Gamestop has announced they will open online preorders for the Nintendo Wii sometime this evening, and that the console will only be available online be in a $694.88 (+tax and shipping) bundle.

Now then, due to shortages, I understood the bundle for the Xbox 360 and I understand the sure to be coming bundles on the PlayStation 3, but based on the number of units Nintendo plans on shipping, I've got to say this one sounds a bit stupid. I'm sorry, but when the odds are good that you'll be able to walk into some stores on launch day or shortly thereafter and purchase a console with no preorder, forcing people to buy a ton of crap they don't need just seems like a bad business move. Here's what's going to be included in the bundle;

• Nintendo Wii - $249.99
  
• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - $49.99
  
• Trauma Center: Second Opinion - $49.99
  
• Red Steel - $49.99
  
• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - $49.99
  
• Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz - $49.99
  
• Madden NFL 2007 - $49.99
  
• Extra Wiimote - $39.99
  
• 1 gig Wii SD memory card - $59.99 (geez, talk about profiteering.. I buy 60x 1 gig SD cards for like $25)
• Subscription to Game Informer - $19.98
  
• 12 month product replacement plan - $24.98

Further compounding stupidity is that according to Gamespot, Gamestop has also announced that the online store has completely filled their allotment of solo Twilight Princess orders and will no longer be taking orders for the game. This of course means that those who haven't preordered the game yet will possibly be more inclined to purchase the aforementioned bundle as it may be the only way to still reserve a copy of the title.

"...the bundle's inclusion of Twilight Princess could be an irresistible draw for those who have not yet preordered the game. According to a GameStop.com rep, the online store has "sold out of their allocation of Twilight Princess," and is no longer selling it a la carte. The rep could only speak for GameStop.com and EBgames.com, and said that gamers should contact their local retail GameStop and EB outlets to see if they had any preorder allocations of Twilight Princess remaining." - Gamespot

Check out the Gamespot article here for more details on the Zelda situation and those interested in being played for a sucker by Gamestop can click here to go to the Wii preorder page.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:53 AM EST

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According to IGN, Konami has announced that Elebits will miss the November 19th Wii launch and instead hit retail on either December 12th or the 18th. From what I can gather from the article, it would appear that Konami either wanted to make some changes to the game or that it failed Nintendo's quality assurance tests.

"Although Konami previously announced that it intended to launch its quirky and innovative new Wii title Elebits with the debut of Nintendo's new system, it looks like the game will be delayed by a few weeks. According to a spokesperson for the company, the title will now ship during either the week of December 12 or December 18 depending on whether or not Nintendo approves its latest build submission. The title is more or less complete, but it cannot go into manufacturing until it is evaluated and approved by the ever-watchful quality detectives at Nintendo of America" - IGN.com

Based on my experiences with the game at Digital Life, it certainly doesn't surprise me that there may be some issues with the title, but I can't say for sure that it's why the game has been pushed back. Those of you who planned on picking up Elebits on launch day, please adjust your plans accordingly. For more information. be sure to check out the referenced article here at IGN

Posted by nylatenite at 12:51 AM EST

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I got a call today from Gamestop's automated system informing me that there have been shipping problems with Gears of War and that I should call my local store before going down there to pick up my copy. Seeing how I picked my copy up yesterday, I found the message pretty humorous - but many others did not. It appears that a whole lot of stores in certain areas of the country did not get part or all of their Gears of War shipments. Reports I've seen at places such as Gamer's Lounge, have stated that some stores either didn't have the game at all, or had only received the standard edition of the game - which "forced" many people to settle for the lesser version.

According to Kotaku, Gamestop is saying that the problem is due to some missteps on the part of Fed Ex and that the game should be in all their stores by today. To all those who are still patiently waiting to enter the world of Sera, all I can say is I hope your copies come in today, because no Xbox 360 owner should miss this experience - and hearing the rest of us talking about the game while you wait has got to suck.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:50 AM EST

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As promised, I've taken some pictures of all the swag you can get by picking up the Gears of War collector's edition game and strategy guide, but because of page load concerns and possible bandwidth issues, I'm going to make the pictures a page of their own rather than force you to see them whether you want to or not.

Those interested in seeing what you get for that extra $10 on both items should click here to head over to this Gears of War special feature. The rest of you may now continue surfing the news as usual.

Posted by nylatenite at 8:43 PM EST

Updated: Wednesday, 8 November 2006 8:44 PM EST

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Konami's classic shooter Contra is now available for purchase in the Xbox Live Arcade. A lot of people really love this title, but truth be told, I was never a huge fan of the game when it was in the arcades, so odds are I'll pass this one up completely.

