Topics

1

Nintendo Gaming / I don't get Ambiio.

« on: October 24, 2014, 10:51:38 PM »

So I get the basic gist of toys for life and Ambiio, but I don't understand its use in Smash Bros for Wii U. As far as I can tell its just a CPU controlled dude that levels up depending on how much you use them. I get the appeal of Skylanders and Disney Infinty figures but i don't understand beyond the appeal of wanting a figure the use for these guys.


could someone more Enlightened explain it too me?

2

General Chat / The Windows/microsoft thread of not knowing how to count.

« on: September 30, 2014, 08:11:54 PM »

So the next version of Windows just got announced today being Windows 10.


Today's reveal was just for enterprise user's and the consumer facing Reveal showing off the full gambit will be ready for next year's build and the OS will release in the middle of next year.

Here's the main blog post
http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/09/30/announcing-windows-10/

and i'll be updating the OP with more information.

It seems that Windows Phone is now just Windows and will be running Windows 10, and the Xbox One will be getting the update in the middle of next year as well.

3

General Chat / is 23 too old to go to college or transfer.

« on: May 08, 2014, 06:09:06 PM »

So the nature of the beast is I'm at a 2 year community college I started in spring 2012. Due to colossal **** ups on my part my grade average is pretty low. However I have a plan that I can have my GPA back up to a 3.0+ and be ready to transfer to Grand Valley State for next years fall semester. I've noticed my problems and have fixed them and seeking additional help in the subjects I suck at.

So saying that I'm worried that transferring in next year I'll be too old. I'll probably have to live on campus for the first year and I don't know if that would be a problem, in addition I'll be 23 by the time I transfer next year and 25 by the time I would be graduating in 2017.  I talked yo my uncle about my plans but he was pushing me to transfer the spring semester (I'm not ready mentally or GPA wise) and made me feel bad about the fact that I should be transferring this year.


So not sure what to do and advice would be helpful.

4

General Chat / What podcasts do you listen too?

« on: December 07, 2013, 01:04:26 PM »

Pretty simple question and this is a thread where we can recommend podcasts to each other. Looking into pocket casts i'm subbed too.

11 O'clock Comics
8-4 Play
All about Android
Android entral
Comicvine podcast
DCRadio
Engadget
Engadget Mobile
ESPN FC Podcast
MLS Extratime radio
Gamertag Radio
Gigaom
Gonintendo
IGN Assemble
Infendo Radio
Iterate
Major Nelson Radio
Nintendo Pulse
Nintendo Voice Chat
NWR Connectivity
Radio Triva Podcast
Platform Biased
Radio Fee Nintendo
Raging Bullets a DC Comics Fan Podcast
Sound Opinions
Stuff you should know
Surface geeks
swords and lasers
Terrified
The craig Fahle show
Podcast of OA
The verge mobile show
The Vergecast
This America life
This week in Phot
Weekend Confrimed
Windows developer Shows
Windows Weekly

Mostly Tech, comics, and Video games with some of my other favorites kicked in.

5

General Gaming / Your game of the Generation

« on: November 09, 2013, 02:16:32 PM »

What up brah the current gen is officially over in about two weeks so what was your favorite game of thise generation.






 Mass Effect is not only my favorite game of this generation but my favorite series as well despite a few misteps here and there. The Xbox 360 was my first console this gen and before this I only had Kung -fu Panda and Lego Indiana Jones. Being a console only Gamer this was my first experince with WRPGs being beofre a big JRPG fan. The real time action mixed with being able to stop and think out my plan giving my team commands. The Player Agency in the first game allowing me to not only customize my Shepard but choose his decisions and seeing them reflect into the end game were amazing. The soundtrack is amazing full of alot of techno synths and hot fiery drums. The first 30 minutes In which the main theme plays followed by the landing on eden prime really set the tone for what I can only describe as what watching the original star trek or Star Was like.


Mass Effect is mine, but what's your favorite game this generation .

