As Kanye Says, Good Morning!

Hi my friends!

The Valentine brood returned to their respective homes and I can now devote all my time to this wonderful blog. I have some very exciting news. You are reading the words of the newest game reviewer for Gamer's Info. Gamer's Info is a great place to go for reviews, previews, media and editorial blogs. Check it out and tell them Gracie sent ya! Just read my blog first k? :)
http://www.gamersinfo.net/

Also, I'm starting something new today. To increase my vocabulary, I signed up for "Word of the Day" at Dictionary.com. I thought I would read one every day and automatically start including them in my everyday conversations. No such luck. So I'm going to start including the word in my blog. I'm not telling you what it is, so you will have to read to find it.

OH HELL NO!!
Blizzard Entertainment announced that Diablo 3 is in development and now life for me is complete. They are not saying much and there is no projected release date, but according to the official site Diablo 3 will run on a customized 3D engine designed for full 3D character and environmental rendering. Sweet! Mac lovers should be excited too. The game is coming out for both platforms. Check out the artwork and the link to the official site below.

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/index.xml

At Gamasutra, Neil Young is finally spilling the beans about why he left Electronic Arts after 11 years. It seems Young had a plan beyond laying around his mansion all day. The former head of EA Blueprint is founding a mobile phone game publishing company that will focus on "the iPhone and beyond," whatever the fuck that means. I guess the games are too good for the indigent. Check out the full review and all the dirt on his time at EA here:
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19229

If you've just gotten down your skills at Rock Band and are getting all types of laid at parties, your time is almost up. Harmonix and MTV Games announced they are releasing Rock Band 2 for the Xbox 360 in September. After listening to the concerns and comments of faithful Rock Band groupies, Harmonix hopes to create a perfected version of the Rock Band experience. Check out the full story here:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i2EwHSWYTDt0x44OLEsF7nZIDHYwD91KC5180

I'm calling it a day a little early fellow gamers. I've got some work-related things to do and not much time to do them in. Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow.

I'm Still Here!

What's up bitches?
Due to visitors from Michigan, I've been playing happy hostess for the week and have not been able to post the news. I know, I'm lame. However, wonder of wonders, I scored a temp gig answering phones, which might be the coolest job I've ever done. The phone rang twice so far and I'm writing my blog from the lovely office of Waldman, Hirsch & Company. And now, courtesy of our sponsors, I give you the news.

Aksys Games is reporting they will be bringing their new franchise, BlazeBlue to the LA Anime Expo. So, when all you lucky nerds out there pile upon the Los Angeles Convention Center, you can visit the Aksys booth and tryout the BlazesBlue gameplay to see if it really does feel similar to Guilty Gear. Check out the press release here:
http://www.aksysgames.com/press_releases/bb_062308.html

A bunch of boring, lawyers are "shocked" that no one cares enough about the "Hot Coffee" scandal to get back the $35 RockStar Games "stole" from them when they bought GTA: San Andreas. I've seen the hot coffee cheat, and let me tell you it is no "One Night In Paris." Plus, that was news several yeas ago. Now people are looking for the newest hot coffee in GTA4. God, get with the program lawyers. Read the full story here:
http://biz.yahoo.com/nytimes/080624/1194788486503.html?.v=4

Turns out the PS3 is too expensive even for its parent company. The creation of "The-Next-Big-Thing" cost Sony 3.32 Billion dollars so far, and they have yet to make a profit from their product. Kind of a big Whoopsie! isn't it? You can read the full story here:
http://kotaku.com/5018899/sony-lost-331-billion-to-ps3-cost-pricing-imbalance

Over at CNet News there is an editorial posted by Don Reisinger that might make gamers oh-so happy, while causing film buffs everywhere to choke on their mocha latte with half-cream, half fetus juice. Reisinger declares video games as the new entertainment leader. And why not? Digital actors work for nothing and they don't end up in rehab 8 months out of the year. You hear that Lohan!? Your days are numbered! Check out the complete story here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-9976418-17.html

Over at IGN, because they are special they got to sit down with Olivier Deriviere, composer for the score of the upcoming release of Alone In The Dark. If you are like me and were too young to appreciate the original Dark but are a huge fan of suspense/horror games, you have to check out the interview. Read up on all the ways old Deriviere is manipulating music so all you hear is the brown note. Awesome. Check out the interview here:
http://music.ign.com/articles/883/883767p1.html

Alright faithful readers, I'm outta here. My company doesn't leave until Saturday, so I will probably not be able to post again until next Monday. Try not to be too sad.

