Most Recent: PS3

Netflix on video game consoles is the leading bandwidth usage in America

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

Independent researcher Sandvine has concluded that Netflix accounts for more downstream and overall bandwidth usage than all other sources, at 29.7 and 24.71 percent, respectively. Of all devices, video game consoles account for nearly two thirds of that figure, making Netflix usage on consoles alone accounting for 19.7% of all downstream usage. That’s bigger than the next highest usage – web pages.

The PlayStation 3 leads the pack in that figure, responsible for 30.57%. The Xbox 360 comes next, representing 24.94%, followed by PCs at 19.55%, while the Wii, with the highest install base of current gen consoles, comes in last with only 10.75%. Looks like someone may have been right about that whole closet/living room dichotomy.

One thing is for certain: game consoles are usurping cable providers. With the 3DS getting Netflix a later date and Sony’s NGP probably to do the same, expect this trend to continue in the future.

Posted in 3DS, Etcetera, News, PC, PS3, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360 |

MC Lars’ b-side collection 21 Concepts (featuring the Bayonetta song) now available

Posted on May 18, 2011 by John Scalzo

Nerdcore rapper extraordinaire, MC Lars, has released a new b-sides compilation today: 21 Concepts (But a Hit Ain’t One). The album is available in trusty compact disc format as well as digitally at leading online retailers such as Amazon and iTunes.

Sadly the album doesn’t contain the song titled “21 Concepts (But a Hit Ain’t One).” That track, which features an awesome sample of the “Type A” music from the Game Boy version of Tetris (which was itself just a reworking of the Russian folk song “Korobeiniki”), can be found on MC Lars’ first full-length disc, The Graduate. As you can tell, it was also the inspiration for the album’s cover (which actually features the correct width of a Tetris column, impressive Lars!).

However, it does contain the song “Reaping Beauty,” which was inspired by Platinum Games’ Bayonetta. MC Lars (along with special guests Beefy, Random and Tina Root) rap about Bayonetta’s killing skills and her resemblence to Tina Fey. Check out the full video for the song after the break. (more…)

Posted in Etcetera, News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Deus Ex viral marketing: Sarif Industries testimonials

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

Sarif Industries has helped these people achieve better lives, and they can help you, too. In one of the creepiest viral marketing videos I’ve seen for a game, we get a little taste of the transhumanist themes of the upcoming Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution launches on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on August 23. In the meantime, check out our exclusive interview with Game Director Jean-Francois Dugas.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny coming this year to PS3, Wii; more details at E3

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

With so many RPG series’ going portable, it’s great to see one coming to new home consoles. Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny, released as Rune Factory: Oceans in Japan, will be released on the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii in North America later this year. The first official details will be unveiled during E3 from June 7th to 9th.

This marks the first Rune Factory title (and Harvest Moon affiliated game, for that matter) to be released on the PlayStation 3. As it’s also coming for Wii, the game will have full PlayStation Move compatibility. In addition to three titles on the DS, Rune Factory: Frontier was released on the Wii in 2009.

I had no idea if this game was going to get an English release and I’m particularly overjoyed to see it coming. The original Rune Factory was one of my first and favorite Nintendo DS titles, so let’s hope this one doesn’t disappoint. You can check out the Japanese website, with some cool music, here. Also, be on the lookout for Harvest Moon: A Tale of Two Towns coming this summer to Nintendo DS and 3DS.

Posted in News, PS3, Wii | Tagged ,

Crysis 2 Retaliation map pack out today

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

Crysis 2’s first chunk of DLC, bringing Transit, Shipyard, Park Avenue, and Compound to all multiplayer playlists, is available today for 800 MS Points on Xbox 360 and $9.99 on PC. The PlayStation 3 will get this content once the PlayStation Store comes back up at a later date. The single player may not have been my cup of tea, but I might be giving this new pack a shot in my multiplayer rotation now that it’s open season on the PSN.

You can watch the DLC trailer here.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

First Dead Island gameplay trailer brings beauty to the undead

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

There’s been a couple games this generation that render gorgeous island/tropical settings, and you can now add Dead Island to that list. In an emotional portrayal of a paradise lost, Deep Silver and Techland give us the first sneak peak of gameplay in their upcoming survival horror title.

Dead Island will be available for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Duke Nukem Forever demo coming June 3 for First Access Club members

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy of Duke Nukem Forever yet, you should get on it soon. Gearbox and 2K Games have announced the demo for the highly anticipated return of the Duke will be coming June 3 for First Access Club members. You can join this exclusive circle by pre-ordering DNF or by buying the Borderlands Game of the Year Edition.

Duke Nukem Forever releases for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on June 14.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Raiden is a mental patient in Mortal Kombat: Legacy episode 6

Posted on May 17, 2011 by John Scalzo

Kevin Tancharoen’s Mortal Kombat: Rebirth told a distinctly Earthbound version of the Mortal Kombat story. With the NetherRealm-backed Mortal Kombat: Legacy, the director hasn’t strayed very far from the established canon of the franchise. But with Legacy‘s sixth episode, “Raiden,” Tancharoen is definitely going in a new direction.

Taking a cue from 12 Monkeys, Legacy‘s Raiden teleported to Earth and was immediately imprisoned in a mental hospital due to his “delusions.” He eventually gets the Sarah Connor treatment from a rather brutal doctor.

Tancharoen was so worried about fan reaction to this episode that it opens with a disclaimer:

The following episode represents my different take on the Mortal Kombat universe.

I think it combines the perfect amount of gritty realism mixed with a hint of mysticism.

I hope you guys enjoy it.

– Kevin Tancharoen

After last week’s rather lackluster Kitana/Mileena episode, I thought this new take on Raiden was a rather awesome change.

Posted in Etcetera, News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,