6

General Gaming / Valve announces SteamOS

« on: September 23, 2013, 01:11:21 PM »

http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamOS/

Steam is coming to a new operating system

As we’ve been working on bringing Steam to the living room, we’ve come to the conclusion that the
 environment best suited to delivering value to customers is an operating system built around Steam itself.
 SteamOS combines the rock-solid architecture of Linux with a gaming experience built for the big screen.
 It will be available soon as a free stand-alone operating system for living room machines.

Living room & Steam

Finally, you don’t have to give up your favorite games, your online friends, and all the Steam features you love just to play on the big screen. SteamOS, running on any living room machine, will provide access to the best games and user-generated content available.

Fast forward

In SteamOS, we have achieved significant performance increases in graphics processing, and we’re now targeting audio performance and reductions in input latency at the operating system level. Game developers are already taking advantage of these gains as they target SteamOS for their new releases.

Cooperating system

Steam is not a one-way content broadcast channel, it’s a collaborative many-to-many entertainment platform, in which each participant is a multiplier of the experience for everyone else. With SteamOS, “openness” means that the hardware industry can iterate in the living room at a much faster pace than they’ve been able to. Content creators can connect directly to their customers. Users can alter or replace any part of the software or hardware they want. Gamers are empowered to join in the creation of the games they love. SteamOS will continue to evolve, but will remain an environment designed to foster these kinds of innovation.

Sound Nice. Might just be the next gen console to beat.

7

General Gaming / Sony Playstation is making all the right moves go hard or go home.

« on: September 09, 2013, 10:00:54 AM »

Sony had its pre-Tokyo Game Show showcase showing off all of its systems in a awesome manner.
[/size]
[/size]-New PlayStation Vita announced. 20% thinne[/size]r, 15% lighter, has a built in 1GB memory. LCD screen instead of Oled and better battery life.
[/size]-old vita's bundled with hotshots golf and 32GB memory card.
[/size][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw_5g499aTA[/youtube]
[/size]-Since you somehow got outbid by Nintendo here's a whole bunch of games we wished were Monster Hunter but aren't. Its like playing Monster Hunter......But your not.
[/size]-Gundam Breaker and God Eater 2 getting Vita Bundles
[/size]-Soul Sacrifice Delta announced for 2014. People will apparently fund my Monster Hunter Clone but not megaman clone laments Infuane.
[/size]-Phantasy Star Nova announced which is a single player spin off of an MMO which also has a multiplayer mode. Its by Tri-Ace so it may be good.
[/size]-Danganronpa: Another Episode form SPike Chunsoft announced. It looks like a third person shooter where you stop cartoon bears from molesting the young anime girls.
[/size]-Final Fantasy X|X-2 special edition Vita announced with no release date becuase do you expect anything else from Squeenix these days.
[/size]-A game called decption about setting traps from tecmoi koei for Vita. Obvious Joke is Obvious.
[/size]-Samuari Warriors 4, Warrior's Orchi 2, and Samuari Warrior 2 HD all announced for Vita and i'm pretty sure I don't know which is which.


-PS3 **** and the Car porn guy from Scej.




[/size]-Playstation 4 will launch February 22nd 2014 for 39,980 yen or 43,980 yen with a camera.
[/size]-A special limited edition set will also come bundled with Knack. Really Knack this is the best you guys could come up with on short notice. Where the **** is last guardian.
[/size]-first party Launch games for Japan are Knack, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Driveclub, Resogun, hohokum, flower, and Doki Doki Universe.
[/size]-Phantom Breaker Overdrive announced for PS4.
[/size]-Final Fantasy XIV: A realm reborn beta test for PS4 starts on the PS4 Japan Launch day.
[/size]-Look how next gen Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends is and its a marquee lauch title. Ignore the fact there its coming two two other systems.
[/size]-Sega shows Yakuza Restoration. A version of the series which takes place at the tail end of the edo period. I really want play this game. Also for PS3 and can be remote played to Vita.
[/size]-I'm suda51 and I have puzzle and dragons money so no amount of sure fire bombas will stop me now. Here is Lily Bergamo a cool ass looking game we might or might not show you at TGS.
[/size]-Guilty Gear Xrd announced for PS4. We have more than six fighters at launch and we commin for you Capcom.
[/size]-New Earth Defense Force game for PS4, will never play because that game series is scary.
[/size]- Dream Club Host girls onstage for PS4 about well dancing.
[/size]-New Gundam and Idol Master games for PS4
[/size]-Deep Down is an online only Dark souls clone that takes place in the future.
[/size]-Kadoawa Games announces their first game Natural Doctrine a SPRG for PS4.
[/size]-Game music and Hatsume Miku coming to Music Unlimited. OH and Uverworld the cool Japanese one direction who makes bleach music is here too.