Lil' Late Today

Sorry faithful readers. Mr. Valentine went in late today and we all know where things go from there don't we? And now, the news -


Anyone remember the post about the Spore creatures? I barely do, however, I remember enough (and I can cheat and look through the archives) to be excited that there is a Spore Creature Creator demo on the official website. I shall download it and share my ugly little children with you so that we can all point and laugh. You can make your own if you visit the link here:
http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/spore/spore-creature-creator/1218917

In an effort to get more people gaming on their phones, Sony Ericcson announced the new F305 to be released in September. Responding much like a Wii remote, the gaming action on the F305 will react to flicks of the wrist or wild arm swinging. The press release says the F305 can handle eight hours of gameplay, which I think is a croc of shit because in the same breath they also attempt an up-sell; offering buyers a back-up battery. First off, if I'm going to be sitting through eight hours of gameplay it won't be on that teeny-tiny little screen, but whateves...maybe I'll be stuck in the airport and wish I had one. Check out the press release here:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/pressreleasedetails/f305pressreleasefinal-20080617
And the product info here:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/products/phoneportfolio/specification/f305

Over at Maple Story, Nexon is offering players a chance at character immortality. By visiting the website, gamers can vote for their favorite in-game character and the winner will be turned into an avatar in the Maple Story iTrading Card Game. Although nominations are over, players can still vote for their favorite by visiting the link here:
http://maplestory.nexon.net/?PART=/News/Event&mode=view&uid=158&bbsidx=1388

You can expect more in-game advertising after a study conducted by Nielsen BASES and Nielsen Games confirmed that in-game ads created an overall lift in consumer awareness. Great. Now the Burger King will be sneaking around in games I like to play. The Nielsen study surveyed 1,300 gaming participants by using IGA Worldwide (in-game advertising company) software to track information through special game disks. The information was collected, analyzed and now presented to you in this tidy article at GameDaily Biz.
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/gamers-embracing-contextual-ingame-ads-says-nielsen-and-iga/?biz=1

To Nerd or not to nerd, that is what GameDaily is asking you in this fun little time waster. Read the evidence and then decide if these celebrities are nerds or not. Fun!http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/nerd-or-not/197/

Feeling Extra Saucy Today

Good morning ladies!

I'm discovering all sorts of new things on the Internets and I found a way to listen to Opie

and Anthony on the computers! I listen to them on my circa 1980's radio before work, but I'm too lazy to move the radio to my office, and I wanted to try out this whole "listen on the Internet" phenomenon. God I am awesome at multitasking.

In a rather brilliant public relations move, Ubisoft is acting all ultra-exclusive and holding a "private party" for 2,400 Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy fans. Attendees will be determined through a raffle on the Japanese Square Enix Members site. I wish I knew more, but I don't speak Japanese and apparently Babel Fish doesn't either. Check out the story at Kotaku here:
http://kotaku.com/5017491/no-you-cannot-party-demo-final-fantasy-xiii-only-watch

History Lesson Alert!
Games Radar put together a nice article about consoles of the 70s by Shane Patterson, James Patterson's evil twin. Never fear, this annal in gaming history is rather short, sweet and witty. You could probably read it on your break. Check out what your parents played while they passed around the bong. See, and you thought you had nothing in common. Don't forget to go back and check out each piece in the series as they are released. You'll get a new nugget of goodness tomorrow, but you can read the first one here:
http://www.gamesradar.com/f/consoles-of-the-70s/a-2008061710302017044

