In a previous post, I ranted about the subtle downfalls of digital distribution. One point I made was the relative inflexibility of fake digital currencies like Wii and Microsoft Points. In what must have been a reaction to my complaint, Circuit City has the mother of all sales on Microsoft Points this week. Basically, the sale lets you save $20 when you buy two Xbox Live products. For some reason, this includes the $20 Microsoft Points cards. Essentially, it is buy one get one free for points that never go bad.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well the problem is that just about every Circuit City in the country has sold out of them. Luckily, by using store policies against them, you can get a price match at competing stores like Best Buy. Yesterday, between price matches, and a coupon, I got $100 worth of MS Points for $40! Just wanted to let you guys know, if you ever want MS Points, now is the time!

Life’s been crazy lately, but I had some free time today to blog, so I thought I’d pass on some helpful PSP tips.

First of all, the PSP has a built in web browser, and at first I was a little underwhelmed by its performance. To be honest though, I was just looking at random pages that were obviously formatted with computer use in mind. That means there’s loads of stuff the PSP is trying to receive that you don’t really need. Luckily, most websites have versions of their websites formatted for mobile phones in mind. Using these with your PSP, you can load pages exponentially quicker. Some of the websites I really found useful are Google Reader, Gmail, and Yahoo. All of these have minimalistic formatting and information, and the Yahoo portal has all sorts of things to use like webmail, movie times, directions, news, and weather. I know this was intended for people with really nice smartphones, but I don’t have one of those. I have a game console; but it works just as well. Keep in mind, this doesn’t just apply to the PSP, but I imagine this will improve the performance on the DS web browser as well. This tip is obvious to most technophiles, but it really makes the PSP’s web browser actually useful.

Lately I’ve really been loving my PSP. The DS is kind of going through a release drought, and although there aren’t many good UMD games, I have still been using emulators and downloaded media quite a bit. One thing I soon realized, on a particularly noisy MARTA commute, is that the PSP doesn’t really output much volume. Even with the volume maxed, I still had trouble hearing the dialogue on a converted movie. Apparently I’m not deaf either, looking at some forum posts this is a popular complaint amongst PSP users. There are a few possible solutions. First, when converting movie files into the PSP format, you could use software to increase the volume. This of course doesn’t apply to MP3s unless you want to completely rencode them. Also the sound quality isn’t going to sound that great. Second, there is a possible hack that requires opening up your PSP and doing some prying and poking. This could break your PSP, so I took a pass. Finally, and this I consider the best option, get a headphone amplifier. Using a unique and simple design called a CMoy, you can build your own, or buy one made by someone else. I personally opted to get one off eBay built by an amateur. My amp looks like the one pictured. You can get one made for you for as little as $20, and the sound is so much better than the amp in the PSP. It’s not just for PSP’s either. A lot of people use dedicated headphone amplifiers with their iPods to get great sound out of them.

Anyway, that was a needlessly long post that will never be read by a PSP owner. Oh well, I just thought I’d pass these neat facts along.

With a most sincere puppy-dog-eyed apology, Microsoft announced yesterday that they are extending their manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year to 3 years. After constantly denying the mounting anecdotal evidence of system failures, it appears MS is finally admitting there is a problem and are providing a solution. While I personally, nor anyone I know has had an Xbox 360 die from the infamous, Red Ring of Death, it is apparent that it has become quite a problem.

I have to admit, I like what Microsoft is doing. Now I know they are a little late in doing so, they at least appear to be on the up-and-up in extending the warranty. So what are the details? Well, according to Major Nelson’s recent podcast on the subject, the normal 1-year warranty still applies, but for “general hardware failures” with the RROD, there is now a 3-year warranty. Also, if you have had your console repaired in the past for the RROD, Microsoft will cut you a reimbursement check. It is estimated that this will cost Microsoft around $1.05 billion to $1.15 billion for the policy change. Those are some deep pockets.

Press Release and FAQ

PBR? No, not Pabst Blue Ribbon. I’m talking about the exciting new game for the Wii, Pokémon Battle Revolution. Though I must admit, drinking the former whilst playing the latter would be enjoyable. PBR brings a lot of firsts for the Wii. First of all, it is the first online game for the Wii. That’s right, after entering all those fun 16 digit friend codes, you too can throw down some Pocket Monsters you’re your Pokéfreaks across the world. Also, it’s the first Wii game to connect to the DS. With PBR, you can download and use all the Pokémon you caught in Diamond or Pearl, and you can even use your DS as a controller. Finally, this is, of course, the first Pokémon game for the Wii.