[/size][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKWhKl2VGig[/youtube]
[/size]
[/size]-I'm Andrew House and in my House is the PS Vita TV.
[/size]-PS Vita TV $9,480 yen for the sytem or 14,280 yen for the system, 8GB memory card, and a dualshock 3.
[/size]-You thought we were content with punching on Microsoft, well nintendo were coming for you as well and you punishment shall be more severe.
[/size][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ata90Y92UeI[/youtube]
[/size]
[/size]Now here's a cool montage of people who only have playstation devices. Not sure if I should be be happy or sad that i'm starting to dress like a Japanese student/One direction member,
[/size]
[/size][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abRveeP_PzM[/youtube]




[/size]
[/size]
[/size]
[/size]

8

General Gaming / How viable is it to make an affoordable HTCP/Steambox.

« on: August 19, 2013, 09:08:45 PM »

Anyone run this type of set and pretty happy with it?


I was thinking of pushing getting any next gen consoles into late next year and in the mean time transtion my main gaming devices to PC and Phone/Tablet gaming.


I was thinking of starting to save money to build one for next January.

9

Nintendo Gaming / GDC Europe survey puts Nintendo Consoles in the back half in developer interest

« on: July 16, 2013, 11:21:07 AM »

New Microsoft, Sony Consoles Receive Lukewarm Reception


Compared to mobile and PC, next-generation consoles don't figure nearly as highly into European developers' plans. 13% of survey respondents were working on PlayStation 4 games, compared to 9% working on Xbox One games and 5% on Wii U games; meanwhile, 23% of respondents were planning on working on a PS4 game next, compared to 14% for Xbox One and 7% for Wii U. (Survey results closed before Microsoft announced its DRM policy change.)


PlayStation Vita Slowly Gaining Momentum Among European Developers


Sony's PlayStation Vita is actually gaining ground among European developers; only 2% recently released a game for the Vita, but 6% are currently working on a Vita title and 9% anticipate releasing an upcoming Vita game. By comparison, only 1.5% of European developers recently released a 3DS game, 1.5% are currently working on one, and 2% anticipate releasing a 3DS game next.

So despite giving Unity for free and having self publishing interest in the WIi U was lower than the Xbox One's while the DRM was still in place. It says alot about developers (This survey is for AAA and indie devs to be clear). I'm guessing developers are looking at the Wii U's sales and the fact that Nintendo not only has a bad precpetion for their online system but doesn't do as much as Microsoft and Sony at promoting their online offerings.


The 3DS is the oddest one as its a successful platform so to speak. Despite that the only real indie support it has gotten has been from the usual suspects of teams who develop for near exclusively for Nintendo Platforms.(I'd agure that those developers would probably make more money going multiplatform as well) I mostly blame for Nintendo for not developing the WIi U and 3DS closely together and the 3DS eshop being a much bigger pain than the Wii U's.


So despite making a pretty heavy indie push with its current systems it looks like Nintendo's plans are falling on deaf ears.


So what can nintendo due to try and fix it. I'd say actually advertise the eshop and its content like Microsoft and Sony does. The way Nintendo tends to handle sales are that great either.

10

General Gaming / Digital or Retail?

