Mario’s Cross Canada Tour
Originally Posted BY MYASHARONA – NOVEMBER 12, 2011 at GamerFitNation
Looking for something fun and exciting to do this holiday season? From November 13th to December 18th, Nintendo is inviting fans to meet Mario™ as he makes his way across Canada to showcase his latest games. Be among the first to play the new Super Mario™ 3D Land and Mario Kart™ 7 games on the Nintendo 3DS™ system, and receive your very own souvenir photo with Mario himself!
This is the perfect opportunity for fans to get exclusive hands-on time with Nintendo 3DS and play two highly anticipated new titles.
Where will Mario be warping to next? From November 13th to December 18th Mario will be touring select cities throughout Canada greeting fans at City Landmarks, sports arenas, retail storefronts, and even Holiday Parades!
Here’s where and when you will find Mario in your neighborhood:
Vancouver:
- November 13 – Comic Con* at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver from 1:00pm-3:00pm PST
- November 13 – Vancouver Giants* at Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver from 6:15pm-10:00pm PST
- December 2 – Bright Nights in Stanley Park from 5:00pm-9:00pm PST
- December 3 – Nintendo’s Holiday Mall Tour at Metropolis at Metrotown from 11:00am-2:00pm PST
- December 3 – Best Buy Metrotown, 4805 Kingsway Street, Burnaby from 3:00pm-5:30pm PST
- December 4 – Rogers Santa Claus Parade from 10:00am-12:00pm PST (pre-parade appearance)
- December 17 – Breakfast with Santa at the Vancouver Convention Centre* from 8:30am-11:30am PST
- December 18 – Breakfast with Santa at the Vancouver Convention Centre* from 8:30am-11:30am PST
Whistler Blackcomb:
- December 17 – Roundhouse Lodge*, Whistler Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb from 10:00am-3:00pm PST
- December 18 – Rendezvous Lodge*, Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb from 10:00am-3:00pm PST
Calgary:
- December 9 – Calgary Hit Men* at Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary from 6:15pm-10:00pm MST
- December 10 – Nintendo’s Holiday Mall Tour at Cross Iron Mills from 11:00am-6:00pm MST
- December 11 – Nintendo’s Holiday Mall Tour at Cross Iron Mills from 11:00am-6:00pm MST
Edmonton:
- November 25 – Best Buy Edmonton South, 9931 19th Avenue NW, Edmonton from 3:00pm-5:30pm MST
- November 25 – Future Shop South Edmonton Common, 1320 99th Street NW, Edmonton from 11:00am-1:30pm MST
- November 26 – Edmonton Oil Kings* at Rexall Place, Edmonton from 6:15pm-10:00pm MST
- November 27 – West Edmonton Mall from 11:30am-4:00pm MST
Toronto:
- November 20 – Toronto Santa Claus Parade from 10:00am-12:00pm EST (pre-parade appearance)
- November 27 – Future Shop, Trinity Common, 149-70 Great Lakes Drive, Brampton from 11:00am-1:30pm EST
- November 27 – Best Buy Downsview, 695 Wilson Avenue, North York from 3:00pm-5:30pm EST
- December 10 – Nintendo’s Holiday Mall Tour at Square One Shopping Centre from 11:00am-5:00pm EST
Montreal:
- November 18 – Best Buy Marche Central, 8871 De L’Acadie Boulevard, Montreal from 11:00am-1:30pm EST
- November 18 – Future Shop Montreal-Centreville, St. Catherine Street, Montreal from 3:00pm-5:30pm EST
- November 19 – La Récréathèque*, Laval from 11:00am-6:00pm EST
- November 20 – La Récréathèque*, Laval from 11:00am-6:00pm EST
*These events may charge a fee for entry
The Sims Social: Play or Pass?
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation NOVEMBER 11, 2011
—opinion piece—
the opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of GamerFitNation
Game: The Sims Social Platform: Facebook Time Played: 15.5hrs Verdict: see below
This one’s for the ladies.
I was twenty one years old when my then boyfriend decided to relent to my known love of “computer games”. With a trip to the big box electronic store. I am sure the conversation, and quest for a gift, went a little something like it might have for any young man at the time.
- Clerk: Is there something I can help you with sir?
- Boy: Uhhhh yah, I’m looking to buy a game for my girlfriend.
