LAZY DAY TRAILERS: HEAVENLY SWORD E3'06 GAMEPLAY FOOTAGE

It's a slow news day so far, so while I'm doing some work on the site behind the scenes, why not check out this gameplay footage of Sony's Heavenly Sword for the Playstation 3 from E3'06? While the video below is pretty nice, I really do wish whoever was playing had used more of the throws, chain moves and close-combat moves available rather than just spending most of the time jumping and swinging, because I think it's the depth of the combat system that the more exotic moves seem to showcase that is going to make this title stand out from the crowd.

Heavenly Sword is currently scheduled to be released in March 2007 exclusively on the Playstation 3.

Still no video here in the archives, so use this link for the Gametrailers.com Heavenly Sword media page and choose the "E32K6 Gameplay video" in either video.

 Update: 2:30pm - There were some technical isssues with the above video - I managed to find another source for the video, and all should be working

TOYS R US TO TAKE PLAYSTATION 3 AND WII PREORDERS SUNDAY MORNING?

Ok gang, if you really want a PlayStation 3 or Wii on launch day, this could be your last solid chance. According to Kotaku, Toys R Us will be taking preorders at retail for both consoles starting Sunday morning. Quantities are expected to be extremely limited, so if you're going to take a shot at them, be sure to leave early in the am - or plan on camping out overnight. Unlike the Gamestop situation, this news is breaking early enough (and has been rumored for far longer) that there's sure to be a line.

Check out the Kotaku article at this link for more details. Keep in mind this is still just a rumor, so don't bet the house on it. Good luck!

MAME32 .109.4 RELEASED

There's no delay this time around as the latest update to the Windows version of MAME releases virtually alongside it's dos based parent. MAME 109u4 is now available to the general public. As with the regular version of MAME, this release contains 4 games promoted to working status and a bunch of specific driver fixes and code re-writes. As usual, unless you want to test the program or have been having problems with certain games, 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.

MAME V.109U4 RELEASED

The third interim update for MAME v.109 is now available. With the exception of a few games promoted to "working" status, this update seems to be another "behind the scenes" update, so unless you have the PCB's for Konami's 80's collection, Dark Horse Legend, Powerful Pro Baseball Ex or Bowling 3D, there's probably no reason to update this time around. Unless you like testing the updates, save yourself any hassles and stick with version .109.

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.

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GEARS OF WAR PROMO VIDEO

Along with the announcement about Gears of War going gold, Microsoft has released a new cinematic promotional video of Gears that will be running in movie theaters and on television shortly. It's a departure from the previous advertisements we've seen in that it's got a bit of a surreal, dream-like feel to it - almost like we're getting a look into Marcus Fenix's psyche. If you've ever had one of those "running from something I can't escape" dreams, I think you'll see the similarities right off the bat.

If you get a chance to see it in high definition (available on Xbox Live or at Gametrailers.com) be sure to pay attention to Marcus' eyes at the very end of the trailer - there's almost a haunted look to them. Makes you wonder just what the man has seen. Until then, enjoy the lower-res version of the video, courtesy of GameTrailers.com below;

Keep in mind that according to Major Nelson, this entire video was produced using Gears' in-game graphic engine.

Still no love for video here in the archives, so use this link for GameTrailers.com's Gears of War video section.

GEARS OF WAR HAS GONE GOLD

According to reports at both Joystiq and Gamespot, it's finally happened - Gears of War has gone gold. Over the years, when I've said things like that, people have either asked me what the hell I'm talking about, or asked how it could have sold a million copies already when it's not on the stands yet. Rather than leave anyone with those same clouds of confusion hovering over them, let me explain. The term "going gold" when applied to a game, does not mean the same thing as an album. In the gaming world, "going gold" means that the game has been finalized, and the master copy has been sent out for mass duplication. Basically, it's the point of no return for most games - whatever is on that disc, is what we're going to get.

Microsoft also took the time to break down the promotions they'll be running on Emergence Day;

• Starting at 12:01am on November 12th, Microsoft will be hosting 24 hours of leaderboard tournaments for Xbox Live Gold Members where the winner will receive an invite to the worldwide Gears of War tournament and a custom Gears of War branded guitar. (WTF?)
• Microsoft will also be randomly giving away prize packages every hour to players - including a Samsung surround sound system.
• Cliff Bleszinski will be on Live playing the game with members.
• MTV will launch another Gears based TV special.

