world, but the gameplay is by far what makes Frobot so addicting. The game plays with a top-down view the entire time and you control Frobot with the WiiMote & Nunchuck. Each level begins by starting you off right in front of a warp pad, but it isn’t that easy. You must go from room to room of each level and perform various tasks with your weapons to unlock the next room, then continue this pattern until you finally power up the warp pad and go to the next level.
Weapons in Frobot vary quite a bit and like the characters of the title, they all possess that funky charm and fit well with the theme of the game. Your basic weapons include your cannon which can easily be fired anytime and your “Dynomine” which is a remote mine for blowing up enemies or obstacles on your way through the game. As you go further into the game, more weapons and power-ups become unlocked which make harder puzzles easier to deal with such as the “Robo Hustle”, a boost technique that let’s you briefly speed up, the “Stud Missile” which can be used to take out tougher enemies from afar, and the “Jive Stalker” which is a disco-ball that you control with the WiiMote pointer.
Control is certainly something to pay attention to as proper pointing is a must if you don’t want your funky hero to meet his demise quickly. You can easily control Frobot with the Nunchuck, but you also must properly point in the direction you want to fire with the WiiMote and accuracy is one thing that puzzles beg for as I discovered during my play-through of the game. Each room’s puzzle is different from the next, whether it be simply shooting a specific target to open the door, picking up blocks to move to specific platforms, or just taking on enemies, there is plenty of variation from level to level which is actually well thought out and can be stumping at times to properly pull off each room’s puzzle.
All of these can bend the brain a bit when it comes to solving specific tasks as some puzzles later on mix in all elements for a much harder difficulty, but luckily even novice jive turkeys can set the difficulty level to best fit their play style. The one type of puzzle I didn’t care for all too much was where you needed to drop blocks on to a catapult and fire them to a platform across the stage. It wasn’t that the task was too much, it was that I kept having my cube miss it’s mark and on areas that are blocked left me to restart the level altogether. This thankfully isn’t as frustrating as it may sound though as each level isn’t too long to start with. Bosses also enter the mix later on and add a nice change of pace into levels, which after defeating you rescue one of your five ladies.
After you complete the main game, Frobot offers quite a bit of re-playability, which is a rare thing to see in a WiiWare release anymore. In the standard “Single Playa” mode, you have hidden “Power Picks” that can be obtained to unlock “multi-playa” stages and power ups as well as a timed goal that will keep speed runners on their toes to finish each level as quickly as possible. Multi-Playa is a bit different from the main game as you actually utilize all of your arsenal to take down other bots in a battle to the death. This mode is actually quite fast paced and involves a good deal of strategy, so if you get bored of the single player game, inviting some friends over can squeeze even more life out of the experience.
Graphics/Audio
I really could compare the visuals to something from a PSone title or at least near it, as the models are a bit blocky, but the game utilizes so many colors and charm to each level as well as clever character design, the not so great graphics are not a problem after you really get going into the game. Enemies, bosses, and Frobot himself each have a unique art style that fit perfectly into the disco-themed world and the level design gave the game more of a retro title flare.
The music is upbeat the whole way through and of course the soundtrack is made up of disco tunes up until the final level which makes the setting truly come alive. Characters talk in text bubbles, so there really is no voice work to be found but dialogue still remained funny and relevant even without sounds from the speech as everything is well written.
Overall
Frobot is quite a unique title and it took a bit of getting used to for me to really take off into the game, but once you get the feel for the controls and puzzles, it can be easy to lose a lot of time in this disco-filled blast fest. Not only are the puzzles challenging, each are well made and are actually fun to execute the solution due to some innovative design. Robot blasting is also a great addition which bends the genre card for this title a bit and kept the gameplay from getting stale the whole way through. Add in the intense multi-player, and Frobot is easily worth the 1000 points ticket price. If you are a fan of any sort of retro style shooter or puzzler and love crazy themes mixed in your gameplay, this title is for you. Even if you are not any of those, Frobot is a title that demands attention and with the demo now available, you should now run to your Wiis and give this Funky bot a try.
Toki Tori is a neat little game for the Mac OS. It’s a puzzle platformer, tasking you to get through each level alive making use of various items. Toki Tori is marks the launch of the Mac app store, a quick and easy way for downloading all kinds of apps to your Mac. The game is only a mere $4.99, you can pick it up here. Check out the official statement by developer Two Tribes for more info and don’t forget to watch the trailer to see the game in action.