- Clerk: Oh? Alright, what does she like to play?
- Boy: Computer games.
- Clerk: Any idea of what she is currently playing?
- Boy: No
- Clerk: Well then, try this *passes copy of The Sims* It’s very popular with the ladies.
- Boy: Done.
What a sweet gesture, a ‘girl game’. Now don’t get me wrong, I played The Sims, I played the heck out of The Sims and, for a short time, so did he. I LOVE The Sims but this opened up a continued ‘default gift’ as each new expansion and upgrade pack became available. By about the end of The Sims 2 I had quickly moved on from the franchise and appreciatively discouraged the continued gifting of expansion packs and related materials and not because it wasn’t still great. I just needed a break.
For other ‘ladies’ this trend continued and The Sims turned into a HUGE franchise across multiple platforms, countless expansion packs and stuff packs, and has not only gone mobile but can now be found on the facebook platform. Is it bad that The Sims has been dubbed a girl game? No. There are a lot of aspects of the game that appeal to females on a very instinctual level, which I am sure is part of the reason it has remained so popular. The facebook version, The Sims Social, is a stripped down version of The Sims; one that will steal your time, annoy your friends, and not do justice to ‘The Real McCoy’.
So ladies why do we love The Sims?
I’d like to argue that women are naturally wired to get great joy from ‘nesting’, which is something that The Simsgames not only encourage but require. Creating your home, decorating, acquiring and moving furnishing to create a living space, are all comfort tasks for many women.
Relationships are just another aspect of real life situations that women take care of, analyze, and focus on. It is then only fitting that in this simulation title we can monitor our relationships with our neighbors, friends, and romances, and we also are rewarded for developing the most fulfilling relationships.
More of an independent gal? Get a job! The Sims allows you a number of career choices to build upon, just as in life, and you have the opportunity to work your way to the top.
So if we love simulating all of the aspects of our real lives why do we want to create it in-game? Well, for the same reasons we play any game; to follow a story to its conclusion, to execute moves bases on hypothesis and analyze the outcomes, or to escape with friends into a world of make believe (even if it is one that we created). And because it’s fun! But there’s where The Sims Social falls short.
In The Sims Social you begin with a small house that is furnished with the very basics needed to get you going. You have been given some simoleons, some energy points, social points, and one neighbor. Your quests require you to begin by gaining possessions and experience which is not completely unlike the full version of the game. Building in The Sims Social, however, is a very basic version compared to that of the more fleshed out interface in the full game. Cut and paste your rooms together and be dang sure you have some neighbors to help you with the labor. In fact just be sure you have as many neighbors as you can to start with anyway because it won’t take long before any and every possible interaction requires help from a friend.
“But Sharon’” you might be thinking “it’s The Sims SOCAIL, it’s supposed to encourage interaction with your friends!” and you’d be right. This game is meant to be played with friends but not in the way you might hope. Playing with friends in The Sims Social is painfully similar to playing with friends in other facebook platforms games. If you’ve played Farmville, CivWorld, City of Wonder, or any other social platform game then you are familiar with the formula. A formula I supose I was hoping The Sims Social wouldn’t be married to. The formula includes a limited amount of ‘game play’ that you can achieve before you must spam your feed, message your friends, request items or gifts, or recruit more players in order to gain a tiny bit more game play. Then of course the game will reset your allowances over a time period to keep you coming back day after day so that you may progress just a teensy bit more with each visit.
The social aspect of SimsSocial, aside from the spam and requests I talked about earlier, was explained in August EA Press release which stated:
“The Sims Social also features an innovative “replay” option, allowing players to actually see what their friends have done to them and their houses while they were away. They might see that a friend dropped in and cooked a meal or fixed their guitar. Or they may find out that a rival has visited and pulled a prank and left a spider behind the toilet or put a fish in their bed.”
This is a really neat feature especially when a friend is online at the same time as you. You cannot interact directly, but it at least feigns a sense of multiplayer.
Yes this fb/playfish formula has been applied to The Sims Social with great success. You can level up your career, your home, your relationships, and your quests all with the help of your friends. This is a formula used across most facebook games because it works. And that is all well and good but here is what I would like to suggest:
If you catch yourself (or a loved one) pouring in hour after hour into The Sims Social over facebook: Stop! Go buyThe Sims 3. Your sim experience will be much more rewarding, much more in depth, and customizable. It is worth every penny!
