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.

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

Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury Review: Welcome to Missile Hell

Posted on May 17, 2011 by John Scalzo

Over the years, Treasure is a developer that has practically become synonymous with the shooter genre. And why not? After all, they’re responsible for Contra III: The Alien Wars, the greatest side-scrolling shooter of all time. Since breaking away from Konami, the team has released classic shooter after classic shooter, including the insane Ikaruga and the great Gradius V. Their latest release is another remake from the Treasure treasure trove, Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury.

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Posted in Reviews, Top Story, 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.

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Phil Harrison joins Gakai’s Advisory Board

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

Having already made PlayStation literally a household name, Phil Harrison is now looking to cement the legacy of a new platform: Gakai. Harrison will be joining the cloud-based streaming game service’s Advisory Board, in order to help them to “disrupt the way games are discovered and enjoyed by players worldwide.” Also joining him will be Robin Kaminsky, former EVP at Activision who helped the juggernaut publisher broaden its portfolio with titles like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty.

“Gaikai combines an excellent technology, an innovative business model with an equally impressive team of smart people,” said Harrison. “I look forward to contributing to the advisory board and helping the company realize its vision of the future of digital entertainment through the cloud.”

If Ken Kutaragi is the father of the PlayStation, Phil Harrison is like its cool British cousin who taught it how to drive stick and talk to girls. Since leaving Sony Computer Entertainment in 2008, Harrison had a brief stint at Atari. Let’s hope he finds success in his new endeavor.

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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

Xperia Play launches on May 26, priced at $200, requires two-year contract

Posted on May 17, 2011 by John Scalzo

Sony Ericsson and Verizon Wireless have announced that the Xperia Play, the so-called “PlayStation Phone,” will finally be available on May 26.

The phone itself will be priced at $199.99. In addition, Verizon plans to require shoppers to signup for a two-year contract (which starts at $70 a month) if they wish to purchase the first PlayStation Certified phone.

Verizon will have more than 50 games available to download through their VCast on launch day with seven coming pre-installed on the phone:

  • Asphalt 6: Adrenaline
  • Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior
  • Crash Bandicoot
  • Madden NFL 11
  • The Sims 3
  • Star Battalion
  • Tetris

Verizon will open pre-orders for the Xperia Play through their website, VerizonWireless.com, strating Thursday, May 19.

Posted in Mobile, News |

Nintendo and Best Buy team up to bring wireless hot spots and exclusive content

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

Nintendo and Best Buy seem to be continuing their partnership for 3DS marketing, as consumers will be able to use select Best Buy locations as hot spots for their 3DS starting June 7. In addition to providing a wireless connection, Best Buy will also play host to exclusive content available for Nintendo’s newest handheld. Such content will include gaming extras, movie trailers, and access to the new SpotPass feature.

“We want our customers to fully tap into the potential of their Nintendo 3DS device, so we’re pleased to offer free access to special Wi-Fi and SpotPass content in-store,” said Best Buy Senior VP of Entertainment Chris Homeister. “As a retail partner for SpotPass, this is another way that we’re delivering best-in-class gaming experiences at our stores across the country.”

June 7 is also the first day of E3. So who knows what surprises Nintendo will have planned for this event.

Best Buy has gone pretty hard to be your favorite game retailer over the last few years, especially since releasing their @Gamer magazine which you can read about in our feature about the state of print game magazines.

Posted in 3DS, News |