« on: June 27, 2013, 11:55:23 PM »

So for current Wii U owners or guys who plan to pick up a Wii U, Playstaion 4, or Xbox One do you guys plan to go retail or digital for the bulk of your purchases.

I'm really thinking going mostly digital but I'm a bit worried about game sizes and download caps. It takes about two 2-3 hours to download Batman Arkham City which is 7.7 GBs of data.

11

Nintendo Gaming / This is what's wrong with current day Nintendo.

« on: June 21, 2013, 05:42:43 PM »

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/20/dont-get-your-hopes-up-for-f-zero

"I certainly understand that people want a new F-Zero game," Miyamoto said. "I think where I struggle is that I don’t really have a good idea for what’s new that we could bring to F-Zero that would really turn it into a great game again. Certainly I can see how people looking at Mario Kart 8 could see, through the anti-gravity, a connection to F-Zero. But I don’t know, at this point, what direction we could go in with a new F-Zero."

I mean come the **** on. I understand Miyamoto is a legendary creator but at this point he shouldn't have that much creative control over Nintendo's development path. I was under the the impression that with the exception of Pikmin 3 and his new IP he was retiring from being active in the company. There's no reason why because Iwata and friends are okay with being a Mario Farm that New or Older IP should be put on the   backburner. I mean I don't think I could rust Rare to make a new core oriented title and yet Microsoft gave Killer Instinct to double Helix and the game has gotten good reception.  Why not in addition to setting up new studios, farm out older IP to exisiting studios, get that team of Former Studio Liverpool guys on a new F-zero game. I'd also say do more with Third Party partners like SEGA, bring back burning Rangers, or something like Altered beast or beyond Oasis.

Probably just ranting to rant but Nintendo's development set up from what we have seen looks so archaic compared to the other big two. It might be that Nintendo has be in perptual panic mode so were seeing alot of Safe games coming from them in sucession.

12

Nintendo Gaming / Anyone notice all of the tablet support shown at E3 this year?

« on: June 14, 2013, 11:50:15 AM »

So the Wii U barley got any play this E3, but did anyone notice how despite the industry ignoring the Wii U they're doubling down on tablet support, while Nintendo has downplayed it. I mean some guys have had this idea since last Gen (smartglass) but its kind of amusing to see nearly everyone else jump aboard.

(Not sure this counts as there's a also a separate tablet game)

Its funny how despite getting a ton of developers apparently not knowing what to do with the Gamepad they know what to do with a stand alone tablet. I'm expecting Madden 25/Fifa 14 to get the Gamepad functions via tablets on other consoles as well.


Not sure if i'm reading too much into it, but its odd.

13

General Gaming / E3 2013 discussion thread

« on: June 01, 2013, 06:11:38 PM »

What: E3 2013
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center



Nintendo's E3 Plans
A Wii U focused direct is taking place on June 11th.
7:00amPDT
!0:00amEST
3:00pm UK Time
A Pokémon X & Y Q&A is going tp be held on June 11t as well.
6:00pm PDT
9:00pm EDT
 
Nintendo
Confirmed
3D Mario
Super Smash Bros Brawl
Mario Kart
Yarn Yoshi
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
X
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics
Sonic Lost World
The Wonderful 101
Wii Fit U
Pikmin 3
Bayonetta
Rumored
Retro's game is a new franchise
 
Sony
Confirmed
DriveClub
infamous:second son
Knack
Killzone: Shadowfall
Rumored
Microsoft
Confirmed
Quantum Break
Forza Motorsport 5
Ryse
Rumored
Xbox Fitness
Respawn making an exclusive One game
Hstoric Rare Franchise to be revived
Mirror's Edge 2 exclusive too Xbox One
General Rumors
Ubisoft to show off new racing IP

 Other Confrences
Konami
EA
UbisoftSquare-Enix

E3 Press sites
Microsoft Xbox News Wire
Nintendo Press site
EA press site
Ubisoft Press Extranet
E3 coverage
Gamtrailers
IGN
Nintendolife
Nintendoworldreport
E3 insider
Gamespot
Pretty much a thread with everything about E3 aggregated into one place and to discus the event. If anyone wants anything added please let me know.

