As promised, here's the first look at what 5 major outlets are saying about the Nintendo Wii's launch titles - as I did with the PlayStation 3 launch, I'll be updating the list as more information becomes available. Here's what we've got so far;
For those of you too lazy to scroll down a bit, here's the latest look at the PlayStation 3 review round-up chart. I'm considering dumping Gamepro from future updates to all the charts as they seem to lag behind in reviews - probably because they want them to appear in print first. If you have any suggestions for a replacement, let me know!
Well folks, our third guest has now arrived and the table is set. The Nintendo Wii has been made available to the general public, and it's time to how Nintendo's great experiment will go over with the general public. We'll be posting a Wii review round up momentarily, so stay tuned!
MAME32, the Windows GUI version of MAME, has also been updated to incorporate the u2 changes listed below. As with the regular version of MAME, MAME32 110.2 centers around fixes to input modes, the debugger and the new games, so you may want to hold off on upgrading until the next full release - just to be on the safe side.
Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.
The first interim update for MAME v.110 is now available. MAME v.110u2 includes changes to the input system for certain joystick types (16 way mainly), some debugger fixes and the promotions of several versions of Fisherman's Bait and Dance Dance Revolution 2nd Mix from the not working list to working. If you have the affected arcade PCB's you may want to consider upgrading, otherwise I'd suggest staying with what you've for now unless you want to test some of the changes.
The updated files can be found at the official MAME page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see what's new in this update.
It looks like Microsoft is countering this weekend's console launches by adding a ton of new Xbox 360 demos to Xbox Live. We saw Superman Returns hit Live a few days back and now a multiplayer demo for Rainbow Six: Vegas (985.07mb) as well as demos for NCAA March Madness '07 (908.67mb) and Cars (453.57mb) are available in the Xbox Live Marketplace.
In regards to Microsoft's new policies regarding Xbox Live Gold membership being required for some downloads, here's the info for the three new additions;
If you missed out on getting a PlayStation 3 this morning and are willing to settle for a 20gig model and whatever stuff Gamestop/EB Games throws into the bundle, you have another chance tonight. I just got an e-mail from Gamestop stating the following;
"Dear GameStop.com/EBgames.com Customer:
We will have an extremely limited supply of 20GB PlayStation 3 console bundles for preorder on our site Friday evening, November 17th.
We expect these bundles to ship on or before December 1st. When the bundle is activated on our site, you can find it here:
http://www.gamestop.com/gs/ps3/ps3_signup.asp
http://www.ebgames.com/gs/ps3/ps3_signup.aspWe will not offer 60GB PlayStation 3 console bundles until our store pre-orders have been filled, but check back soon for future preorder opportunities.
Receipt of this email does not guarantee an opportunity to purchase. Orders will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.
Thank you,
GameStop.com/EBgames.com" - Gamestop e-mail message
Those of you who are going to give it a shot, I wish you the best of luck!
Update: 11/17/06 - 8:50pm. Gamestop and EB Games online stores have now sold out of said 20GB PlayStation 3 bundles.
I've taken a look around the web at the scores being given to the first batch of PlayStation 3 games and combined them together into one easy to read chart. I'll be updating the image as the day progresses, so be sure to check back and hit refresh if need be to see the latest updates. Here's what we have so far;
Remember gang, we'll be updating the chart throughout the day as we get more information, so stay tuned!
UPDATE: 11/17/06 8:33pm - Corrected the Gamespot score for Call of Duty 3 (Thanks Climax!) and added Gamespot's Madden NFL '07 score.
Just in case you've been living under a rock and didn't notice, the PlayStation 3 went on sale in North America today, and the nation apparently lost it's collective mind. Stories of week long camp-outs, fights, robberies, near riots and the like related to the PS3 launch have dominated the news over the last week, and for a few, the wait is now over. We'll be getting a "Review round-up" for the launch titles going shortly, and bringing you listings of some of the stories that have been featured over the last 24 hours or so.
If you're one of the lucky ones who came away from the madness with a console in hand, congratulations - enjoy the games. If you have Resistance: Fall of Man, feel free to drop me a line in the comments section letting me know how the final product turned out. Finally, if you didn't get one today, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you manage to get a hold of a system very soon. Stay tuned!
Gamespot is reporting that Microsoft has announced that a public beta test of the multiplayer component of Halo 3 will be made available to Xbox Live subscribers sometime in the spring of 2007.
"Early this morning, Bungie's parent company Microsoft announced that next spring, it will stage an open beta test for the multiplayer aspects of Halo 3. "The Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, which is a prerelease version of the multiplayer experience of Halo 3, is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system," - Gamespot
While many people were expecting something more immediate from Microsoft to further dampen the PlayStation 3 launch, I actually think this is a brilliant move. Microsoft knows they really don't have to do much right now to hurt Sony's launch, as Sony has done one hell of a job on that end themselves. The simple fact that anyone looking for a game console in the coming months isn't going to be able to obtain a PS3 is already a huge selling point for Microsoft and the Xbox 360. However, at some point in the spring of 2007, the PlayStation 3 will be readily available to the general public and at that point the battle will truly begin - and I'd be willing to bet that this Halo 3 beta test will begin just as soon as the PS3 supply issues get worked out.
In addition to the beta announcement, Microsoft also stated that next spring the company will also be releasing a new set of multiplayer maps for Halo 2 exclusively for use on the Xbox 360. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for the idea of new content for Halo 2, but it just strikes me as a bit of a smack in the face to those who only have the original Xbox. I guess that's how Microsoft decided to celebrate the original Xbox's 5th birthday (which was yesterday in case you missed it) - I can just see the party now.... "Happy Birthday, Xbox! we bought you a... oh wait, this present isn't for you."
Those looking for more information should check out the Gamespot article at this link.
