May brings some interesting developments, new ideas and even
new colors for Spring!
We have publishers losing CEO’s and paying for development
deals. A console finally gets an update on its next update. Some long awaited
games get closer to release, and a movie game with high promise falls flat on
its face.
Even in the slowest of times, gaming can find some ways to
make itself relevant.
Big News
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures…Sold out
The game Age of Conan:
Hyborian Adventures currently has sold out of the preorder early starts.
The Funcom product has been under heavy watch since being announced in 2003,
being the first real professional adult themed MMO with the “Real Combat”
system promising a more exciting fighting experience.
After a few delays, finally looks to be released Tuesday,
May 20. Reports have surfaced that this
is actually a 30 gigabyte game, so only those with the space, free time and the
computer power need apply.
Real Combat
Sega Making Moves
Sega, the console/software publisher that has established a
love hate relationships with almost all gamers, has made the move to purchase
PlatinumGames Inc. Who is PlatinumGames? They are simply the guys who made the
critically acclaimed Viewtiful Joe series,
Okami and God Hand, and gamers may remember them as Clover Studio. The
reported four-game deal
adds some desperately needed credibilityto Sega’s lineup.
Sony’s New Prez
After Phil Harrison’s sudden departure from Sony to
Inforgrames, people were wondering who would be his replacement. The position
is now filled by Shuhei Yoshida, who joined SCEI in 1993, and was one of the
initial members in establishing the PlayStation business.
He was appointed Producer of the Product Development
Department in April 1996, and joined Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
as Vice President of Product Development in April 2000, where he held various
positions in product development, producing many global best selling franchise
titles. In February 2007, Yoshida was promoted to Senior Vice President, US
Studios, SCE WWS.
Step Down to Step Up
Dennis Dyack, the CEO of Silicon Knights, home of the
“fabled” Too Human series, has
stepped down in that position to focus on getting the product on time. For
those who haven’t been paying attention, Too
Human
was originally a five-disc Playstation epic. From all reports thegame seems to be a very solid product, but with such a wait time before
actually being released, this one may have impossible expectations.
Trailer
Gameplay
Co-op Gameplay
Nintendo DS Coming Up
Rose
Nintendo is making the metallic rose-colored DS model a
permanent color in the line this month. It was previously released last year as
a part of the limited edition Nintendogs
bundle. On May 19, America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) and Carrie Underwood (American Idol) will
appear in commercials for the female-friendly rose edition.
Microsoft’s Spring
Update?
After delays, there have been some interesting rumors coming
out for the spring update list, two of them being motion support and game
installs. These two features are key to their competitors, which only brings up
the question: Where has the originality gone?
Played Out
Iron Man
For those who thought that Iron Man may just create the perfect trifecta of catching rave
reviews from critics, average movie goers and gamers, it’s just not so. The
game seemed to have some potential, but suffers from gameplay issues and flaws
that just make themselves known way too often. If you can, skip this one and
save your money for the Iron Man
special edition Blu-ray or DVD.
Whenever he isn’t contemplating a world takeover, you can find Adam
Thomas building the Gamer Studio. For now, join the support and catch
some cool screen shots at Myspace.com/thegamerstudio
