Dead Rising Sued!

Richard Rubinstein, the guy who owns the rights to Dawn of the Dead(why doesn't George Romero own these rights?), is suing Capcom because he says Dead Rising is ripped off of Dawn of the Dead.

First, Dead Rising came out in 2006. Why the long wait? (I personally blame Josh. He went to a George Romero screening in the last month or two and met Romero. I bet he was all "Hey, you ever play Dead Rising?" "Dead what?")

Rubinstein and his MKR Group say in their complaint that "Both works are dark comedies... In both, the recreational activities of the zombies and absurdly grotesque 'kill scenes' provide unexpected comedic relief... Both works provided thoughtful social commentary on the 'mall culture' zeitgeist, in addition to serving up a sizable portion of sensationalistic violence."

But I don't remember the zombies in Dawn of the Dead being the result of America's love of cheap meat. In all the zombie movies/games/stories I've seen, the plotline for Dead Rising was definitely one of the most unique(while also being strangely anti-American).

I say this is a ridiculous lawsuit. Yes, you may think of Dawn of the Dead when playing Dead Rising but only because it takes place in a mall. Stop clogging up our judicial system! And more importantly, do NOT slow down production on Dead Rising 2!

My Thoughts on Bionic Commando Rearmed

Awesome.

I loved the original Bionic Commando. I used to do the glitch where you'd get tons of lives. When I heard that they were releasing Bionic Commando, I thought it was cool and that I'd probably get it. I also hoped replaying it wouldn't ruin my memory of the game like some of the other "classics" which have been released on XBLA.

There is currently a trailer for Bionic Commando Rearmed on the Xbox Live Marketplace. I downloaded it. And found out that the arcade version coming out this spring is a lot more than just repackaging the original.

They have redone all the graphics. They have added more weapons. They have made the bionic arm itself a weapon. They even added co-op! The new version looks great, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.

Jack Thompson In Trouble Again

Jack Thompson has been ordered by the Florida Supreme Court to "show cause" for some of his legal filings and to prove that he has not abused the legal system.

He has until March 5th to substantiate his "numerous frivolous and inappropriate filings."

You'd think this might make Thompson nervous or upset. But he's actually happy. He's been sending the request to various publications, touting it as a victory. I guess any press is good press even if it ends up with you disbarred.

Thompson plans, of course, to take it all the way to federal court so he can get all the publicity he can out of this.

GTAV IV DLC Revealed

Microsoft has finally revealed what they paid Rockstar all that money for in GTA IV. Apparently, the downloadable content that will be available for Grand Theft Auto IV on the Xbox 360 only is the size and scope of Vice City or San Andreas.

I think this makes the 360 version the clear winner. If the DLC really is equal to a whole other game, that's pretty impressive.

I know that even without the DLC, I'm looking forward to GTA IV's release on April 29th.

Edit: This story turns out not to be confirmed by Microsoft. It is based off of the musings of a blogger at the GDC who made it appear as if this was fact when it was just his speculation.

The Zune Gaming System

Remember XNA from the Xbox team? It's the tools for hobbyist and pro game developers to make games for XBLA. Well Microsoft's, Chris Satchell, demoed how XNA will work across GFW, Xbox 360, and also your Zune. Major Nelson has an audio version of the announcement as well as some specs for the XNA games.

Now Zune owners will be allowed to play some of the XNA games on their Zune multimedia player at no cost. Some restrictions include:

• Not available in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan
• Xbox 360 HDD Required
• You'll Need a Zune

There has been no announcement as to whether or not this will be opened up to other MP3 players, but I'm pretty sure it won't be. Also I'm not sure what quality of games we'll see from this free community, but I'm pretty sure there will be a couple of hits in the pile of crap that will emerge. I know Jeff is pretty excited about this update.

Gears of War 2 Trailer

From the GDC Epic announced Gears of War 2 for the Xbox 360. There's a trailer on GameVideos.com which announces the release date for November 2008.

There's no in game footage, but there is a part where Fenix flips his gunsaw over to kill a Locust, so hopefully that is something you can do in the game. Andy, Santana, and Charlie are we getting the old crew back together to get smashed in the gaming leagues?

Halo 3 Is Fair Now

Some people thought it was a myth, but I experienced the unfair melee lag in Halo 3 plenty of times. Yesterday Bungie announced that the auto update went up and the melee should be fixed. Now the player with the "sizeable health advantage" will win and if both players have low health then both players will have to go back into the respawn queue. About time.

