Archive for June 6th, 2006

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Nintendo planning Wii IM service?

Tuesday, June 6th, 2006

Link: Go Nintendo

A very interesting patent application has resurfaced just today, not exactly sure why. It was originally filed back in November of 2000, but has received an update on June 6th, 2006.

A messaging system includes a web server computer and at least two video game systems. Each game system is configured to connect to the web server computer via the Internet and to communicate status data indicative of an activity engaged in by a user thereof. The web server computer generates a session file indicative of user status and the status of each of two or persons on a buddy list of the user.

It's possible that this was a system originally designed for the GameCube, but due to Nintendo's reluctance to enter the online market on the GC, it may yet see the light of day on the WiiConnect24 service. Only time will tell for sure, however, given Nintendo's frame of mind regarding how to manage their online gaming community, it's rather more likely that this is just something that will end up fading into obscurity. As much as I would absolutely adore this sort of system from Nintendo, I don't see them letting their guard down and supporting an IM system anytime soon.

But we can hope. 

Posted in gaming, nintendo | Leave a Comment »

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Microsoft doesn’t get backwards compatibility

Tuesday, June 6th, 2006

Link: GamesIndustry.biz
Peter Moore on the Xbox/Xbox 360 backwards compatibility:

"Nobody is concerned anymore about backwards compatibility. We under promised and over delivered on that. It's a very complicated thing… very complex work. I'm just stunned that we have hundreds of games that are backwards compatible," he said.

"Under promised" and "over delivered"? I don't even own an Xbox or a 360 and this bold arrogance infuriates me to no end. Hey, what's this? Why, it's the Xbox 360 backwards compatibility FAQ page:

Our goal remains to get every game to be backward compatible.

Hmmm. Interesting…

Here are some choice quotes from the Evil Avatar thread on this topic.

bapenguin: Wow…the only thing backwards there was his statement. Undelivered and over promised you ass.

swiftdraw: Does he mean no one at Microsoft is concerned, or does he actually think that consumers aren't concerned? And really, which is worse?

Borys: Big corporations lie to consumers? Surprise, surprise!!! Sony is no better than Microsoft and vice versa.

Agreed. Funny how a lot of people keep trying to pin Evil Avatar as some sort of Microsoft/Xbox fanboy site. There sure is a lot of hate and not a whole lot of support in that thread for Microsoft's about-face on this very important topic. I think examples such as these demonstrate that EvAv is less Microsoft fanboy and more anti-stupidity.

Posted in gaming, microsoft | Leave a Comment »

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CoH Issue 7 active

Tuesday, June 6th, 2006

Link: City of Heroes

Well, it's out now. Issue 7 of CoH/CoV is now available. Unfortunately, this issue largely caters to the villainous side of the game.

Grandville (Levels 40-50, PVE, COV only) – A vertical zone, Grandville contains Spider City, the capital of Arachnos™, where players encounter mutated Arachnoids and a huge new cast of characters including Lord Recluse™ himself!

Recluse’s Victory (Levels 40-50, PVP, COV and COH) – Recluse’s Victory represents the villains’ assault on Paragon City™. Heroes and villains battle for control points, use heavy artillery to their advantage, and watch the zone change dynamically as a result of their efforts.

I deactivated my subscription to CoH a few months ago. I care nothing for villains, so when they decide to finally get back to caring about heroes, I might just pick it back up again. There's a rumor floating around–just a rumor, mind you–that issue 8 may contain the coveted trenchcoats everyone has been asking for. So, I may end up waiting until after issue 9 to get back into the game, once everyone has exhausted every possible spelling of Neo after that one hits.

Posted in city of heroes, gaming, happenings | Leave a Comment »