14

General Gaming / Which of the Next Gen console UI's stand out to you the most.

« on: May 27, 2013, 11:14:05 AM »

  So while the PS4 and One are still around six months out we've seen alittle bit of what the OS ui is going to look like compared too The Wii U system UI.
Wii U



 
PlayStation 4




Xbox One





 
So which one appeals to you most. I think the One's OS looks the best to me taking the best of Metro with simplicity I would imagine coming from xmb. I also appreciate the multiple hubs for so the Base home screen and navigation isn't as bad. I'm glad they decided to rework the smartglass app since its Native to the OS now. The first smartglass app is good but it pretty damn ugly if you ask me.
 
The Wii U OS is what I'd expect from Nintendo to bring their own flair despite people might asscue it of looking a bit fisher price. So far it has the best iconography of the three in my opinion. Anyone have a high res version of the Miiverse logo?
 
The PS4 is the oddest of the bunch since it doesn't have any real identity or focus. It has the side ways Navigation of the XMB for what looks like all software.  But unlike XMB there seems be no folders or any way to separate catagories. Still out of the two new consoles this one seems the most like a mockup and non representive of the actual product its self.

15

Nintendo Gaming / Should nintendo host developer events to get more people on too their platfoms?

« on: April 20, 2013, 11:32:04 AM »

So with AAA's mostly ignoring Nintendo platforms its up to Nintendo along with indie and mid range platforms to hold the system down. With that said should Nintendo host some sort of developer event too entice these types of developers to do more with the Nintendo platforms
I pose this question after seeing the good response on Twitter to Nintendo at GDC and the Ideame event as a whole seemed to be a success. Nintendo has been doing a lot of indie and Mid teir development but it seems that it hasn't been adopted as much as it could have. (kickstarters aside) I was pretty dumb founded while listening to this week's 8-4 play podcast and Chris Kohlar and Ryan Peyton were railing against the Wii U and seemed to ignore or not know of all the good Nintendo has been doing around the eshop.
 
So with that in mind I think Nintendo hosting a 2-3 event based upon getting more developers to the platform would be a success. Many companies already do this and even the smallest companies usually get good  support from these.




 
So something similar to ideame with more Nintendo GDC input could be really cool for getting the ecosystem a boost in developers. Doing something like this Nintendo could postion themselves as the console where Mid Teir and indie development could thrive. Have an event in each major region and it could do a lot of good for getting the word out their.

16

Nintendo Gaming / Oh snap Guillaume has an inside source.

« on: April 17, 2013, 10:31:04 AM »

Eartthbond for Wii U in America.
 

17

Nintendo Gaming / Was there a reason gven as too why Wiiconnect24 wasn't put in the Wii U?

« on: April 08, 2013, 01:44:57 PM »

I was just wondering.  I found the low power always on nature of the Orginal Wii to be pretty ahead of its time despite not much content using it. Now with the Wii U it seems like it would be the perfect time to have such features. The ability too download software updates for the OS and games while i'm away seems genius. ou could probably find some Miiverse use for this as well.
Its weird with the PS4 and possibly xbox 720 using a similar feature and Nintendo going as far as too put something similar in the 3DS through spotpass that the Wii U wouldn't have this feature.

18

General Gaming / Disney closes down Lucasarts, Star Wars Fist Assult and 1313 cancelled.

« on: April 03, 2013, 02:54:50 PM »

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/04/03/disney-closes-game-publisher-lucasarts.aspx

After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

Really sucks but to be expected since Disney doesn't care about the regular game Market and is killing or postponing everything star wars that isn't related to the new Trilogy. It sucks because First Assault was pretty much done and 1313 was a collaboration between Lucas arts/Lucas films/ILM with some of the clone wars guys helping on plot.
The next star wars games will be licensed software like Lego Star was of the transformer's games. I'm expecting in 2-15 when Marvel gets the comic license from Dark House all of the comic series will e canceled in favor of post Jedi pre seven content.
Guess I really can't complain since Disney is only doing what Lucas did up until now and only focusing on the clone wars and the Jedi purge.
 

