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What If This Interview… Had Brentalfloss?

Chris Reyes
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What If This Interview… Had Brentalfloss?

Now here’s a guy who’s music and comedy every self-respecting video game fan should be obsessed with. Brentalfloss has grown pretty popular in the past few years because of his “With Lyrics” series of videos on YouTube, where he writes and sings funny lyrics over themes from various old-school video games like Mega Man, DuckTales, Mario Bros., Punch-Out!!, basically anything and everything you played as a kid. Well, I got to sit down and chat with him at the New York Comic Con, and as a comedian/musician who does the same thing myself, it was a real pleasure to talk to someone who I can sort of relate to in that way.

We got Brentalfloss here!

What’s up?

So let me ask some questions of The Floss.

Absolutely

So when did you first start doing the “With Lyrics” videos?

The first “With Lyrics” video was July of 2008, so almost two and a half years ago.

Nice, so what was your inspiration?

You know, I’m always asked that question, I’m not really sure what it means. I had Mega Man 3 stuck in my head, so I wrote lyrics to it. I mean, y’know, yeah like I just couldn’t get it out of my head so it was sort of a way to cope… uh I guess, yeah haha.

Which is your favorite song that you’ve done?

Oh, maaann… in what category, I’m sorry I can’t just pick ONE favorite

Uh… funny?

The funniest one?

Yeah which one do you think is the funniest?

I think the funniest one is… probably Tetris. At least that in the fact that it’s the most broad appeal, like uh… basically… um… *waves to a fan walking by taking his picture* I’m multitasking haha! The point is that uh… Tetris works with a lot of people, DuckTales… you kinda gotta know DuckTales, you gotta have played the game, Tetris is kind of universal, so it’s probably the funniest in my mind.

And what do you have in store for the future besides music? Any new songs coming out? Any new albums? Any animated series in the works?

I do not have an animated series in the works, you said that as if you knew something I didn’t know haha. Basically, I’m gonna keep on going with the “With Lyrics” series, but I’m also working on a “rock opera concept album” which will use music from video games out of context, what I mean by that is it will do to video game music what Moulin Rouge did to pop music. Repurposing songs we already know to be musical numbers in a story, and the story’s about a “Nintendo Time Machine”, and that’s all I can say right now.

Well, alright! That’s Brentalfloss for ya! Thank you very much!

Pleasure!

Again, to anyone who hasn’t heard his music, check out his YouTube channel right now (http://www.youtube.com/brentalfloss) he’s always posting new videos, and make sure to order his CD “What if this CD… Had Lyrics?” from the ScrewAttack Store (http://www.screwattackstore.com/brentalfloss-cd.html).

I just want to thank Brentalfloss once again for taking the time to stop and chat with me at the New York Comic Con!

Mind blowing interactive Batman vs Joker dance off!

Justin Mienkiewicz
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Man, that’s a title I never thought I would see, let alone write.  This “video” is as amazing as it is innovative.  At first you might think, “How the hell can this be interactive?  It’s a friggin Youtube video” but you actually do choose what will happen, each time you do it instantly redirects and loads (sounds dumb but it’s near seamless) the corresponding video of what you chose to happen.

This video was done using mere Batman and Joker toys, very reminiscent of what the hit Adult Swim show, Robot Chicken, does.  This is an honest testament to the term “video””game”.  It is clearly a video, as that’s all Youtube can do, but you actually do interact and decide what will happen.  Even if you aren’t a Batman fan, TRY THIS OUT and be the first of your friends talking about it.  They’ll think you’re cool, and who doesn’t want that?

I don’t know if the redirects will load in the embed, so if not just go to the direct link here.  Super kudos to the maker of this astounding feat.

[US] LEGO Wii Remote unleashed this week

Jack Joly
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Possibly the coolest peripheral known to man, this new Wii controller from the Lego company allows you to customise the face of your wii remote with various LEGO pieces. To a certain extent it allows you to build your own Wii remote, or at the very least, design it. Obviously it can’t let you build it from scratch (as cool as that would be), due to the limited amount of people with the technical skills that may be required to do such a task would limit sales. Nevertheless, can you imagine how great it would be to add your own custom LEGO pieces to the faceplate, as well as the pieces supplied?

