Odds/Ends for 1/21
January 21st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Looks like this is the first week of 2008 that matters for new game releases. Look at these winners:
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS) - Dude, more Advance Wars. Duh. This one’s got online play, which is great, but that just makes me painfully aware that my DS doesn’t work with my wireless router and the last time I used one of those Nintendo-made dongles for DS Wi-Fi access, it butchered my PC’s network settings.
No More Heroes (Wii) - More crazy from the man that brought you Killer7, though apparently this game plays well on top of its crazy. You’ll probably want to read a review or two before jumping into this one, it’s probably not for everyone.
Burnout Paradise (360, PS3) - My feelings on this subject have already been well-documented. I’ll definitely get the 360 version, but since I’ve been meaning to buy a PS3 camera, too, I might end up going nuts and buying both versions.
There are a few other games out this week, too, but those are the big three that I’ll be all up ons.
Nintendo is also shipping something called Endless Ocean for the Wii. I’m not really sure what to make of it, other than to say that part of the features list makes it sound like an underwater Pokemon Snap, but with more underwater safari and less track. And, granted, less Pokemon, which is a huge turn off.
The Audiosurf beta weekend has come to an end. After sinking several hours into it, I know it’s something I’ll certainly purchase when it becomes available next month. The beta feels like it’s missing a few things, like maybe a few sound effects here and there to accompany your ship’s special moves (maybe some kind of electric hum when you use Ninja Mono’s widen ability, for example), but the beta’s extremely playable. Also, sometime on Saturday I started getting e-mails like these:
Audiosurf scoreboard alert - Dethroned!
You used to have the worldwide best score for: deadly electric by midnight brown
Now the Audiosurf player ‘Twitch*’ has beaten you. Get back in the game and reclaim the top spot!
View High Scores for deadly electric by midnight brown
That’s going to be the thing that makes Audiosurf so addicting. Hopefully the sanctity of the leaderboard can remain intact–with players providing their own music, some checks need to be in place to make sure people aren’t renaming longer, more score-friendly songs to cheat their way to the top.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I meant to check out Audiosurf and I didn’t, but it sounds like a winning concept. And Advance Wars and Burnout Paradise are gong to consume most of my free time from now until Smash Bros. Brawl’s release
January 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Burnout Paradise is gonna be awesome, i cannot wait for it.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Can’t wait for Advance Wars
January 21st, 2008 at 1:36 pm
If you’re looking for someone that will be on Paradise every chance they get, let the #1 Burnout fan know (that’d be me).
January 21st, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Audiosurf is badass Jeff. For all the gold on World of Warcraft, I don’t think I’ve seen anything pull off such a transformation between music and onscreen visuals. Guitar Hero, Rock Legend, and new freelance knockoff Frets on Fire are a completely different category and I feel I’ll be purchasing it as well.
I’m actually surprised, this being a horrid start for the 360 this new year; we all awoke to Kingdom Under Fire:Circle of Doom which is just trash. I mean I couldn’t see renting this piece of garbage. Hopefully, the Burnout port will redeem the 360 for me this month. Or I’ll be rehashing multiplayer fps’ games on Live until mid February….
January 21st, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hey, I had a problem with my DS too. I had some kind of D-link. I read somewhere to change the TP settings(I think that is what it was called) for the router. Once I changed those around, it worked great online.
Hope this helped.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Cool games coming up, but nothing mindblowing yet. I think everyone is waiting for MGS4 & GTA4 at the moment.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Just found out that Alex N. won’t be working at Gamespot either. You guys should have a weekly show about games and your own website. If you guys got some money put over you can start your own business. Most GS members would follow you, anyway the site is totaly behind when it comes to reviews. Although I don’t like IGN too much, it surpassed Gamespot as everything is up to date.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Endless Ocean looks really awesome. It was released here in the UK for about a week and I meant to buy it, but when I came to purchase it it was sold out literally everwhere. There don’t seem to of been any more deliveries either. There’s only one store selling it now but for more than twice the price that everywhere else was selling it.
I think they only made about 20 units or something, so if you have the slightest interest in it then try to get it immediteatly, as the same thing might happen in the US.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Question: What programs do you use to compose MB music?
January 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Oh gosh, more games. I can’t yet afford to catch up on all the fall releases, now awesome Q1 games?