Title: Contra
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/08/06
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Xbox Live: Yes
HDTV Support: 720p
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Demo?: Yes

Description as per Xbox.com

"In Contra, the world has been invaded and only two soldiers stand between the alien menace known as Red Falcon and the total annihilation of humanity. Lance and Bill, two veteran Special Ops soldiers, must fight their way through jungles, steel fortresses, and frozen tundra to rid the world of Red Falcon and all its minions.

Using high-tech weaponry such as the Mini Laser, the Fireball, and the dreaded Spread Gun, it's time to teach some alien scum not to mess with Earth. Enhanced for Xbox Live Arcade, the new version of Contra includes online multiplayer to play with your friends, leaderboards to go for your best score, achievements, updated graphics, and new sound effects .

• New visuals: Enjoy enhanced artwork including rendered new bullet effects and explosions.
• New sounds: Experience the fresh sound effects and tunes.
• New modes: Battle co-op with a buddy over Xbox Live.
• Classic action: Play through eight levels of ever-increasing challenge and excitement." - Xbox.com Contra page

Posted by nylatenite at 4:55 PM EST

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Well guys, after all the hype, it appears that Gears of War is the real deal. The Xbox 360 finally has that killer app that you can't play on any other platform. I've been playing both the solo campaign and multiplayer modes on and off for about 8 hours now and, aside from a few minor complaints, the game is everything I thought it would be. Trust me on this - if you have an Xbox 360, you need to buy this game.

Since I wisely chose to take a day off from work tomorrow, I'll be adding more impressions on the game as I travel through it and I'll be posting pictures of both what's included in the Collector's Edition of the game as well as the Collector's Edition of the strategy guide. For now though, it's time to sleep - so while I get some much needed rest, why not see what other people are saying about Gears of War?

• Gamespot - 9.6 / 10
  
• IGN - 9.4 / 10
  
• 1UP.com - 10 / 10
  
• DailyGame - 9 / 10
  
• Game Informer - 95 / 100
  
• Gamepro - 4.75 / 5
  
• Yahoo Games - 4.5 / 5
  
• Team Xbox - 9.6 / 10
  
• CVG - 9 / 10
  
• Eurogamer - 8 / 10 (Did not test multiplayer)
  
• Games Radar - 10 / 10
  
• Play Magazine - 10 / 10
  
• GameTrailers.com - 9.1 / 10
  
• OXM UK - 9 / 10

Why do I get the feeling I'll be hearing chainsaws in my sleep?

Posted by nylatenite at 4:09 AM EST

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It's time to take a break from all the Gears of War posts and talk about something that actually matters in the big scheme of things. In 2003, the folks over at Penny Arcade started a charity drive that collected gifts which would be donated to children who were seriously ill and would be spending the holidays in the Seattle Children's Hospital. The Child's Play charity drive was not only a chance help some kids who really needed a reason to smile, but also a chance for the gaming community to show that we're not the slackers that the media so often makes us out to be, but rather caring, generous people, who just like anyone else are thrilled when we get a chance to help those in need. The drive was more successful than they ever dreamed it would be as gamers across the nation and the world opened their hearts and wallets for a good cause.

As the years have passed, the Child's Play charity drive has continued to grow, and currently accepts donations to 28 children's hospitals worldwide. Last year alone, gamers donated over $605,000 in cash and toys to sick children, and in doing so hopefully brought some joy into the lives of countless of sick children. I don't know about you, but I can't think of a better way to truly embrace the holiday spirit than in helping someone less fortunate than yourself.

"Since 2003, gamers have banded together through registered Seattle-based charity, Child's Play. Over a million dollars in donations of toys, games, books and cash for sick kids in children's hospitals across North America and the world have been collected since our inception. We collect no administrative fees or other charges, 100% of all gifts and donations go directly to our partner hospitals, to help make life a little brighter for a sick child. This year, we have continued expanding across the country and the globe. With over 25 partner hospitals and more arriving every month, you can be sure to find one from the map above that needs your help! You can choose to purchase requested items from their online retailer wish lists, or make a cash donation that helps out Child's Play hospitals everywhere. Any items purchased through Amazon or DStore will be shipped directly to your hospital of choice, please be sure to select their shipping address rather than your own. When gamers give back, it makes a difference!" - childsplaycharity.org

On November 2nd of this year, the 2006 Child's Play charity began it's annual holiday drive and to date has already raised over $50,000 in donations. The idea at it's base level is very simple. Go to the Child's Play Charity website here and pick the hospital you'd like to help. When you click on that hospital, you'll be taken to an Amazon.com wishlist that hospital has set up so you can see what toys and books the hospital could really use, and purchase them for facility. Amazon will ship your donation directly to the hospital, so there's little question that your donation will get to where you intended it to go. It's just that simple.