Now I can get back to playing some Halo 3, but until I get service in my living room, it looks like I'll have to be playing on the Hello Kitty TV. Also expect lag for the first couple of weeks as Bungie's servers figure out which players have the best connections. This always happens with each reset.

Sign Up for Quake Live Beta

I'm not sure how old this is, but if you are interested you can sign up for the beta of Quake Live. Just go to their site www.quakelive.com and put your email address in there and hit submit.

id Software is working with IGA to provide Quake Live at no cost to the end user. The only thing you have to put up with is ads.

Breaking News: Men Like Video Games More than Women!

A new study has determined that men like video games more than women. Apparently, video games affect the brains of men and women differently. Where the hell can I get a grant for a stupid study? People like to breathe! Give me my grant.

Apparently, men's brains release feelings of reward and addiction through video game play. Video games activate less activity in the mesocorticolimbic system of women than men.

The study also seems to imply that men are better at video games than women...

Current Xbox 360 SKUs Discontinued?

There have been internet rumblings for a while now. Rumors that Microsoft is planning a new SKU or merging its SKUs. Some rumors said that the current Xbox 360 shortage on store shelves isn't because of sales of said systems but that Microsoft wasn't making them anymore. Now it's come to light that Amazon.com has listed the Xbox 360 Premium and Elite as discontinued.

There are not currently any Premiums or Elites available directly from Amazon. They are still selling the Xbox 360 Arcade.

The actual wording from Amazon is:
"Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes"

I'm curious, though, if this discontinuation refers to the console itself or the bundles. Many people are expecting Microsoft to make some sort of announcement this week at the GDC.

XYBA Podcast Ep 19

Andy, Charlie, Jeff, and Josh bring the gaming pain with another XYBA video game podcast. Again please feel free to leave us a review on iTunes.

00:00 - Andy, Charlie, Jeff, and Josh
00:30 - Games We're Playing :|: Bionical Heroes, Glory Days 2, Culdcept Saga, Pocker Smash, and Charlies just playing whatever he can steal. M3 chip is sucking up our DS juice.
07:54 - Gaming News :|: MMO Marvel Universal Online Cancelled, DJ Hero trademarked, Leisure Suit Larry game cumming soon, 360 failure rate, PS3 sales, and more
30:04 - Roundtable :|: The XYBA crew discuss the lates Devil May Cry 4 required assets download for PS3 and if this is the future of games on consoles.
50:40 - Games We're Looking Forward To :|: GTA IV, Star Wars: Force unleashed, Dark Sector, and mo
54:27 - Shoutouts :|: Check out our sister sites ThunderPudd.com, Game on Cafe, and Jigsaw HC's Rants

Download XYBA Podcast Ep 19

Marvel Universe Online Officially Dead

Microsoft's Shane Kim has confirmed the rumors from months ago: the MMO slated for Xbox 360 is no more. Marvel Universe Online was going to be a massively multiplayer online game set in the universe of Marvel superheroes like Spiderman, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four.

If you want to relive old possibilities, you can check out the previously released trailer here.

Ripples from FOX and Mass Effect

Apparently, the retail chain Target has taken notice of the negative and misleading reports by Fox News on Mass Effect and how it's a sex simulator. However, the only notice appears to be that Mass Effect involves sex.

Reports are coming in that Target has taken Mass Effect off its shelves and refuses to sell the game. This news comes at the same time as the official announcement that Mass Effect will be available on the PC.

It's ridiculous that Target is taking these steps. They obviously haven't paid attention to the aftermath. In fact, even Jack Thompson has gone on the record to say that the sex scenes in Mass Effect are very mild. If JACK THOMPSON isn't against a video game, how can anyone else be?

I'm in a Gaming Challenge

So the other day I was over at Rooster Teeth's website and stumbled across a gaming challenge set up by a member over there. I decided to join. It starts at midnight PST tonight, and the person with the most point gain in 30 days wins a year subscription to Gamefly.

I'm already at a disadvantage because out of 26 participants I have the second highest gamerscore right now(and I've already played most of the easy achievement early games).

For those who don't know, the gaming challenges are from Old Spice and 360voice.com. Members set them up and then invite people to compete. The corporate sponsors donate the prizes depending on how many people are involved.

The Great Console Drought

So, the other day, a strange thought entered my mind. I want a Wii. I played with them before and always thought "Someday maybe I'll pick one up." And that day is now. Except... I can't find one.

Now, I'm not saying they are impossible to find. I see them on eBay and online and Craigslist all the time. But they are rare in their natural environment - the store shelves.