Thank you video games. This is a truly awesome problem (if you can call it that) to have.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Endless Ocean looks really awesome. It was released here in the UK for about a week and I meant to buy it, but when I came to purchase it it was sold out literally everwhere. There don’t seem to of been any more deliveries either. There’s only one store selling it now but for more than twice the price that everywhere else was selling it.
I think they only made about 20 units or something, so if you have the slightest interest in it then try to get it immediteatly, as the same thing might happen in the US.
January 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Agreed, Audiosurf was really awesome. I myself had the record for “President of the Mall” for awhile there before I was dethroned. Especially love how easy it is to load up your old songs.
January 21st, 2008 at 3:17 pm
New to driving games, but the Burnout Paradise demo convinced me that this game is different. I will definitely buy, but I’m wondering whether the 360 racing wheel will enhance the experience. Any thoughts?
January 21st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Yeah, it’s great that the game release calendar has kicked in again already. This is looking to be the most lull-free year in quite some time. I too am going to pick up No More Heroes and Burnout, probably for the PS3. Advance Wars has never been “for me.”
Buying both versions isn’t that nuts. I do this regualrly just because with good games I absolutely have to “See what’s different” and I don’t mind playing them twice.
Okay, maybe it’s a little nuts. But it’s the good kind!
January 21st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I keep playing the burnout demo and im its growing on me more and more. I might even pick up a camera, there was something about just seeing some dude in his dark room sitting there everytime I crashed into him that made me smile.
January 21st, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Its good to see the Wii start releasing some note worthy software in a continuous fashion. Now they need to step up their third party support and online and we may see a leader in the Console Wars
January 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hey Jeff,
Sorry to be off topic, but I just wanted to thank you for continuing your great work in this pro bono fashion. For years I’ve always enjoyed your true editorial take on games and the gaming world, and I am thrilled that that experience hasn’t ended. I’m sure you’ve already heard this numerous times, but I need to say it. In the words of Tim and Eric: “Great Job!”
Russ
January 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
The leaderboard emails are definitely what puts Audiosurf over the top for me. There are few enough people playing the game, and sooooo many songs that it’s actually possible and fun to try to get to the top of leaderboards. When I got my email telling me someone had beaten my Overture 1928 score, you know I had to go put that guy back in his place.
January 21st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I’m still on the fence with Burnout Paradise, I loved Burnout Revenge. but with Culdcept SAGA and Devil May Cry around the corner I might hold off.
Most of my friends don’t play racing games, so the online functionality is lost to me unless I meet some new people.
I also just noticed that trial games no longer appear on your gamercard if you play them, this is new to me. I hated having the 0/200 always lurking on your profile for a game you had no intention of playing.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Looks like the internets’ is buzzing for you again. I miss seeing you in video reviews and on the spot.
Can’t wait to play audio surf as well. I doubt that light saber wii game is going to be anything worth shaking a stick(wiimote) at.
Peace
oddWord
January 21st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Jeff be sure to link the IGN gig you’re going to do!!! Great thing i found you… Internet was boring now i’ll be checking this thing every day!
A friend from mexico!!
January 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Audiosurf is surprisingly awesome…I was skeptical…but damn….
Anyhoo I was reading that you might be starting up a site to take on Gamespot….I will totally work for Skittles and Starburts to work for you guys, and take on the intertube’s gaming sites. I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve, it will be truly epic!
January 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Hey Jeff, really dig the blog. I’ve made it a regular stop in my pursuit of…something other than work.
Not for nuthin’; but my DS only connects to my wireless when I set the WEP on my router to “Shared” as opposed to “Open”. Maybe?
Once the novelty of connecting was lost though, I realized that the DS online community was…well, non-existent. So that little bit of knowledge has gotten me nowhere, fast.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
More Safari, Less Track…a classic quote sir.
Even though I’m pretty sure you’re not going to answer I’ll go ahead and ask the question everyone wants an answer to. There have been internet rumblings about your-slef and Gamespot founder Vince Broady teaming up to create a new gaming site. Is there any truth to that? If so (and I hope so) you might been able to higher on a certain recently departed GS editor…..
January 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
IGN gave Burnout Paradise a score of 8.8
Why don’t you post an in-depth review of it, Jeff, so we can decide whether its cool or not?