If you’ve got some time to kill while sitting in your cubicle at 4:45 waiting for the day to end, sure, hop into The Sims Social for a small whiff of what The Sims is really about.
Atlus brings us a Game of Thrones RPG in early 2012
I know many of you have been enjoying hit TV series Game of Thrones on HBO lately. Don’t try to deny it, I’ve seen your twitter feed, facebook feed, and G+ feed. This adaptation of the medieval fantasy novel series has been a huge success gaining more and more followers all the time. Today some great news came from Atlus (celebrated makers of Demon Souls, Shin Megami Tensei, and Persona), about a new Game of Thrones Action RPG . And you won’t have to wait long to play it! Check out all the delicious verbatim details below!
—Atlus Press Release—
NOVEMBER 9, 2011 – ATLUS (Index Digital Media, Inc), in collaboration with HBO and Cyanide Studios, today unveiled North American publishing plans for “Game of Thrones™,” an action RPG based on the internationally bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire series of books by George R. R. Martin and critically acclaimed HBO television series, Game of Thrones. Launching worldwide in early 2012, the game will be available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC. With an original story written under the supervision of Martin, “Game of Thrones” promises to deliver the ultimate interactive role-playing experience for fans. The game is filled with familiar locations straight from the pages of the beloved fantasy saga along with the likeness of some actors portrayed in the series.
With over 15 million books sold worldwide and a hit television adaptation that was the winner of two primetime Emmy® awards, the A Song of Ice and Fire series is one of the most popular fantasy franchises of all time. Now, with the announcement of an epic new “Game of Thrones” video game, fans will have a chance to not simply read or watch the series, but to take an active role in the new riveting drama as it unfolds.
In this 30-plus hour action RPG, players will enter the gritty and medieval fantasy world of Westeros. As one of two original characters with disparate motivations, both former soldiers of Robert’s Rebellion, players will forge alliances and wage battles as they play a pivotal role in the ongoing war for power of the Seven Kingdoms. Their journey will span numerous quests, during which they will interact with many characters and make key decisions that impact the realm.
Standing before the majesty and bitter isolation of the Wall or walking through the streets and alleys of King’s Landing, players will not simply pass by locations and characters integral to the series; they will explore and interact with them, meeting and learning about the people and history that defines them and their importance. Key decisions and major events will have meaningful impact on Westeros, allowing the player to witness how the game world evolves over time based on their actions or inactions. Moreover, “Game of Thrones” introduces an innovative “active slowdown tactical combat engine” in which combat mirrors the series’ thoughtful approach to war and politics: fighting slows but never stops entirely, forcing the player to make quick, pressured choices before their enemy strikes again.
“The Game of Thrones television series and the A Song of Ice and Fire book series it is based on represent some of the most captivating, original medieval fantasy and drama ever created,” commented Shinichi Suzuki, President and CEO of Index Digital Media, Inc.
“Its amalgam of bitterly antagonistic rival houses, deeply nuanced characters, intricate political machinations, and breathtaking fantasy-all set within a richly storied world-offers unparalleled realism and raw emotion. We are honored to work with HBO, Cyanide Studios, and the great George R. R. Martin in bringing an exciting action RPG set in this beloved fantasy universe to fans and gamers in early 2012.”
“This is a wonderful way for fans to engage with the brand in an exciting and interactive way,” stated James Costos, VP of HBO Global Licensing. “ATLUS and Cyanide are leaders in developing world class games with broad accessibility so the partnership was an ideal fit for us.”
“Game of Thrones” is currently scheduled to release in early 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. For more information, visithttp://gameofthrones-thegame.com. Expect frequent news updates, content additions, and more between now and the game’s release!
Hands On: LBP for the PSVITA
Originally Posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
Looking for a little special something to give your sweetheart for Christmas? Thinking that he or she might really enjoy the comforts of the new Sony portable gaming device, the PS VITA, for the holidays? Well you’re right but stop it! We all know that the Playstation Vita won’t be around in North America in time for that! In fact the Vita won’t even make an appearance in time for Valentine’s Day. The new system will hit store shelves on February 22nd 2012. But let me tell you a little secret… it will be worth the wait.