However, it does let you add a personal touch to your controller, allowing for alteration of the colour scheme and appearance. It is due for release in the USA sometime this week, retailing at around $40.

It is not yet known whether or not it will be released at a later date in the rest of the world, but here’s hoping.

An Interview with Arkadium

Chris Reyes
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An Interview with Arkadium

Arkadium is a great New York City-based developer of quality casual Flash games. Feel like picking up a game and not needing to go through a half-hour tutorial just to get through the first level? These are the folks you go to. They’ve made games for tons of big dog companies like the NY Jets, the Discovery Channel, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Well I recently got to sit down with them and ask some real tough questions to see how a company goes about making games to appeal to the casual demographic.

1. How was Arkadium started? What’s the secret origin story behind the formation of a fantastic casual games developer? Were there any radioactive spiders involved?

In 2000, Kenny and I (the founders) were working together at a dot com. We were looking to do something new and were always bouncing ideas off of each other. One night we started talking about growing up and how much time we spent at arcades. We got into a battle over who the better Ms. Pacman player was. When we couldn’t find a place online to settle our bet Arkadium was born.

2. What were some of the first projects you worked on that got the Arkadium name out there?

We did a lot of multiplayer poker systems early on when poker was white hot. We created a free online casino for Camel that got us some notice, as did a multiplayer TV trivia game we did for TV Guide.

3. Who was your first “big” client and what sort of game did they ask you to make them?

We started the Company with some big clients, Reader’s Digest, was one of our first. But one of our biggest early projects was for Mattel, we built them a virtual world that tied into an offline toy, it was called UB Funkeys.

4. What goes on during the development process of one of your games?

It’s a very creative process with a lot of input from everyone that’s working on the game. We try to utilize the best of waterfall and agile development methodologies. Towards the end of the development process there are usually some late nights and stress but we always celebrate when it’s all over.

5. What kind of games have inspired the games you make? Any specific favorites that motivated you to get into the business?

Classic casual games, both offline and video games, motivated us early on and still do. Games like Tetris, Monopoly, Ms. Pacman, Backgammon, Super Mario. They are all fairly easy to learn yet have addictive play mechanics.

6. How many people usually work on a given project at a time? Do you have the whole Arkadium team together working on one project or do you split projects up amongst people?

It really depends on the size of the game. Teams can range from 2-40 people. We have 110 employees and always have multiple games in production at the same time.

7. While “casual gamers” are an easy flock to cater to when it comes to games, the so called “hardcore gamers” are a little tougher to get to. Flash games like the unauthorized Super Mario Crossover have proven that it is possible to appeal to a more “hardcore” audience through Flash based browser games. Do you have any projects lined up that you think could draw in these types of gamers?

I don’t agree. I think you see a lot of crossover of core gamers on sites like adultswim and kongregate. Sometimes its an interesting mechanic that attracts them, but lots of time its the subject matter. In the end, a great game is a great game is a great game, so yes, iwould anticipate that if we’re doing our jobs, we’ll release a number of games that will attract core gamers.

8. Are you currently developing any games for iPhone, Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, WiiWare? If not, would you want to expand your horizons to those markets?

We are currently developing iPhone, iPad and Android games. Nothing yet for PSN, Live or Wiiware, but we’re keeping our eye on those platforms and the opportunites they present.

9. What projects do you currently have going on right now, and what can gamers look forward to from Arkadium in the coming months?

We’re spending lots of time on Facebook games right now. We have five on the platform and have three more getting released (with big IP) before the end of the year. I wish i could tell you about them but they’re all a big secret, stay tuned!

Well there ya have it folks! I’m really interested to see what Arkadium has in store for us down the road, big IP Facebook games? I’m curious to see what it could be!

Check out Arkadium at their website http://www.arkadium.com/

Playstation Move Unboxing

Philip Federico
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Sony’s Latest gaming accessory the Playstation 3 MOVE is out already and ready for you to get stuck into. Today we run through what you get in the box when with a MasterAbbott special Unboxing.  Yes I really enjoy doing these.  Check out the video below and make sure you pick one up at the moment Fishpond are having a special check out the price below !! This also includes free FREE DELIVERY !! BARGAIN !!