That said, when you have some time and a little free money, why not head on over to the Child's Play website and see how you can help out. Maybe it'll make up for all those times you fragged a buddy in Halo 2 because you thought it would be funny. Maybe.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:48 AM EST

Updated: Tuesday, 7 November 2006 12:50 AM EST

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At long last, the day is here - those of you who preordered Gears of War from a retail store will probably be getting a call today letting you know that your copy of Gears is waiting for you. Those of you who didn't preorder - and we know who you are - will most likely have to wait until wednesday before you can partake in the slaughter.

I've warned all my friends to completely take any horrifically graphic threat of violence I may make towards them as a challenge to play against me, and not as an actual indication of intent to do bodily harm. Simply put, when I'm really enjoying a violent game, especially a violent multiplayer game, I tend to act in a way that would even make Brock Sampson cringe. If you're on my friends list, consider yourself warned.

All joking aside, it's time to not only see if the absolutely mind-boggling amount of hype Gears has generated is warranted, but also the time to see just what the Xbox 360 is truly capable of... will there be frame rate issues, stuttering or lag? Will Gears be the "killer-app" that the Xbox 360 needs to fight off the newcomers this holiday season? The answers to all these questions and more is just a few short hours away. I simply cannot wait.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:46 AM EST

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If you thought last week's release list was hot, you haven't seen anything yet. Let's get the obvious out of the way first - Gears of War finally hits retail this week and the Xbox 360 will probably never be the same. Expect thunder, expect lightning... expect Xbox Live to be moving at the speed of a diseased turtle - yes, this is going to be BIG.

While Gears of War may be the biggest release of the week, a lot of other heavyweights are hitting shelves in the next seven days, including Call of Duty 3 (360, PS2, XBX), Guitar Hero II (PS2), Tony Hawk's Project 8 (360, PS2, PSP, XBX) and Viva Pinata (360). On the hardware end, Microsoft will be releasing both the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on and wireless steering wheel controller, priced at $199.99 and $149.99 respectively.

Yes, the bank accounts and credit cards of gamers everywhere are sure to be quaking in fear for the next few weeks. Isn't it glorious?

• 1701 A.D. - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Aircraft Power Pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator X - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Battle Zone - PSP - 11/7/2006
  
• Deal or No Deal - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Elite Beat Agents - DS - 11/7/2006
  
• Final Fantasy V Advance - GBA - 11/7/2006
  
• Great Invasions - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Hot Wheels Compilation - GBA - 11/7/2006
  
• Lumines II - PSP - 11/7/2006
  
• Model Train 3D - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Reel Fishing: The Great Outdoors - PSP - 11/7/2006
  
• The Fifth Disciple - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Unreal Anthology - PC - 11/7/2006
  
• Barbie 12 Dancing Princesses - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Blitz: The League - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• BomberMan Land Touch! - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Call of Duty 3 - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Call of Duty 3 - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Call of Duty 3 - XBX - 11/8/2006
  
• Digimon World DS - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Final Fantasy XI Vana’diel Collection 2007 - PC - 11/8/2006
  
• Gears of War - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Gears of War Collector's Edition - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Guitar Hero 2 - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Hard Rock Casino - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Hard Rock Casino - PSP - 11/8/2006
  
• History Channel: Civil War - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Left Behind: Eternal Forces - PC - 11/8/2006
  
• My Frogger: Toy Trials - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Polarium Advance - GBA - 11/8/2006
• Sega Genesis Collection - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Combined Assault - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2 - PSP - 11/8/2006
  
• Splinter Cell: Double Agent - PC - 11/8/2006
  
• Suzuki Superbikes - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff - PC - 11/8/2006
  
• The Sims 2: Holiday Edition 2006 - PC - 11/8/2006
  
• The Sims 2: Pets - GBA - 11/8/2006
  
• The Sopranos - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• The Sopranos Collectors Edition - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Tom and Jerry Tales - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Tom and Jerry Tales - GBA - 11/8/2006
  
• Tony Hawk's Project 8 - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Tony Hawk's Project 8 - PS2 - 11/8/2006
  
• Tony Hawk's Project 8 - PSP - 11/8/2006
  
• Tony Hawk's Project 8 - XBX - 11/8/2006
  
• Uno/Skip-Bo/Uno Freefall - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Winx Club: The Quest for the Codex - DS - 11/8/2006
  
• Winx Club: The Quest for the Codex - GBA - 11/8/2006
  
• World Championship Poker: All In - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel - 360 - 11/8/2006
  
• Patriots: A Nation Under Fire - PC - 11/9/2006
  
• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player - 360 - 11/9/2006
  
• Chicken Little: Ace in Action - DS - 11/10/2006
  
• Chicken Little: Ace in Action - PS2 - 11/10/2006
  
• Viva Pinata - 360 - 11/10/2006
  

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:26 AM EST

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Following in the footsteps of the command line version, MAME32 v.110, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.110 is also now available.

Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:24 AM EST

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