Recently I had the chance to attempt some puzzle solving action in Little Big Planet for the PSVITA and get to know the VITA a little bit better in the process. In development from Double Eleven and Tarsier Studios, Little Big Planet for the VITA is an entirely new LBP experience. Our lovable Sackboy will continue to take us through the familiar puzzle platform we’ve grown to love with LBP but he also shows us some new experiences that fully utilize the VITA’s unique functionality.
As you familiarize yourself with the puzzle solving levels you will notice right away the need to become proficient with the VITA’s multi-touch display. Using a swipe of the finger (much like your iphone) you can propel Sackboy through a number of barriers. You will also find yourself utilizing the six axis sensors, the reverse touch screen, and the dual analogue sticks.
While all of these features are absolutely awesome they are sometimes challenging to use concurrently. During a portion of level gameplay there was a point at which I was required to use the analogue sticks along with the front and rear touch display. While it was possible I did find myself fumbling to readjust my grasp of the controls quickly. I have rather small hands and my thoughts went out to the all the big handed guys and gals out there who may not have the patience to constantly re-position the hands during gameplay.
Of course, as with all LBP titles, user created content will still be a large component of LBP for the VITA. Level creation will include all of the tools you enjoyed in LBP2 and you will be able to share them online with friends. While your levels can be shared online your costumes and stickers will be transferable to the PlayStation3. The VITA’s Wi-Fi and 3G options will make sharing with friends a real cinch.
Little Big Planet for the VITA will also include a slew of mini games proving that not all LBP is created platform. I had an especially fun time pwning GamerFitNation’s @nicfurlong at a nice game of air hockey (level of pwning is debatable). This is exactly the type of interaction that those long car rides with the kids could use. From the two player on screen to pass ‘ n play options to co-op play for up to four players, to the thriving LBP community, there is no arguing how social this game on this device can be.
My initial reaction to Little Big Planet on the PS VITA was similar to that of a child who’s first encounter with sugar was to consume a handful of pixie sticks. The amazement, the anticipation, the excited jitters, and also the crash. With a substantial wait for more LBP and the VITA, Little Big Planet 2 may have to make a return appearance on my PS3 (you know, to appease that monkey on my back, so to speak). And if you can wait that long then not only will you be a stronger person that I, but you may want to know a little more about the PS VITA in general. With a hefty price tag this is no small investment. But think of it more of a portable console than a handheld.
You can read our E3 PSVITA TECH SPEC coverage here or visit the official website for more information.
You can expect to see games like this on the VITA:
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss
- Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
- Wipeout 2048
- Sound Shapes
- Gravity Rush
- ModNation Racers
- Rayman Origins
- Dynasty Warriors Next
- Resistance: Burning Skies
- Virtua Tennis 4
- Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
- And more!
Check out the trailer and let us know if you’ll be picking up the VITA.
Let’s Discuss: Video Games aid in The Demise of Guys?
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
Recently I came across a lecture by Psychologist Philip Zimbardo that had been posted to ted.com. In his discussion titled “The Demise of Guys”, Mr. Zimbardo shares some statistics (lower graduation rates, higher rates of unemployment) and suggests a few reasons — and challenges the TED community to think about solutions.
Mr. Zimbardo talks about drop out rates, educational statistics, and social awkwardness among college aged males.
“[guys] don’t know the language of face contact, the non verbal and verbal set of rules that enable you to comfortably talk to somebody else and listen to somebody else.” he says.
What does he blame this ‘demise’ on?
“excessive internet use in general, excessive video games, and new access to pornography.”
“Boys’ brains are being digitally rewired.” he says.
Have a listen for yourself:
http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf
Among his suggested reasons he calls upon video games as a contributing factor, even referring to the work of Jane McGonigal , for isolation and social ineptness.
I had the opportunity to hear Jane McGonigal speak this past March. While her views can be interpreted as overly optimistic she formidably challenges the stereotypes surrounding the usefulness and value in ‘games’.