I haven't spent as much time or effort on my Wii search as I did on my search for my first 360. I haven't called places, and I won't drive to a different state for the Wii.

But in my hours of stopping by different stores, I've also noticed some other interesting things. First off, stores are still selling the PS2 and Gamecube. They are readily available.

PS3s are also very common in the stores. I saw multiple PS3s in almost every store.

However, 360's are less common. In all my time, I never saw an Elite and I only once saw a Premium. I did see a number of 360 Arcades, though.

The manufacturers say they are not creating the console drought, but that consumers are actually buying them that quick. And honestly, I believe them.

I believe the drought is still from Christmas. People were promised a console or got extra money and promised themselves a console. And the missing Wii's are most likely
because of the Wii cards where you could buy a Wii rain check and be promised a Wii in January.

Most the Wiis I do see on stores' websites are available only in bundle packs, usually $400-500 bundles. I don't feel like paying double money just to get some more games, most of which I don't even want.

360 HD-DVD Drive Gets Price Cut

More news in the HD War that is video game related. Microsoft is cutting the price of their 360 HD-DVD player attachment by $50 making it a $129.99. So far this is only affecting North America.

I'm not sure if this will make a dent in the purchases of HD-DVD players because it has a limited market, the gaming market. No casual shopper looking for an HD-DVD player is going to buy a 360 plus the player just to watch movies. I was contemplating getting the unit when I bought my HDTV, but I decided to go with a standalone player because if I wanted to take my 360 over to a LAN party, then my family would still have a means to watch HD movies. Also I didn't like the fact that there was no HDMI input unless I bought a certain cable for my 360. It will be interesting to see the NPD numbers for this next month.

Install Makes PS3 Users Cry

So apparently, Devil May Cry 4 on the PS3 takes over 20 minutes to install. This, of course, is making PS3 users unhappy. Isn't that the great thing about consoles? No install times?

Rumor has it that the Xbox 360 version starts right up. Gamers are questioning this move. Is it the future of consoles or a fluke?

Mass Effect DLC Coming

Bioware isn't letting the (made-up) controversy about their "sex simulator" Mass Effect slow them down. The first downloadable content will be available starting March 10th for 400 Microsoft Points($5).

The new content is called "Bring Down the Sky." It is a new explorable world which features an extremist group of Batarians. Apparently, these Batarians have highjacked an asteroid and are trying to hit a colonized planet with it. (Don't tell Fox News about the new race. They'll just think it's someone else to have sex with.)

The new content adds about 90 minutes of gameplay and one Gamerscore achievement worth 50 points. I'm looking forward to it!

XYBA Podcast Ep 18

Andy, Jeff, and Josh come together for the 18th episode of the XYBA Podcast. We are trying a new format where we keep our podcast a little shorter. Let us know what you think. Be sure to leave us a review on iTunes and check out a machinima we are working on. Enjoy.

00:00 - Introductions
00:33 - Games We're Playing :|: Half-Life 2, Stuntman: Ignition, and Ghost Squad
13:36 - Gaming News :|: GTAIV in April, Little Big Planet in beta, Orange Box games for PC, EA announces Rockband for Wii, and some other gaming news
37:06 - Roundtable :|: The Child-Man debate
48:25 - Games We're Looking Forward to :|: Ninja Gaiden DS, GTA IV, Lego Batman, Lego Indiana Jones, Army of Two, Star Wars: Force Unleashed, Fable 2, and Culdcept Saga
53:24 - Rant :|: Games with flashlights suck

Download XYBA Podcast Ep 18

Happy Birthday to Us!

It's a few days belated, but XYBA Podcast officially turned one year old on January 29th. In 2007, that was when our first podcast was posted onto this site. It's been a learning year, but overall, I think it's gone well. Read on to learn intricate things you never wanted to know.

Our Origins: The concept of XYBA is from Josh. He came up with the idea in like December 2006 and it took us a while to get together and record the first podcast. We played around with a number of names before choosing XYBA(enforced by Josh's creation of the logo which he kept showing us).

The Members: Josh - Probably the "leader." He came up with the concept, set up the website, records the podcasts and usually sets the dates and times for the podcast. Owns a 360, DS and PC.

Andy - Me. I'm awesome. I do the most blogging and sometimes fight with readers. I also supply some of the hardware. Owns a 360, PC, PS1, Xbox and Mac.

Charlie - A regular on the podcast who is pretty balanced. Owns a 360, Wii and PS3.

Grant - A not-so-often contributer to the podcast. Grant's busy being newly wed. Grant also made our theme song. Owns a PC.