19

Nintendo Gaming / Battlefield 4 won't be coming won't be coming to WIi U.

« on: March 27, 2013, 09:56:15 AM »

Battlefield 4 will not see a release on Wii U, DICE has confirmed.

 Speaking to VideoGamer.com last night, creative director Lars Gustavsson explained that the decision to skip Wii U was to "ensure that [the team] deliver something good", rather than "risking" the project by stretching the team too thin.

"I think overall for me as creative director, number one is to deliver a really great game and experience," said Gustavsson on the subject of Battlefield 4 on Wii U. "Sometimes, at least for us, it's focus on what you do well and what you know well, and ensure that you deliver something good than trying a bit too much, stretching yourself too thin and risking it.

 "I'd rather play it safe, deliver something really good and then look at the future and what could possibly be done than trying a bit too hard and [failing]."

 Battlefield 4 is the latest high-profile multi-platform title to skip Wii U, joining Dead Island: Riptide and Saints Row 4.

http://www.videogamer.com/pc/battlefield_4/news/battlefield_4_skipping_wii_u.html
 
It's weird I would have assumed that the Wii U would have gotten good support until the PS4/Durango were released. Yet the Wii U cant even get ports of current gen games which is pretty sad.  Right now the system is looking to be mostly for Nintendo games and indies. Even then we aren't sure if the Wii U will still be the main go to indie console in a post PS4 world.
I just find it odd that they don't want to put resources to a console with an install base while its still rumored the game is also in development for PS4 and Durango which has no market share what so ever. I'm also guessing this means the ommiton of Wii U from Madden 25 wasn't a mistake as I previously thought.

20

Nintendo Gaming / Deus Ex Human Revolution Director's Cut (May 7/$50) leaked

« on: March 19, 2013, 10:28:32 AM »

Gotta love the third party support Nintendo has. More recent games such as sleeping dogs, Hitman Absolution, and Hitman are glossed over while the Wii U gets a game that's going on two years old.
Not sure if the Wii U not getting a port of more recent Edios games or Bad or the Wii U isn't apparently getting Murdered Soul Suspect or Thief 4. (Thief kind of makes sense as it doesn't have a 360/PS3 version)
 
But really who is this aimed at. You can pick p the game for $15 on Xbox Live right now. At least go to forty dollars to entice buyers instead. 

21

General Chat / Google Reader to shut down July 1st

« on: March 13, 2013, 09:20:55 PM »

[size=1px !important]29[/sizeinShare Google has announced yet another spring cleaning of its various services, and this time around, the company is giving the axe to its Google Reader RSS aggregator. The service, which originally launched back in 2005, will be officially put out to pasture on July 1st, 2013. Reader has gone through a number of iterations, but it had not been significantly updated in a long time. The last time that Google updated the product, it built in integration for the Google+ social network and removed Reader's own native sharing service, causing a bit of a backlash with die hard users. Google is offering users a way to export their Reader content, including lists of users that they follow and starred and liked articles.
In addition to killing off Reader, beginning next week Google is ending support for the Google Voice app for BlackBerry smartphones, instead pointing users toward the HTML5 webapp. The company will no longer sell or update the desktop versions of its Snapseed photo editing app, and a number of other developer APIs are also being killed off.