Over at MSNBC's Citizen Gamer page, Winda Bendetti is contemplating the use of "serious games" as a way to encourage social change. Serious games are not really entertaining. Designed to raise awareness rather than adrenaline, they deliver a somber message to players about conditions around the world. Bendetti examines the use of these games and talks to experts using gaming as a marketing tool in their non-profit missions. You can read the rest of the article here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25104254/

Over at Gamecock (hee hee!), They are putting out their version of this year's presidential election in "Hail to the Chimp," for 360 and PS3. Gamer's take the role of a presidential candidate in the animal kingdom and they let natural selection decide. Actually, you have to complete objectives that don't include hiding from the lion candidate who wants to eat you. Anywho- Check out the screens and info on the game at Gamecock's (hee hee!) website.

http://www.gamecockmedia.com/chimp.html

Mastery of the "Insert Picture"

Good Morning Gamers!

Today I'm going to attempt to include pictures in this damn blog if it kills me or this laptop. And now, I bring you the news.

To anyone who plays the Sims 2 (and there must be some of you out there, judging by the way the game sells) and is bored with the same old stuff in the game, head over to ModTheSims2.com where you can become a member and download all sorts of goodies including customized Sims, pets, houses, businesses, and housewares. While you are there, check out some of the houses created by Flabaliki, an Australian high school student. He's been building houses on Sims since 2000. My favorite design is below (yayy! pictures!)You can check out the rest of his portfolio here:
http://www.modthesims2.com/creator/Flabaliki
and visit ModTheSims2 here:
http://www.modthesims2.com/

When the president of a well-established company leaves for a position at one that is struggling to stay alive, people ask questions. Questions like, who is going to take their place at said old company? Sony is one such company. After Phil Harrison announced his resignation in February, Sony had a big empty seat on their executive board to fill. They did fill it, with the behind of Harrison's right hand man Shuhei Yoshida. Games Industry Biz got to interview SwishSwish about his life at Sony with Harrison and all the fun times they had skipping to and fro around the office. No seriously, this interview is filled with lots of information including the real story behind the cancellation of Eight Days and The Getaway. It is a two-parter, so make sure you use the bathroom first, and put up your away message.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/shuhei-yoshida-part-one
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/shuhei-yoshida-part-two

The Championship Gaming Series and G4 announced yesterday plans to air four 90-minute episodes of the CGS North American playoffs and the World Finals. The first episode will air on July 16, however, fancy-schmancy gamers with DirectTV can watch all the coverage they can stand right now. Check out the full press release here:
http://www.thecgs.com/Championship_Gaming_Series_Brings_Programming_to_US_Cable_Television_for_First_Time_with_Exclusive_G4_Deal aand a full schedule of all CGS seasons here:
http://www.thecgs.com/index.php?s=content&d=tvschedule&page=2008_cgs_season

Hey how about I abuse my new picture power and throw down some screenshots of a new game. Here we have some screens of Fatal Inertia EX for the PS3. Damn, they are gorgeous. I want!

Check out more of these pretty babies here:
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/fatalinertia/images.html?sid=6192500&om_act=convert&om_clk=gumballs&tag=gumballs;title;1

My Cat Won't Stop Staring At Me When I Type

Why Hello!
By some awesome miracle from Hay-soos himself, you have stumbled upon my blog. Now that you are here, take a moment to sit and enjoy today's dose of gaming news. Really, it's okay. I won't tell your boss.

