[As originally posted on Tomopop]
Usually I privately rebel against blind boxed toys. Despite the fun factor of not knowing what I’m getting, sometimes I just don’t want to blow my money on ten boxes in hopes of getting that one figure I’d really like. Every once in a while however, I want the whole set, and that’s the case with these keychains from adorable DS title Chocobo Tales.
The set features all the game’s characters: Chocobo, Pop Up Hero, Kuroma, Volg, Checkers, Shiroma, Shido, and Irma. In addition to the normal set, there are clear plastic versions of each character available. Frankly I don’t care for them, but like most keychain sets if you check Ebay you can likely find the ones you want (and for less than their average retail of 5 bucks or so.)
[Via Strapya]
From smarthouse.com.au:
[QUOTE]
Rumours were circulating today that Microsoft is set to dump HD DVD and bring out a Blu ray Xbox 360 by as early as May 2008.
Insiders at Microsoft in the USA have told SmartHouse that Microsoft have already configured a standalone Blu ray player that can be connected into an Xbox 360 and that subject to internal marketing and sales approvals the model could be on sale within 3 months.
The Company has also been working on a built in Blu ray player however insiders are claiming that Microsoft see the HD format battle moving online with consumers offered 1080p movie and content files as a download as opposed to having to buy a HD or Blu ray DVD.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: smarthouse.com.au
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, cutscenes have become a staple of modern gaming. More often than not, they’re just the tissue that stuffs the bra of an RPG, but sometimes they’re a welcome reward for your gameplay efforts, and can even be the best part of a game. Back in our day, they were almost always welcome.
Tonight we’re reliving some of our favorite retro FMVs, from when the princess was in another castle, to Ryu Hayabusa swearing revenge, to many a Belmont’s encounter with Dracula. We know you’ve got some favorites and anti-favorites too, so hit the comments and tell us what they are.
This a pretty interesting short documentary on the making of a commercial for Biohazard 2/Resident Evil 2. The commercial was directed by zombie master George Romero and starred (the recently deceased) Brad Renfro as Leon Kennedy. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a documentary on the making of a commercial but this one is actually pretty interesting with the possible exception of the vapid quotes from the gal playing Claire Redfield. It lasts about eleven minutes and is definitely worth a watch.
I realize that not every gamer is cut out for the typical anime convention. While gaming and anime cultures are very closely related, I could see how some gamers wouldn’t find much appeal in a convention full of headbanded weirdos and $200 plastic figures. Lucky for you, Anime Matsuri isn’t your typical anime convention. Sure, there will still be those silly people with costumes running around. But there’s also something there for you there, my dear gamer. They call it Anime Matsuri’s Showdown Championships.
The above video (sexier, high-res version here) highlights some of the intense action of the 2007 event, though this year’s line up looks to be even more exciting. This international arcade fighting game tournament was a huge hit last year, and the folks at Anime Matsuri were kind enough to pass along the list of featured games for this year’s competition. Tourney classics like Marvel vs Capcom 2, Street Fighter III, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, and Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo are joined by the freshly announced Melty Blood Act Cadenza v.B2 and yes… Tekken 6. That’s right, you may not have had a chance to get your hands on Tekken 6 yet, but you can be among the first to get your ass kicked in it!
If you’re not a championship-caliber gamer, you’ll be glad to know that AM’s Ninja Room will pack in tons of console gaming goodness and tourney action for the average gamer. And yes, Super Smash Bros. Brawl will be there. You’ll also want to check out the Planet Zero Arcade, which gives attendees full access to Japan’s hottest arcade cabinets.
Anime Matsuri takes place on March 21-23 at The Marriott Woodlands Waterway Hotel and Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas. The fine folks at Japanator will be there to cover the event, as well as host a panel on their fine Web site.
C’mon - break your anime con virginity!
Trademork is reporting that Activision has applied for a trademark for the name DJ Hero earlier this month. There’s not a whole lot of details at the moment but in legal terms, the trademark refers to “computer game software and related instruction manual sold together as a unit; interactive video game programs; computer game discs; downloadable software for use in connection with computer games; video game controllers; interactive video game comprised of a CD or DVD sold as a unit with a video game controller.”
Sounds suspiciously like Konami’s Beatmania but it will be interesting to see how Activision would make the game their own. It also leaves me curious as to what the song list would be like.
DJ Hero [Trademork via Opposable Thumbs]