Eric - An on and off podcaster. Doesn't really like podcasting. Was our resident Wii Fanboy. Owns a Wii, DS and PS3. Used to own a 360.

The above are the original five, but we have other people too:

Jeff - Jeff is becoming a regular podcast member. Owns a Wii, 360, PS3, PC and DS(I think).

Santana - Santana contributes to the podcast every once in a great while. Doesn't actually own any gaming systems but plays my 360.

Brian - Brian used to guest on the podcast back before he got hired by Blizzard and moved away.

Sam - We picked Sam to take over as our resident Wii Fanboy blogger because Eric doesn't like blogging either. He posted one story to the blog and never returned. Shame on you, Sam. Owns a Wii.

Marco - Marco guested on a podcast once. Marco does 3D animations and works on some Xbox Live Arcade games. He owns... I don't know, a Mac or something. And I don't remember what, but something Marco said made our listeners mad.

Jeff K - Jeff also guested on the podcast. He helped us with some sound issues. I don't know what he owns.

Sean and Nick - Sean and Nick guested once when they were visiting from Illinois for work. They are both PC gamers.

February Game Releases

February! Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air. Is it love of new game releases? Read on to find out…

 

DS Titles

February 2
• Paws and Claws Pet Resort
• Zoo Tycoon 2
February 5
• Assassin’s Creed: Altair’s Chronicles
• My Horse and Me
• Puppy Palace
• Real Soccer 2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
February 10
• Professor Layton & The Curious Village
February 12
• Dungeon Explorer
February 15
• Suzuki Superbikes
February 18
• FIFA Street 3
February 19
• Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
• Spitfire Heroes: Tales Royal Air Force
February 25
• Bratz: Super Babyz
February 26
• Brain Assist
• Bubble Bobble Double Shot
• Disney Friends
• Homie Rollerz
• Petz Wild Animals Tigerz

PC Titles

February 4
• Sins of a Solar Empire
February 5
• 20 Questions
• Dance! Online
• First Battalion Gold
• Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess
• Medieval II Total War: Gold Pack
• Merv Griffin’s Crosswords
• Spaceforce Captains
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
February 12
• Abra Academy
• Conflict: Denied Ops
• My Horse and Me
• Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate
• Pirateville
• Powerboat GT
February 13
• Carrier Strike Force
February 15
• The Experiment
February 19
• The Club
• The Guild Universe
February 25
• Frontlines: Fuel of War
February 26
• Arma Gold
• Lost: Via Domus
• The Sims 2 Free Time
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

PS2 Titles

February 5
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
• Twisted Metal: Head On
February 11
• Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaids
• Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue
February 12
• Jumper

PS3

February 5
• Devil May Cry 4
February 12
• Conflict: Denied Ops
February 18
• FIFA Street 3
February 19
• The Club
February 26
• Lost Planet Extreme Condition
• Lost: Via Domus
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

PSP

February 5
• Downstream Panic!
February 12
• Chessmaster
• Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of the Ancient Arts
• Wipeout Pulse
February 18
• Need for Speed: Pro Street
February 26
• Blokus Portable: Steamboat Championship
• Patapon
• World Championship Cards

Wii

February 1
• Bomberman Land
February 5
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore
• My Horse and Me
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
February 11
• Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue
February 12
• Balloon Pop
• Jumper
• London Taxi: Rush Hour
February 18
• MX vs ATV: Untamed
February 19
• Pimp My Ride
February 25
• Agatha Christie: Then There Were None
• Destroy All Humans Big Willy Unleashed
• Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
February 26
• Bass Fishing
• Kidz Sports: International Soccer
• WWII Aces

Xbox 360

February 5
• Culdcept Saga
• Devil May Cry 4
• Karaoke Revolution: American Idol Encore
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
February 12
• Conflict: Denied Ops
• Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
• Jumper
• Lost Odyssey
February 18
• FIFA Street 3
February 19
• The Club
• Dynasty Warriors 6
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific
February 25
• Frontlines: Fuel of War
February 26
• Lost: Via Domus
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

Halo 3 Big Team Battle Now Ranked

Starting this week, Big Team Battle on Halo 3 moves from a social game to a ranked game. So now you can earn more ranking when playing the eight vs. eight game.

I like this move because I'm a big fan of Big Team Battle. I really enjoy the level Sandtrap. Of course, we'll see if this move changes my enjoyment since it seems that most people who play social matches are garbage compared to those in ranked games. So maybe now I'll start getting my ass handed to me and not like it so much.