Lack of usage and a 'focus on fewer products' are to blame
While a number of users will be affected by the end of Google Voice for BlackBerry and the various API services, the biggest blow for many will be the disappearance of Google Reader. Google says it is killing it off because "usage of Google Reader has declined, and as a company we’re pouring all of our energy into fewer products." As one of the most popular RSS aggregators around, the death of Google Reader could spell doom for the RSS protocol itself, which has seen waning popularity since the rise of social sharing services. Additionally, there is a rather healthy ecosystem of third party apps for mobile devices that use Google Reader to synchronize news articles. These apps will have to find another method of importing articles from the web or just fade off into the sunset when Reader meets its ultimate demise. Either way, we'll be pouring some out for Google Reader come July 1st, and be looking for new way to keep up with our favorite sites on the web in the meantime[/size]

[size=1px !important]
http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/13/4101144/google-shuts-down-reader-rss-aggregation-service
 
 

Yeah this seems like a Bad idea. Google Reader is one of the reasons why there are people in the Google Ecosystem and killing it off I guess to get more people to use currents is a bad idea.
I don't use Google Reader any more as I've moved back to using Pulse Reader. But when I was using feedly or Press they were powered by my Google Reader information. 
I know reader has treated Reader as a problem like a red headed step child but its pretty much ruler in regards to what it does.
 [/size]

22

General Chat / Why do people hate Jar Jar Binks?

« on: March 13, 2013, 06:04:43 PM »

I guess this goes for the prequel stuff in general.  I know he's a bit grating in the first movie but I'm watching The Clone Wars series and the episodes he has been in have been enjoyable. Bombard Jedi is the first of the Jar Jar/Padme episodes and its pretty entertaining.
I guess my question follows up to the whole Prequel Part of the universe. I mean the movies are of so-so quality and don't have the same feel of the Original series. (it makes sense why though) But despite that most other media that takes place in this time period is pretty good.
Didn't know if there was a main star wars thread.   

23

General Gaming / Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)

« on: January 23, 2013, 03:40:50 PM »

To All THQ Employees:

We now have the answers we've been seeking through our financial restructuring and
Chapter 11 case. While much will be written, here are the facts of the bids and auction
that occurred:

Yesterday morning, we received a competing bid for the operating business,
along with Clearlake's offer, and numerous offers for separate assets.
During an auction process that lasted over 22 hours, the final conclusion was
that the separate-asset bids would net more than a single buyer for the majority
of the company.

Shortly, we will, present the results to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which must
concur with our assessment.

The proposed sales of multiple assets is as follows :
Sega agreed to purchase Relic
Koch Media agreed to purchase Volition and Metro
Crytek agreed to purchase Homefront
Take 2 agreed purchase Evolve [Nirolak's Note: Turtle Rock of Left 4 Dead fame's game] and
Ubisoft agreed to purchase Montreal [Nirolak's Note: Patrice's game and perhaps Volition Montreal] and South Park
We expect these sales to close this week.
[Nirolak's Note: Vigil didn't make it.]

Some assets, including our publishing businesses and Vigil, along with some other
intellectual properties are not included in the sale agreements. They will remain part of
the Chapter 11 case. We will make every effort to find appropriate buyers, if possible.

What this means for employees

We expect that most employees of the entities included in the sale will be offered
employment by the new owners. However, we cannot say what these owners may
intend, and there will likely be some positions that will not be needed under the
new ownership. You should receive notice this week or early next week if the new
owners intend to extend employment to you. Please note that the terms of your new
employment, including pay and benefits, may be different from the current terms of
your employment with THQ.

If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that
your position will end. A small number of our headquarters staff will continue to be
employed by THQ beyond January 25 to assist with the transition. THQ has sufficient
resources to pay these employees for work going forward, and we will be contacting
these employees immediately to ensure their continued employment during this
transition period. We are requesting the ability to offer certain severance pay to
minimize disruption for employees of non-included entities as they determine the next
steps in their careers.

We know you will have many questions about this news. We'll be meeting tomorrow
when we return to talk through this announcement and to answer any questions you
have. You will receive a benefits fact sheet and FAQs with answers to some questions
that may be on your mind. Please review these materials closely.

A personal note

The work that you all have done as part of the THQ family is imaginative, creative,
artistic and highly valued by our loyal gamers. We are proud of what we have
accomplished despite today's outcome.