I knew I was waiting for a reason! Rumors that Microsoft and Sony will announce a cut in console prices at E3 are circulating because of this guy, EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich. Divnich said he predicts that the two warring factions will duke it out for all the attention during the now ultra-exclusive entertainment expo in Los Angeles. Seriously, trying to switch names on tickets for that gigantic gaming event is like trying to get someone at your local government office to call you back. You can read all about Jesse (Gandalf) Divnich and his gaming prophecy at Games Industry Biz.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-to-cut-us-xbox-360-price-at-e3-says-analyst

Jeff Green makes me laugh. The editor for EGM shares his first Spore creatures in his blog. Bloopy is my favorite. For those of you who are terminally stupid, Spore is the epic gaming event Will Wright has been working on for what seems like my entire life. You take the role of God in Spore and create beings in your image. (or the image of a horribly deformed leper, as in Bloopy's case) It is a civilization simulation of epic proportions, and one I would like to take for a spin. You can check out more of Bloopy and his friend Spongy here:
http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8770945&publicUserId=5380367

OOH FUNSIES!
Capcom wants your ugly mug in their next release of Street Fighter. To earn a place in gaming history and a new line for all those hot gamer girls, Capcom wants you to send them something that will convince them to add your visage to the background characters in the game. An essay, a video; anything you want, but it has to impress. If all goes well, your digital self will be wiping blood off its pants in no time. Check out the post and where to send your bribes here:
http://www.capcom-unity.com/s-kill/blog/2008/06/13/tell_us_why_you_should_be_in_street_fighter_iv

Awesome product alert!
While browsing the blogs at GrrlGamer, I came across a link to Gelaskins, makers of fine covers for PSPs and DS Lites. (Muah, is there anything else BUT a DS Lite?) There are a ton of choices to choose from, and they range from girly to quite the piece of artwork. A few M.C. Escher prints are available including "Drawing Hands" and "Fish." Pretty bad-ass if you ask me. Check them out here: (and tell them Gracie sent you :)
http://www.gelaskins.com/index.php

Sound Off Gaming Professionals!
Gamasutra's question of the week really needs your opinion. The Entertainment Software Association (yeah, these guys again) is the political, voluntary and peer-based arm of the games industry, and in recent years many professionals, like Janet Jackson once did, are wondering "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" Members including EA, Midway, Atari and Nintendo of America seem to tire of the ESA's sloppy performance, and companies like Activision and Lucas Arts are backing out of this elite gamer's club. You can read all about the ESA and their recent dip in popularity here:
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18966
*Members of Gamasutra can log in to read and answer this question.

My Power Core Isn't Over-Heating Any More

The heat has broken my friends and just in time. This little gamelover almost turned into a puddle of New York mud. Now, let's see here....

How much does it cost to represent video games in legislative circles? According to Associated Press, about $714,000, or in gaming terms, the sweetest entertainment room you have ever seen. The Entertainment Software Association spent this chunk of change to lobby for piracy targeting, protection of intellectual property and of course, parental control. You can read the entire article here:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080611/entertainment_software_association_lobbying.html?.v=1

The Suit Says,
Over at Peter Moore's EA Sports blog, he takes time out of his busy day as president to share his thoughts with us. Very nice of him, however, the post is pretty boring so I shall spin a quick paraphrase for you. Ahem.Blah Blah Blah, NBA, Blah Blah Blah, 2008 Finals, Blah Blah Blah, Lakers, Celtics, Blah. Blah.Moore launches into how successful EA Sports was in 2007 and even offers the reader a few bullet points to guide them through the piles of success. However, a golden nugget of information in found near the end. Moore states that things look good for future releases of NHL and FIFA, but that is all this sneaky little prezo will say. You can read all about his enthusiasm for this year's NBA Finals here:
http://itsinthegame.ea.com/archive/2008/06/12/not-resting-on-our-laurels.aspx

I love it when women writers break into mainstream gaming publications and Megan VanBurkleo is one of them. Chicas represent! Check out her feature entitled: Mascots: Where Are They Now at Game Informer.com
http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200806/N08.0611.1326.46570.htm

Fresh off of his Heavenly Sword success, Tameem Antoniades, creative director and co-founder of Ninja Theory ltd. found time to sit down with Game Industry Biz.com and share his love of combining cinematic effects and video games. Computer graphic geeks will love this sit-down because Antoniades goes really deep into the art of CG and creating human emotion with computer graphics. Check out the entire interview here:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ninja-theory-s-tameem-antoniades