Rejoice all, the end is near! Emergence Day is almost upon us!

BEN HECKENDORN PSP REAL ANALOG STICK HACK

Yup, everyone's favorite modder has done it again. In a series running at Engadget, Ben Heckendorn tackled the lackluster analog stick on the PlayStation Portable and came up with a way to create a detachable dual shock style analog controller to the handheld. The instructions don't seem to require any over-the-top machinery, so this one could be easily doable if you're willing to take a few risks with your PSP. Check out the 2 part article on how to create your own analog stick for the PSP at the following links;

• How To: Analog control stick for your PSP (Part 1)
• How To: Craft an analog stick for your Sony PSP (Part 2)

If you decide to give it a try, let me be the first to wish you the best of luck. Remember, read every bit of the tutorial thoroughly before you do anything - the last thing you want is a $199.99 brick sitting on your coffee table.

GUITAR HERO II HIDDEN TRACKS REVEALED - INCLUDING TROGDOR!

While surfing ArsTechnica yesterday afternoon, I came across an article which stated that RedOctane had released the full list of hidden tracks for the Playstation 2 version of Guitar Hero II. Because I know just how addicted many people are to the game, that would normally be enough to guarantee a news post here - but then I saw something that guaranteed the story would make the front page... the Trogdor song from Homestar Runner's Strongbad E-mails is one of those hidden tracks. Yes, you will be able to rock-out while burninating the countryside - and what, besides Gears of War, could be better than that?

Normally I'm not into rythym based games like DDR, Karaoke Revolution, but I can't help but think that I'm missing something really special by not playing the Guitar Hero series. Maybe I'll have to break down and buy a guitar at Gamestop this weekend. Should I go that route, what would you experienced GH players recommend - The standard RedOctane SG wired guitar or the TAC Freedom V wireless one?

Check out the original ArsTechinca article at this link and then head over to the official Guitar Hero forums here for the full list of hidden tracks.

DIGITAL LIFE '06 STUFF STILL DELAYED

Yes, I'm a slacker. Actually, I've been feeling pretty crummy lately, and have been spending most of my free time lately sleeping. Let me tell you, I'm getting really sick of feeling exhausted all the time. Since most of what I have to say about the games I saw at Digital Life has probably been said elsewhere (and said better), I'm going to spend what time I can right now just bringing everyone up to date on the latest gaming news, and again, delay those Wii write ups for another day or two - as I'd rather do them right than just bang something out while half asleep.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT: THE BURNING CRUSADE DELAYED

In a notice on the World of Warcraft official forums, Blizzard has announced that World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade will be delayed until January of 2007 so that the company can fine tune the game for a little while longer in order to ensure it meet's the same standards as the core game. Here's the text of the press release as posted;

"IRVINE, Calif. -- Blizzard Entertainment® today announced that the release date for World of Warcraft®: The Burning Crusade™, the highly anticipated expansion for World of Warcraft, will be in January 2007. By adding a few extra weeks to the development cycle beyond its original target date, Blizzard will be able to extend the closed beta test and further refine the new content that will ship with the game.

“We appreciate the enthusiasm surrounding World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, and we’re excited about putting the finishing touches on all of the new content,” said Mike Morhaime, president and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We feel confident that the extra time spent polishing the game will result in the high-quality experience that our players expect and deserve.”

Blizzard began the closed-beta phase of testing on World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade earlier this month. The January 2007 release window will allow extra time for current beta testers to participate in the final stages of development and continue providing valuable feedback.

Further information on specific worldwide release dates, pricing, and other details will be announced in the near future." - Blizzard press release

While I'm sure a lot of people are extremely upset about the announcement, I have to say that I'm actually relieved to hear about this. I've been out of Warcraft for quite some time now, and to tell the truth, I really don't know if I want to bother going back to the game. When you take into account how many friends of mine have either jumped servers or stopped playing entirely and just how much time Warcraft can take from one's schedule, it just seems to be more of a hassle than it's worth - at least with a delay until January, I won't feel obliged to pick the title up during the holiday rush of "A list" titles.