PlayStation Move Bundle [PS3]Sony Playstation 3 MOVE = WAS $99 NOW – $79.97 !! MAKE SURE YOU USE THE CAPSULEC PROMO CODE TO GET AN EXTRA $10 OFF !!

[pro-player width=’500′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bttc6VCePEE[/pro-player]

Full details and information :

PlayStation Move Bundle includes:

* PS3 Move Controller
* PS3 Eye Camera
* Includes the starter disc

PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Move sub-controller and PlayStation Eye camera, PlayStation Move enables sophisticated motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system.

The corner stone of PlayStation Move, PlayStation Move motion controller combines advanced motion sensors, a dynamic color changing sphere, vibration feedback, and an easy to use button interface. Equipped with three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer and terrestrial magnetic field sensor, PlayStation Move motion controller tracks the precise movements and the angle of the controller. The PS3 system also detects the absolute position of the controller in 3D space by using PlayStation Eye camera. Highly sensitive movement tracking can be accurately traced back to the game, allowing intuitive gameplay as if the player is within the game.

Features:

* Works with PlayStation Eye camera to accurately track player position
* Includes action buttons of DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controller for direct input
* Sleek and Wireless
* Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
* Advanced motion sensors in the controller precisely track both fast and subtle movements
* Color of the sphere’s light provides visual feedback during gameplay
* Vibration feedback is felt during specific actions
* Bluetooth® technology supports wireless gaming
* Simultaneously use up to four motion controllers with a PS3 system
* Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A – Mini-B)

New to the PlayStation Eye is a noise-cancelling microphone which reduces background noise to focus on your speech when chatting to people online. Meanwhile, the camera itself can be used to take photographs and create videos or audio files, which can then be saved to the PS3’s hard drive. The Eye Camera also comes bundled with software – called EyeCreate – for editing or adding “eye-catching effects” to your creations.
Eye Camera can capture up to 120 frames per second, for smoother video, and is engineered to work in low-light too, meaning it doesn’t need a brightly lit room to function properly. There’s also an adjustable zoom lens, featuring a 56 field of view for head-and-shoulder chat, plus a 75 field of view to capture the whole body, doubtless for EyeToy-style arm-waving games.

Features:

* A sophisticated microphone with the ability to reduce background noise and focus on the spoken word for smoother, more accurate speech recognition and transfer.
* The ability to capture videos and audio clips directly to your PS3’s hard disk drive
* Engineered to perform well even in low-light conditions
* A range of different capturing modes, including slow motion and time-lapse (used with included EyeCreate software)
* Faster frame rate for improved tracking, responsiveness and smoothness
* Two position zoom lens for close-up and full body options
* A range of eye-catching visual effects to apply to photos and videos
* Bundled with EyeCreate™ editing software, which allows users to save and edit photos, video and audio clips

Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team gets a new trailer and screenshots

Travis Bruno
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On October 19th, DBZ: Tenkaichi Tag Team will be arriving on shelves for the PSP and Namco Bandai has brought out a medley of different screenshots showing off new Dragon Walker mode and even the customization features that the game possesses. They also have brought out a brand new trailer that better emphasizes these different modes and even a bit of gameplay.

DBZ: TTT will be the very first time that fans of the series will be able to do two on two battle with their enemies. This means that famous battles from the show can be better played out as there was often more than one pair of fighters attacking eachother at a time. Other features included are Battle 100, Survival Mode, and a single player storyline that covers the entire DBZ series. These different modes will be playable with 70 different kinds of characters that can all be customized as well to increase their fighting prowess.

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Nail’d Reveals a New Website

J. Bradshaw
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Nail’d will be bringing a new type of arcade racing to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on November 30, 2010.  But if you want to see insane jumps RIGHT now, Deep Silver has created a website with all your favorite nail’d content.  You can go to http://naild.deepsilver.com to see all the information available for the game.  The website will also feature some exclusive music and wallpapers straight from the game.  Finally, your high scores will be uploaded to the website when the game releases. So, the only missing nail is you.