It has been our privilege to work alongside the entire THQ team. While the company
will cease to exist, we are heartened that the majority of our studios and games will
continue under new ownership. We were hoping that the entire company would remain
intact, but we expect to hear good news from each of the separate entities that will be
operating as part of new organizations.

For those THQ employees who are part of entities that are not included in the sale, we
are confident that the talent you have displayed as part of THQ will be recognized as you
take the next steps in your career.

Thank you all for your dedication and for sharing your talent with the THQ team. We
wish you the best of luck and hope you will keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Brian Farrell
Chief Executive Officer

Jason Rubin
President

Unclear what exactly was included in the purchase. Not sure if just the studio or the IP as well.


Sucks to Vigil and Darksiders gone. Was hoping that someone would pick it up as its a decent mid teir franchise.

24

Nintendo Gaming / PureNintendo rumor: Nintendo to remove office space restriction for Indie develo

« on: January 20, 2013, 08:32:48 AM »

Coming from Pure Nintendo:

http://purenintendo.com/2013/01/20/nintendo-to-remove-office-space-restriction-for-indie-developers/

One of the biggest hurdles for game developers is a policy that states anyone wanting to develop for a Nintendo platform, and receive a development kit, must have a dedicated business place. For many of you not familiar with the rental of office space. It is not cheap. I personally know a few developers that this policy is tying their hands in developing for the eShop.

Now first let us start with this cryptic tweet coming from Dan Adelman, who is part of business development at Nintendo."

According to sources, and rumblings that I have heard, Nintendo is indeed seriously thinking about going away from this policy. With this tweet from Adelman it seems we may be hearing news about it sooner than later. What does that mean for us as Nintendo fans? With this policy gone it will open the door for more indie developers to create games for the eShop and more."

I think Nintendo is going to make a big push for indies on its platform as a way to safeguard from possible snubbing of other major third party developers. Now with all of this indie love I wish Nintendo would start an Incubation based developer.

25

Nintendo Gaming / Wii U Q1 software lineup

« on: January 17, 2013, 10:24:30 AM »

http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/17/3886168/nintendo-spring-2013-wii-u-3ds-games

Wii U

Aliens: Colonial Marines — Q1
Lego City: Undercover — March 18
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate — March 19
Need For Speed: Most Wanted — March 19
Rayman Legends — Feb. 26
The Amazing Spider-Man Ultimate Edition — March
The Croods: Prehistoric Party! — March 19
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct — March 26

Wii U eShop

BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien — Q1
Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 — Feb. 7
Puddle — Q1
The Cave — Jan. 22
The Croods: Prehistoric Party! — March 19
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct — March 26
Toki Tori 2 — Q1
Zen Pinball 2 — Q1

Nintendo 3DS

Brain Age: Concentration Training — Feb. 10
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate — March 5
Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan — Feb. 26
Fire Emblem: Awakening — Feb. 4
Lego City Undercover The Chase Begins — April 21
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon — March 24
Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze — March 13
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate — March 19
Naruto Powerful Shippuden — March 5
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity — March 24
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 3D — Feb. 12
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers — April 16
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed — Feb. 12
The Croods: Prehistoric Party! — March 19

3DS eShop

ATV Wild Ride 3D — Q1
Bloody Vampire — Jan. 31
Coaster Creator 3D — Q1
Disney/Pixar Finding Nemo: Escape to the Big Blue — Jan. 17
Drive Legends — Jan. 17
Guxt — Q1
Ikachan — Q1
Jewel Master: Cradle of Egypt 2 — March 19
Nano Assault EX — Q1
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D — Q1
Tokyo Crash Mobs — Jan. 17
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars — Jan. 24
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D — Q1
Witch's Cat — Jan. 31

So Nintendo released its Q1 game lineup for the Wii U and 3DS.  Have to admit its a bit disappointing especially on the eshop side of things.
I'm wondering where is Mutant Mudds Deluxe,Two Brothers, and Cloudberry Kingdom are. I was also expecting some Wii U eshop software from Nintendo going in to Q1.