The Death of HD-DVD: What Does Blu-ray Mean For Gaming?
Today, Toshiba withdrew from the next generation format war. HD-DVD lost to Blu-ray. While movie aficionados might enjoy paying a premium for moderately improved quality video, this site is about gaming… and this is huge gaming news. Now that Blu-ray is the de facto format for high-definition movies, the PlayStation 3 is in an excellent position to win this generation’s console wars.
2/18/2008 Wii Virtual Console Updates – Ninja Gaiden III and Phantasy Star II
Wow… one of my most favorite RPGs of all time has hit the Wii Virtual Console. Phantasy Star II (800 Wii Points) is now available. I own it for the Sega Genesis, the PC and Gameboy. Will I be purchasing it for the Wii as well? I don’t know, there’s something extra cozy about playing games on the Wii. Also this week, the classic NES game Ninja Gaiden III (500 Wii Points) hits the virtual console too.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Pre-Release Tournament
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, an online fighting game with popular Nintendo Mascots, is scheduled for release on 3/9/2008. To kick off the celebrations, literally, Nintendo is throwing a coast-to-coast tournament. Over 1,000 contests will battle for the grand prize – a custom designed, crystal covered Wii, and other valuable items.
NCsoft releases 4Q 2007 Earnings – Sales Down, Profits Up
With Tabula Rasa’s lukewarm launch, Guild Wars in slumber and other NCsoft games struggling to expand, sales numbers are 3% down. Yet, NCsoft managed to report a 14% increase in operating profit vs. the previous year. In a conference call for investors, tremendous insight to NCsoft’s strategy was revealed.
City of Heroes: Valentine's Day Romance – Manticore & Sister Psyche Wedding
Online games are microcosms of society. With February 14 drawing near, it is not unusual to see Valentine’s Day celebrations in virtual worlds. Yet, Cryptic Studios and NCsoft is taking the holiday to an extreme. Manticore & Sister Psyche, two heroes from City of Heroes, are getting married. The event also serves as a promotion for the City of Heroes Wedding Pack.