Nintendo Temporarily Closes Nintendo World Store For Remodel..

Dustin Spencer
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If you had any plans to visit the world famous Nintendo World Store anytime soon, you might want to hold off a bit. Nintendo are doing a remodel on the building to improve some various areas of the store and will not be open until November 1st. Then on Nov. 7, the store will host a daylong grand re-opening celebration event for consumers.

What exactly are they remodeling? Here is a small list of some of the new upgrades:

  • Expansion of the Nintendo Showcase to twice its original size. The showcase will feature Nintendo products and artifacts in a visually impressive way.
  • New floors and new lighting.
  • New interactive stations for Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL.
  • New graphics throughout the store.

Besides the detour of some gamer’s travel plans, these upgrades are welcome to improve the already awesome tourist destination for gamers from all over the world. Nintendo will provide more information about the Nov. 7 event in the future. For more information about Nintendo World, visit http://www.nintendoworldstore.com.

Atari Reveals Details About New Compilation Headed to the Nintendo DS!

Dustin Spencer
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The golden days of gaming can soon be relived once again on the Nintendo DS as Atari have announced Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1! Featuring legendary titles such as Asteroids, Pong, and dozens of other classics, this new compilation looks to be packed full of nostalgia. One of the main features included will be the single & multi-card multi-player modes allowing for other players to join in on 20 various titles in the game. Additionally, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 will feature the original game manuals for each title, an Atari memorabilia showcase, and special bonus extras – including an Atari Trivia game where gamers can race against the clock to answer questions about Atari history and then post their scores to Atari.com.

“Featuring 50 of Atari’s most iconic games that defined a generation, the launch of Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1is a dream come true for casual players”, said John Burns, Vice President and General Manager for Atari Europe, “With the inclusion of a new single cartridge multiplayer mode, original game manuals and new special content, the compilation offers players the chance to re-live the old school days of classic arcade games”.

Along with the announcement a list of all the games were given as well. Here is what you can expect in Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1:

Atari Arcade Hits
Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, Gravitar, Lunar Lander, Missile Command, Pong, Space Duel, Tempest.

Atari 2600 Favorites
3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Adventure, Air-Sea Battle, Asteroids, Atari Video Cube, Basketball, Battlezone, Bowling, Centipede, Championship Soccer, Dodge ’Em, Flag Capture, Football, Fun with Numbers, Gravitar, Hangman, Haunted House, Home Run, Human Cannonball, Math Gran Prix, Miniature Golf, Missile Command, Outlaw, Realsports Baseball, Realsports Boxing, Realsports Football, Realsports Tennis, Realsports Volleyball, Sky Diver, Slot Maching, Slot Racers, Sprintmasters, Starship, Stella Track, Submarine Commander, Surround, Swordquest Earthworld,Swordquest Fireworld, Swordquest Waterworld,Tempest and Video Checkers.

The ability to once again play Lunar Lander is enough to make me more than excited for this compilation and there seems to be something for every kind of gamer with the 50 titles in the mix. The scheduled date for arrival is November 2nd and you can also check out the trailer below and we will more updates about Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 as we hear it!

Valve Announces Dota 2!

Fernando T. Gonçalves
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Valve Announces Dota 2!

The mysterious project teased some hours ago is nothing less than DotA 2!

Valve announced today the sequel for one of the most popular mods ever made, Defense of the Ancients, DotA.

DotA 2 will keep all the things which made DotA so famous, merging strategy and rpg in one addicting formula. The game will features the original DotA cast of heroes, skills, maps, the game style will be keep intact.

What is new? The game will be completely rewriten using a updated version of Valve’s Source engine, so expect all new shiny graphics, bots will be added to take over disconnected players, Steamworks (achievements, match making, and other things) will be used in new ways, with a lot of community features to be added, native voice chat support, and many more. The main idea behind DotA 2 is to bring the players together, with new content being added from time to time.

Another nice feature is the addition of guides and a coaching system, where players will have the opportunity to help newer players, with a personal voice chat channel and a spectator system.

DotA 2 will be released in 2011 for PC and Mac.

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