The eerily realistic politics of Blacksite: Area 51
Blacksite: Area 51 is one of the first games to question why we are forcing ourselves into such a bad situation. While it does it in a way that doesn’t entirely follow the true political reality, the message is quite clear that America might be completely screwed.
There’s a lot to take in. From the war on terror to war in America’s own streets this game mocks the politics of fear. Sure, the game is beautiful even without the blatant political insults to presidential administrations past and present. There’s just something about the war in Iraq ending to fight a domestic threat that makes it even more intriguing…
Important Importables Mini: MGS4 x Figumate Sweet Snake
These are just too cute. And yet, somewhat disturbing. Konami is teaming up with Figumate to create Metal Gear Solid figures. No big deal, right? I mean, video game companies team up with Japanese figure companies all the time in Japan. Except that Ocelot, Snake, Raiden and Otacon will be represented as girl in the collection.
The series, known as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots X Figumate Sweet Snake will be sold through Konamistyle as a set of four. Each one is only 7 cm, so they’ll really be the perfect size to put anywhere. The set comes out December 11, 2008 for ¥2,940, roughly $30, and if you really must have them, I’m sure you’ll find a set on eBay or some in some Japanese online hobby shop.
GamesCampus to pay people who don’t like Asda Story $30
The open beta for the free massive multiplayer online rpg (MMORPG) Asda Story starts August 5, 2008, and Gamescampus.com has decided to make things interesting by starting The Guaranteed Fun Promotion on the same day. The Guaranteed Fun Promotion will refund $30 to any player who didn’t enjoy Asda Story.
There are some catches though. You can’t just log in once, then claim you didn’t like it when the 30 days is up. You have to make an account, download the Asda Story client, play for 30 days, raise a character to level 40 by September 4, 2008, and complete a survey telling Gamescampus.com why you didn’t like Asda Story.
Playstation Store update for the week of July 31 to August 6, 2008
The main feature of today’s Playstation Store update is PixelJunk Eden ($10) and, for an epic co-winky-dink, I figured just what the hell that game is. Or, at least, I saw it in action and appreciate it for the sperm ovulation simulation it truly is. Talk about abstract. It does have some funky music, though.
Anyhow, let’s get right to the list…
Spore leads to ‘Sporn’
The Spore Creature Creator was released by EA June 17, 2008. It was designed to be a program that anyone could use to create friendly Spore characters so when Spore finally launched in September 2008, they would have creatures to import in.
However, the internet can be a seedy place, and soon some extremely friendly creatures were made with Spore Creature Creator. These creations, dubbed “Sporn,” are Spore creatures with oversized or extra choice, anatomical bits or who look like they are engaged in various stages of intercourse.
Important Importables: Simple Series DS games
The Simple Series is a staple in Japan and are a line of budget-priced games released by D3 Publisher for the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, DS, Wii, PSP, PS1 and PS2. The games are typically by smaller developers and all of the DS titles are bargain priced at ¥2800.
This makes them a great way for people who normally don’t import video games to give them a try (especially since the PSP and DS are region-free.) Simple DS Series Volume games for the DS usually start at $28 and older entries can be as cheap as $19. For people who have never imported before, this can be a way for people to test and see if they could play a game filled with…
World of Warcraft’s Russian launch
Blizzard Entertainment is really commited to its goal to bring World of Warcraft to gamers around the world. It has just announced that on August 6, 2008, the Russian version of the popular massive multiplayer online rpg (MMORPG) and the The Burning Crusade expansion pack will be released in Russia.
There will be both Windows and Mac versions of World of Warcraft and the expansion sold on the release date, as well as two different buying options. People can buy a DVD box version with a one month subscription or a CD box version with a 14-day subscription. There will also be Russian accounts with a 359 ruble month-to-month plan, a 329 ruble three month plan and a 299 ruble six month plan. (Note: All plans cost a monthly fee, but if you commit for longer, you’ll get a better price.)
Horror in the Himalayas with Cursed Mountain
We’ve seen horror video games take place in the arctic (The Thing), creepy rural villages (Fatal Frame 2, Silent Hill and Siren), haunted houses (Fatal Frame) and high schools (Obscure), but now there’s a new setting - the Himalayas. Deep Silver has announced that it is working on Cursed Mountain for the Wii, a survival horror title which takes place in the Himalayan mountain system and should be released in 2009.
In Cursed Mountain, players are a mountaineer who is searching for his lost brother in the Himalayas. Unfortunately, there is an ancient curse on the range - every person who has ever died in the Himalayas is still there. So the mountaineer is assaulted by demons, ghosts and zombies as he searches to find his brother, who might even be one of them.
Mount & Blade gallops into the sunset September 16, 2008
The PC game Mount & Blade, from Paradox Interactive and TaleWorlds Entertainment, has a solid release date. On September 16, 2008, people in North America will be able to purchase the medieval title. Europeans will have to wait three days until September 19, 2008 for their chance to play.
Mount & Blade is a sandbox style action rpg for single players, which can also be played from either a first or third person perspective. Player explore Calradia as a mounted soldier who can do whatever he wishes - you can travel alone, form an army or even manage villages. It is also designed to be a very realistic game, as there are no instant heal potions, your actions have consequences and you really have to think before you attack.
Mabinogi’s final season of Generation 2 starts tomorrow
The free-to-play massive multiplayer online rpg Mabinogi is going to experience a major update tomorrow (July 30, 2008). Season 4 of Generation 2 (G2S4) is going to begin, and with it will come new additions to the game and a new contest. Most of the new additions, however, seem to be premium shop items, so go pick a Nexon Game Card while you’re out today.
Mabinogi G2S4 is synonymous with three things - spirit weapons, pets and Peaca. A new dungeon will be added into the game, Peaca, and it is supposedly the most challenging one yet. There will also be seven new pets added to the premium shop, among them three new kinds of dogs, a white spider, a cow, a sheep and a pig. Players will also be able to create spirit weapons in the game.
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RE: The eerily realistic politics of Blacksite: Area 51
Actually I know quite a few people who have played the 360 and PC versions. The only complaint they gave was that Midway plasters its…" MORE »
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RE: The eerily realistic politics of Blacksite: Area 51
I think the political underlays to the game are interesting to think about. I also think the game was botched due to improper handling before…" MORE »
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RE: Important Importables: Ohimesama Debut review
Oops, of! Of! (Of YJB). I forgot to change it when I changed the rest of the sentence. :O " MORE »
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RE: Important Importables: Ohimesama Debut review
The story reminds me a little like YoJinBo :) Man, those Imagine games sound like vultures! (But, you know, vultures that prey not on corpses…" MORE »


