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Halo 3 Gets the Playtest Treatment

August 21st, 2007
humansockpuppet

There is a fantastic expose over at Wired Magazine on the Halo 3 play testing process being used to achieve the Golden Mean of balancing difficulty and challenge with fun and accessibility. The piece provides excellent insight into what gameplay virtues and flaws play-testers look for when pouring over hours of recorded footage. Sound vaguely like Big Brother watching you play games over your shoulder? Hey, if it makes games better, then I’m all for it.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Don’t Hold Your Wee for a Wii

August 17th, 2007
humansockpuppet

If you are reading High-Score Online, then you are definitely into video games. And if you are into video games, then you are probably aware of rumors that have been drifting around Nintendo’s much sought-after Wii.

Gamestop COO Dan DeMatteo was cited in March saying that the Wii shortage is an attempt by Nintendo to artificially boost demand and keep sales on its console up. How has Nintendo been responding to these allegations? Is there any possible truth behind them? And what does this mean for the millions upon millions of gamers worldwide, casual and hardcore alike, who have yet to get their hands on one of these precious little boxes? Read more about High-Score’s insights after the jump.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

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A Brief History Of Cheating

August 13th, 2007
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Cheat!

There’s a fantastic article down at Slate about the history of cheats and easter eggs in video games. The piece looks at how cheats have evolved from their humble beginnings (the famous Konami code) and charts their potential impact on modern gaming as we approach an era of unprecedented shared virtual space. Be sure to check it out!

Remember when cheating at video games was harmless fun?

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Another Update for Wii Owners

August 10th, 2007
humansockpuppet

This morning Nintendo Wii owners were treated to another update - although this time, instead of more firmware upgrades, it is a tantalizing two-video preview of the upcoming Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, along with a promise of more videos to come on August 13, 2007.

The videos are definitely worth a watch if you’re a Wii owner, and this is also a good indication of things to come. Nintendo could realistically use this as a means of presenting more new and exciting trailers and updates for other games via their online service, similar to how Xbox Live has served the Microsoft community.

The video downloads are available for free in the Wii Shopping Channel under Wii-Ware.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Peter Moore To Leave Microsoft

July 18th, 2007
humansockpuppet

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that the voice of its next-generation console, Mr. Peter Moore, has officially resigned from his position and will be leaving to work for Electronic Arts after a transition period set to end in August.

The announcement comes as a shock to the industry, and many analysts are already discussing what this could mean for Microsoft’s business strategy. Many believe that this will negatively impact Microsoft’s image in the eyes of its core audience and fans. Moore was widely recognized as the voice of Microsoft’s next-generation system, and his charismatic and friendly attitude to public and consumer relations did much to project the corporation’s enormous multi-billion dollar hardware endeavor in a light that was approachable and sympathetic to gamers everywhere.

Moore is due to be replaced by Don Mattrick, a former EA Executive who was in charge of EA’s World Wide Studios.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Dark Sector Shaping Up…

July 5th, 2007
humansockpuppet

Dark Sector

At their recent press event in Santa Monica, D3 Publisher of America unveiled a playable demo of their upcoming action thriller Dark Sector for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. How is the game shaping up so far? What kinds of gameplay features can be expected when the game goes gold?

Learn more about this promising title after the jump.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

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Espionage Online

June 14th, 2007
humansockpuppet

Prep your favorite silenced pistol and shake that martini mix, because Sony Online Entertainment is coming to the MMO industry full-force with The Agency, a massively multiplayer online action shooter themed around the mysterious and intriguing world of spies and mercenaries. Read more about this after the jump!

GABRIEL CORTEZ

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The New Home For 4,000 Forum Threads On Dragonforce

June 8th, 2007
humansockpuppet

In an attempt to bring the producers and the end-users closer together, Harmonix, infamous creators of the Guitar Hero series, has posted a small questionnaire on their official website allowing players to suggest songs for their upcoming co-op musical rhythm game Rock Band.

Harmonix has not specified the degree to which user input will affect the final song list, or whether it has secured any contracts with specific music labels in order to better facilitate and meet consumer demand. However, given the immense popularity that the game has garnered over its last two installments it shouldn’t be difficult for the ground-breaking developer to bring dollar-signs to the eyes of any prospective sponsor.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Our God Has Arrived!

May 28th, 2007
humansockpuppet

At last! Actraiser for the Virtual Console!

Now all we need is a next-gen version. Square-Enix, the ball is in your court now.

GABRIEL CORTEZ

Virtual Console Blues

May 21st, 2007
humansockpuppet

Every gamer was jazzed when news of the Virtual Console first broke. It was going to be a real opportunity for old school gamers to re-live the golden days on genuine Nintendo hardware, not to mention an opportunity for the young’uns to see where all of the flagship franchises they now know of came from. Gamers who unwittingly threw out their old systems and games would finally have the chance to play those games again, skipping gleefully down nostalgia road with a happy song on their lips…

GABRIEL CORTEZ 

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Sony Steps Up To The Plate

May 6th, 2007
humansockpuppet

Nestled in a labyrinth of twisted streets in the heart of Culver City, California, Sony Online Entertainment held its Gamer Day on Thursday to expound its plans and strategies for 2007. While many of the details are on hold until Sony gives the green light, what we can say is that the media giant is certainly looking to step up its online game plan and give its major competitor, Microsoft, a run for its money.

GABRIEL F CORTEZ

More after the jump…

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