January 21st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
So I guess the general consensus is that Burnout is going to be good? I know I hated the demo, thought it was like EA doing Test Drive Unlimited. The EA part coming from of course the annoying guy that won’t shut up, blatant ads that are everywhere, and the general lack of enjoyment. But, seems like I’m alone, as the internet seems to be excited about it and the reviews are all positive.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:17 am
You know, I’ve been mulling the Burnout purchase for the past couple of week. I will be getting the PS3 version and I do have the camera, whether I use it or not. I’d like that version to do well because it could use the support. As is stands right now, I will also be getting the 360 version, too. That’s where everyone will be, it seems. The only other time that I’ve bought 2 versions of the same game was Soul Calibur II. Man!
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:45 am
@ Servantes
It’s called Burnout. It’s made by Criterion. That’s all I need to flipping know.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:58 am
*cries*
I think I’ve unintentionally gotten Alex Ward, of Criterion games, to hate me. Whether it was my stupidity, Americanness, or my American stupidity, I haven’t a clue.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 am
More Safari? Less Track? What’s not to love!
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:40 am
I will probally pick up Advance Wars, but I’m only thinking of renting burnout. I’m not sold on the whole “open world” thing. The demo was just mediocre.
Probally will either rent or buy No More Heros. I need a game for my Wii. The last one I bought was Super Paper Mario (my neighbor has Galaxy so I just borrow it from him).
I’m just still waiting for Smash Bros. to come out. Playing Oblivion through again and keep playing that good old TF2 action.
Take it easy!
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:19 am
Hey Jeff! #1 FAN! WOO! Didn’t comment in a while, been on this site since day one. Burnout Paradise and Omega Five are mine! Jeff you should also check out a comic called Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Pretty good, about gamers, and it’s funny, especially with the he goes into games, such as Mass Effect; Marmalade!
Definately think you should do maybe a weekly if not bi-weekly points video.
On another note what is up with this…
“So what happens now? What happens with Jeff, Alex, and Provo? As for Jeff, word on the street is that he’s teaming with GameSpot founder Vince Broady (who recently left Yahoo) to build a new game site to “take on GameSpot.” Now that would be interesting, would it?”
This was posted on Kotaku, from a blog on 1up.com. Is this true? PLEASE SAY IT’S TRUE. It will bring back early memories of Gamespot when it just started. I hope you can answer this in your next points report. Thanks Jeff.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 am
Sorry to double post but, made a few grammar mistakes in my previous post. Early in the morning and I’m too lazy to read it over.
“Pretty good, about gamers, and it’s funny, especially when he goes into games, such as Mass Effect; Marmalade!”
There I corrected…Happy?
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
Deadly Electric by Midnight Brown is now my ringtone. Seriously.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Burnout not out till Friday on the 360 in the UK
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:02 am
yo Jeff, i’m gonna pick up the PS3 version of Burnout Paradise this week along with No More Heroes. i’ll see you there online, cool? i was gonna get the 360 version but i got some PS3 BB gift certificates to get rid of before they expire this month.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 am
hey jeff, I think its great that you still review game and Ill be the very first person to visit a new video game review site that you put up or become a member of but have you ever thought about changing your gamertag ?
It sound kinda silly right now …
Ill gift you the points if you want ( if the gifting in available in Canada )
Keep up the good work…
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
I am not sure if I am going to be getting anything. I was thinking about No More Heroes. But I mean the press seems to want to love it, but it looks like it is incredibly repetitive.
Eh, hopefully it turns out to be about an 8, but I really dont want to spend 50 bucks on a game either that I don’t have the time to play.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
It’s worth noting that when I hooked up my 360 Vision camera to my PS3 while playing the Burnout demo, it worked. You might not need to buy another camera.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
off topic but heath ledgers dead… wtf.. turn on CNN
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
All I have to say is thank you Jeff for keeping the “more safari, less track” thing alive. It’s probably one of the greatest forum posts that nobody has ever really heard of.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
the IGN podcast with jeff is up
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Advance Wars looks like more of the same. The different art direction still doesn’t disguie the fact that its the same old Famicom wars from 1988. Still its Advance Wars so you can’t complain.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Gotta listen to that IGN Podcast. I bet Jeff reveals where hes hiding the REAL Rich Gallup. I cant wait to get my hands on this years set of IGN nominees. Some of them are just fanstatic, and with Everyday Shooter doing so well out of it last year (and Darwina the year before) i think the standard is increasing very quickly.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Jeff this is off-topic but I was wondering since me and you were about the same size (I think your a little taller) - which PC mouse/mice do you prefer? I was curious because I have the hardest time finding the perfect fit mouse for a large hand. It just seems like a lot of pc gaming mice are designed for asians and hobbits now (no offense to asians OR hobbits reading this). Lemme know.