So with all those distinctions, you can see why PBR looks exciting. To be honest, it’s not even really a game. It’s just a fun way to battle with your Pokémon online. Now I’ve had PBR for a few days, so I thought I’d post some opinions. First of all, if you haven’t played Pokémon for the DS, don’t waste your time with PBR. Although you can battle Pokémon without connecting a DS, the game is really meant to let you battle with all the Pokémon caught on Diamond and Pearl. Also, the single player mode is pretty boring. You just battle dumb NPCs, that’s it. So as you can see, although PBR brings a couple of firsts to the Wii, it’s on the whole a shallow gaming experience. About the only fun I’ve had so far, is playing random people online. You might not expect it, but the online competition is pretty stiff. Almost everyone I’ve faced has a ridiculous set of maxed out legendary Pokémon. I hate to be so harsh on a series I love, but this game is just way to shallow. You could find more depth in an Xbox Live Arcade title. Other than that, the graphics look pretty good, you know for a souped-up Gamecube.

I’m back! After moving to a new apartment, and waiting for the ridiculously slow installation of Internet, I am once again part of the blogosphere. So what have you missed? Well, aside from the obligatory VC vs. XBLA entries, not much has happened in the videogames world. We are all patiently awaiting the deluge of announcements this year’s E3 will bring us. But that’s not until July 11^th.

So what do bloggers do when the news is dry? We rant. And today, I’ve got a doozy of a rant. Today, I want to talk about digital distribution. Basically digital distribution is purchasing and downloading a game through the internet. No store, no retailer, no shipping, no fuss, no muss. Its advantages are clear, and some are already touting it as the unequivocal future of game distribtuion. However, there are a lot of subtle disadvantages as well. Let’s take a look.

First of all, purchasing your games this way means it’s got DRM. And while I won’t play the part of the idealistic open-source fan-boy, and say that all DRM is bad; it’s important to realize that DRM will never be good for the consumer. DRM means you won’t be able to purchase that VC title and play it at your friend’s house. Granted, Xbox Live tracks their licensing both by your console, and Gamertag, so you can technically login to XBL and play your XBLA games at a friend’s house. But it’s still never your game. It is simply a game you have purchased a license to play under a distributor’s terms. On the other hand, a quick trip to the store nets you a physical copy of a game to use, play, and even re-sell at your own leisure.

Secondly, digital distribution claims to bring a lower price to the consumer, because of saved expenses on production, shipment, and retail. However, the problem lies in the fact that the prices are set by one distributer, and are almost invariably inflexible. The XBLA titles that were $10 at launch are still $10. You don’t get a price break, there are no sales. For example, the new Oblivion Expansion pack was made available on Xbox Live for $30, the same exact price as the physical release of the PC version. No price break was given to the consumer, and mere weeks later, the PC version was on sale at Circuit City for $17.99. Still a solid $30 on XBL, it will be $30 years later. About the only thing a smart consumer can do, is find deals on obtaining Microsoft and Wii points, but those are few and far between.

Finally, there is no used game market with digital distribution. This is one of the primary reasons why you will see software companies pushing the digi-distro model. Used game sales mean nothing to publishers, but they are a great way to recoup some of your gaming expenses. Also, great trading sites like Goozex can’t exist. Essentially digital distribution allows no re-distribution, thereby limiting the versatility of the market.

Now, don’t misunderstand. I am not unequivocally against digital distribution. They make great sense on getting small $5-10 games on VC and XBLA and even episodic content, but I know that those games aren’t really mine. But we can’t allow publishers to push complete titles exclusively this way.

From what I have seen on YouTube, Japanese and Korean TV looks pretty funny. This show should be on G4.

That is to say, it’s an oddly designed handheld from a start-up. Game modding champion Ben Heckendorn has designed and named this new emulation friendly console, the Gameport. I hate to be so negative on a product that hasn’t even hit shelves yet, but here goes my honest opinion. This thing will flop pretty hard, if it even sees the light of day. Unless the (unannounced) price point is extremely low, handhelds already exist that look better and do the job better. So far the only actual emulation it can do is Atari 2600, Intellivision, Odyssey 2, and Caleco. Not selling me. The only interesting planned emulation is NES, and given Nintendo’s recent interest in shilling NES titles on the VC, no way will that happen without a long tedious legal fight. It’s one thing for a homebrew emulator, or foreign emulation handheld to run Nintendo games, but no way will an American based company get away with that. I am pretty sure Nintendo’s pockets are deeper. So how much would I pay for a Gameport. $10, maybe $15, and I can almost guarantee this thing is going to be at least $75. Who knows though, my skepticism is largely unbased and it’s extremely early, so only time will tell.

By the way, if you still had any positive feelings left for the Gameport, prepare to lose them. Here is the “teaser” commercial for the Gameport. Not only is it horribly written and produced, but it is in the style of those ceaselessly annoying Mac vs. PC commercials. Someone please tell these people they are not clever.