From Airtight Games, developers of Crimson Skies for the original Xbox, comes Dark Void. Shipping who knows when (expect more info during E3) on a to be determined platform (All Game Guide says 360 and PS3), Dark Void finds players scaling the cliffs of an alien planet to fight an alien race with other survivors of "The Void." With an emphasis on vertical combat, gamers can use a rocket pack to navigate the foreign terrain or hump their way over rocks and gravel. A preview and some nice-looking screenshots are available at UGO.com.http://gamesblog.ugo.com/index.php/gamesblog/more/dark_void_preview/

Ok I'm outsies for today guys. Gotta look for a job and do some dishes. I hate dishes.

PEACE!

Sweating Balls While News Swirls Around Me

Hello Faithful Gaming News Readers.

It is hotter than a subway train full of mouth breathers in my apartment, and I'm sweating all over my laptop, but that won't stop me from bringing you news you can lose.

In hardware news, YYJoy is pumping out a bootleg remote and nunchuck for those who can afford the Wii, but can't afford brand name controllers. From their photo they look like the real thing, so I guess for all you poor kids out there, this may be good. Just don't let your rich, douche-y, nerd-core friends come over and spot them. Fuckers.
This story is from Kotaku.
You can read more about them from here: http://kotaku.com/

On the new development horizon, Sid "Viscously Old" Meier supporters have a new reason to withdrawal from any real form of life as Meier, Take Two and 2K Games announce Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization for the PC. Decrepit gamers may remember the original Colonization PC game that appeared on the scene 14 years ago. (Yeah, 14 years) Old Meier decided that this archaic turn-based strategy needed an update, and is working to release the title in Fall 2008. That Meier is a smart one. Rejuvenate an old fan base with updates while simultaneously enticing younger gamers. Follow the candy trail, my pets, and watch out for the glory hole.
This story is from Gamasutra.
You can read it here: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18950

On the suit's side, Don Ryan, new COO (chief overseer of o'bunch-o'games) of Oberon Media got to speak his mind to Game Industry Biz recently, and he had a ton of PR hoopla to share with you, along with some interesting info about himself and his goals for casual gaming. Donnie is an industry veteran, which you have to respect, cuz this is a cruel and unusual business, as most anything worth doing is. Before becoming the end-all, be-all of decision-making at Oberon, Don gave 15 years of his life to industry Behemoth, Microsoft. Why leave after 15 years Don? So check out the interview and learn what Don is going to do to improve the image of casual games and what interesting developments are happening in Europe. Educate yourself game lovers.
The full interview is here:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/casual-gaming-s-triple-threat

Something funny, Over at Game Daily they have a great sense of humor and I love their slideshows with comment. Today, it's dating tips from male video game characters. Enjoy.
http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/lessons-on-how-game-characters-woo-the-ladies/?page=1

What about the Software? There are new screens available for The Last Remnant from Square Enix. For the Xbox 360, The Last Remnant has a very Dynasty Warriors look to it, and the overview sounds similar to those ancient Japanese tales of samurai and the slain. IGN attended a press conference for Square Enix yesterday, and a release date is set for this winter. You can read the blog and check out a trailer here: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/880/880407p1.html

That's it for now kids. The heat is killing me and I need a shower. I'm working on learning all about this blog so hopefully soon I can hook it up with some pictures and stuff. Until then, thanks for reading and please come back!

Howdy!

Hello Fellow Game Lovers!

My name is Gracie and I love games. I am also unemployed. Until I find myself some meaningful work, I would like to share the latest news in gaming with you.

Why should I read? you ask?

Because I'm fucking awesome that's why! That's right, I said fuck! And you can expect all my news to be filled with the same kind of expletives and foul humor.

So please enjoy, or don't.

Griztastic Gaming News: Shoveling Game News into Your Fat, Over-Fed Face Since 2008.