The Mac app store is officially up and running. What this basically means is you can now download apps to your Mac as easily as you do to your Iphone or Ipod. Everything you would expect to be present is there, intuitive and specific searching, easily update your apps as the updates arrive, the ability to redownload apps onto other devices, etc. Any and all kinds of apps can be found, games, music, productivity, you name it.
The most anticipated game of 2011 at the Spike TV Video Game Awards, Portal 2 will be distributed by EA in Retail Channels, as EA announced today an agreement with Valve for the rights to distribute the game.
Portal 2 will see players introduced to a host of fresh puzzles, devious new test chambers in never-before-seen areas of Aperture Science Labs and be reunited with GLaDOS, the occasionally murderous computer companion from the original Portal. The game’s all-new co-operative mode will feature its own unique campaign and characters, and will force players to both act and think together.
“Portal 2 is Valve’s most innovative title in the company’s history and will be launched with a first-class launch campaign this April. We’re excited to be working with Electronic Arts to deliver this title as we expand our platform strategy to include the Mac and PlayStation 3 platforms.” – Doug Lombardi, vice president of marketing at Valve
Portal 2 will be available worldwide in April 2011. For more details about the game check the special Think With Portals website.
At CES Razer, known for their high profile (and admittedly, expensive) gaming peripherals like mouses and keyboards, revealed its next big thing, a pocket PC known as the Razer Switchblade. The Switchblade marks a new chapter for Razer who says that this is only the first of many great and new devices from them. The Switchblade was born of the necessity for a quality PC gaming experience in the handheld format. Don’t get TOO excited about this yet, Razer says this is only a concept at the moment. This means that what you are looking at isn’t final and likely will not be available for purchase in its current form. This is more of an announcement of things to come.
The Switchblade concept is about 7 x 6 inches. Whether or not you think this is an adequate enough size for quality PC gaming is up to you. It comes equipped with the ability to connect to WiFi and 3G. It will run on Windows 7 and have mini HDMI, USB 3.0 and standard mic and headphone ports. There is unfortunately no estimated cost as of yet as this is merely in the conceptual stage at the moment. Click on over to the Switchblade’s website to register for updates on its progress and read more about this innovative new device.
Homefront, THQ’s new FPS, will feature a version of the unpopular Project Ten Dollar invented by EA. According to the information, the game will have a 1 time use code that allows players to access all the online features. Players without a code will be required to purchase the functionality for $10. If you do not have the pass, you can play online, but with limited progress. Out of the 75 levels, you will only be able to progress to 5 of them. You can keep playing after that limit has been reached, but no progress toward your leveling up will be counted. Single player will be unaffected.
Last night around 7:45 Mountain Standard Time at the Consumer Electronics Show in Nevada, Microsoft unveiled some exciting news about the Kinect and Xbox 360.
First off, you may remember that the sales goal for Kinect was 5 million units by the end of the year. The actual number of Kinects that were sold by December 21, 2010 was 8 million. Is it safe to say that it was a rousing success?
Second, it was announced that the Kinect will be getting a Spring update that will allow for Hulu Plus and Netflix navigation using the Kinect. Also confirmed was that Hulu Plus is indeed finally coming to the Xbox and soon! Also, it is presumed that the Xbox 360 will be getting some sort of update to go go along with its favorite accessory.
Third, the Xbox 360 Kinect will be receiving Avatar Kinect. Avatar Kinect will be available for Xbox Live Gold members this Spring. It will be a place to hang out virtually with your friends, a little bit like PS Home, but totally different as well. It will use gesture control and add facial expression support for your avatar. It will take form of “stages” which give users talk show-like sets to interact with their friends. For example, assemble your friends in a virtual roundtable and discuss all the amzing events in your life, and then post the video to Facebook for friends to see. So, it is sorta like the View and Good Morning America. <Insert witty, satirical, or sarcastic comment here.> Check out the trailer below for more details.
Fourth, it was revelaed that Xbox Live had surpassed 30 million members and that the Xbox 360 has sold over 50 million units.
Finally, the Windows Phone 7 will be getting some major updates as well. It was confirmed that the Phone will finally be getting some support from Sprint and Verizon sooner than later. Also, Copy and Paste will be included as soon as February. That same update will include performance improvements. And, the Windows PHone 7 has over 5500 apps in the Marketplace after just 2 short months.