Calm down children, here are the new releases for the week of 5/27…

Xbox 360

• Forza Motorsport 2
• Shadowrun
• Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia
• Surf’s Up

PlayStation 3

• Surf’s Up

Wii

• Mario Party 8
• Surf’s Up
• Tamagotchi: Party On!

PlayStation 2

• Surf’s Up
• Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm

Nintendo DS

• Tank Beat
• Pony Friends
• Surf’s Up

PSP

• Surf’s Up
• Crush
• Legend of the Dragon

Despite the recent negative grumblings over Mario Party, I think I will still pick up a copy this week. I really have had great times with the series, and I think the series could use a little waggle. This week Circuit City is selling it for $39.99. Forza Motorsport 2 is finally here. I will probably get this when it becomes a little cheaper, but if you are a big racing fan, this game supposedly has it all. Aside from the obvious functions of racing cars, FM2 now has a fully functional auction house system where you can buy and sell the cars you drive online through Xbox Live. Apparently a lot of factors are taken into account such as body damage and miles put on the car. Sounds fun, just not my cup of tea. Also, Shadowrun is finally here, it’s an online tactical fantasy FPS. Sounds interesting, I’ll put it in my GameFly queue. Aside from that, everything else looks pretty bleak, but three quality titles in a summer week ain’t too shabby.

Even though Lionhead Studios’ Fable 2 is still quite a long way off, they have been nice enough to start a new series of video diaries chronicling their development process. Starting today, they will be available on the Lionhead website, and the Xbox Live Marketplace. I watched the first episode, and I must say I love how ambitious Peter Molyneux is with his games. The first episode, which is about love and emotion in Fable 2, almost seems a little over-the-top. The idea, which I agree is a good one, mostly centers around the new “dog” addition gameplay element. You do not tell your dog what to do, but essentially you get a sense that the dog loves you, and will do as instructed. Conversely, you can hate and abuse your dog, and he will in turn hate you. While Molyneux’s ideas often sound better on paper than in actual practice, I must say I applaud his efforts. He is often known for over-promising and under-delivering, but I think his work is important to the industry. Even if the games he makes aren’t stellar blockbusters, he at least is addressing and attempting to tackle issues with game design and our perception of interaction. The concept is that NPCs should not simply do what you tell them, but they should have a free will, and their own decisions should be made by them. This is essentially what makes humans interesting to talk to, and why we have relationships.

Granted it seems a bit silly discussing these issues in the same context of a virtual dog, and the video somewhat plays out silly. But I’m glad the folks over at Lionhead are brave enough to talk about them, and to even make free little video progress reports. Another interesting concept to be explored by Fable 2 is Death. Often death in a video game simply means going back in time 15 minutes with a “do-over”. This destroys the concepts of urgency and consequences. Molyneux has said in interviews that Fable 2 will address this somehow. How exactly, remains to be seen. Hopefully the next installment from Lionhead will cover this topic. Keep up the good work Lionhead.

When it was announced that Red Octane would be handing the Guitar Hero torch off to Neversoft, I was kind of ambivalent. Sure, Neversoft is a reputable development house, and they know how to keep a franchise fresh. But I always get skeptical when IP’s get transferred. While we still don’t know much about the next rock god heir, Guitar Hero III, a press release today gave us our first nugget of information. First, is a partial list of tracks for the game, which ironically keeps my streak of listed posts alive. These aren’t all the songs in the game, just a few.

• “Paint It Black” (by The Rolling Stones)
• “Cherub Rock” (by Smashing Pumpkins)
• “Sabotage” (by Beastie Boys)
• “The Metal” (by Tenacious D)
• “My Name is Jonas” (by Weezer)
• “Knights of Cydonia” (by Muse)
• “Rock And Roll All Nite” (as made famous by Kiss)
• “School’s Out” (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
• “Slow Ride” (as made famous by Foghat)
• “Cult of Personality” (by Living Colour)
• “Barracuda” (as made famous by Heart)

So far, so good. I am excited about almost all these tracks. Not so much “Slow Ride”, as I agree to a friend’s succinct assessment that it is in fact “boring”. Now for other random tidbits of information. First of all, GH3 will be released for Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, and PS3, and will feature Gibson’s iconic Les Paul model of guitars (Gibson Kramer for the PS2). Apparently all systems’ controllers will be getting the wireless treatment as well. The new guitars will feature swappable faceplates so you can customize your guitar without cheapy stickers. Also, there will supposedly be “a new button color design that will be integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience.” I’m not really sure how changing a color scheme provides a more authentic rock experience, or even how you can possibly do that when existing (expensive) guitar controllers already have a color scheme. I guess time will tell.

Thanks Neversoft, you seem to be getting along nicely. Guitar Hero 3 is planned for the holidays, I’m predicting November 12th.