Have a listen to her discussion “Gaming can make a Better World”:
http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf
“Gamers are virtuosos at weaving a tight social fabric. There is a lot of interesting research that shows that we like people better after we play a game with them. Even if they have beaten us badly. ” says Ms. McGonigal
“Playing a game together builds bonds and trust and cooperation. And we actually build stronger social relationships as a result.” -Jane McGonigal
So let’s discuss. We have two opposing ideas here. Are video games a contributing factor to the demise of guys or are they helping us build a better world? Is the stereotype of the socially awkward gamer still valid and if so is that awkwardness causing us to flunk out of school and life in general?
I may not be the best person to weigh in here for two reasons, firstly I am not a ‘guy’ in fact I’m a girl and secondly I was always academic despite my interests in technology, computers, and video games so I do not fit into his declining demographic. However, as someone who shares social interactions with the very guys Mr. Zimbardo talks about, I may be inclined to disagree with him.
What do you think?
P.S. I don’t know about you but I always hold my controller at arm’s length. :p
Tell me your thoughts in response to these two lectures. Share your personal experiences and ideas. I want to hear from you!
Pink is Powerful! Just ask Kirby
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
—Nintendo Press Release—
New Platforming Adventure Includes Powerful Super Abilities and Multiplayer Action
Nintendo’s iconic Kirby character is known as one of the most talented heroes in the world of video games. In his latest console adventure, the mighty pink protagonist is unleashing some impressive new moves and abilities. Launching yesterday exclusively for the Wii system, the Kirby’s Return to Dream Land game lets players guide Kirby through a captivating series of side-scrolling worlds, as he inhales enemies to copy their abilities and battles through colourful environments in search of hidden items. What’s more, the game introduces new Super Abilities that allow Kirby to obliterate enemies and obstacles like never before, as well as multiplayer options that let up to three additional friends jump in at any time and enjoy the platforming action together.
With a delightful storyline designed to please new and longtime fans of the Kirby franchise, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land finds the heroic pink puff striving to help recover pieces of a spaceship that has crash-landed on Kirby’s home planet of Popstar. When Kirby encounters foes, he can inhale them to absorb their abilities – wielding a lasso or swinging a sword, for example. Inhaling special enemies can also grant Kirby Super Abilities that let him wipe out vast landscapes or an entire screen’s worth of enemies in one stroke, while a Super Inhale move allows him to spit out enemies or objects as giant projectiles. As many as three additional players can join in the fun, playing as differently colored Kirbys or as other favorite characters from the series: Meta Knight, King Dedede or Waddle Dee. (Additional controllers are required for multiplayer game play and are sold separately.)
“Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is a must-play for new and experienced fans, and it’s only available on the Wii console,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “As friends and family gather together this holiday season, they’ll have a blast discovering Kirby’s new Super Abilities and teaming up to defeat enemies.”
Kirby and the other playable characters in Kirby’s Return to Dream Land have their own unique abilities that can be combined in fun ways. Players can coordinate their actions into powerful team attacks, or they can make Kirby inhale and spit out other characters to knock down foes in battle. Players hold the Wii Remote™ controller sideways to control Kirby as he floats, swims, climbs and slides through a wide range of in-game environments – from lush forests to sandy beaches.
Kids are being encouraged to take inspiration from Kirby and come up with their own dream Super Ability they would use to help others. By visiting http://kirby.nintendo.com/returntodreamland/superabilities, they can download a special Kirby coloring sheet for illustrating and describing their Super Ability and send it to Nintendo. Some of these dream Super Abilities will be posted in a virtual gallery on the website. A companion site hosted by Scholastic at http://scholastic.com/stacks also invites fans to take a Kirby quiz to determine which Super Ability is best suited to their personality. These activities are part of a larger initiative to provide the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Starlight Fun Center™ mobile entertainment units for hospitals across the United States.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is offered at a suggested retail price of $49.99 in Canada. The Wii system is available separately in two different console bundles, each offered at a suggested retail price of $149.99 in Canada.
Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.
For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii.
Do you love Kirby? Are you planning to head back to Dreamland? Tell us what you think.
Is your Family Ready for Disney Universe?
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
—-Disney Press Release—
Disney Interactive Studios’ Disney Universe is now available for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. In Disney Universe, players can experience non-stop action in the first video game that brings together characters and worlds inspired by both animated and live-action films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures.
Disney Universe offers a four-person multiplayer action experience, with frenzied gameplay that appeals to players of all ages. The game features 45 classic and contemporary iconic character costumes inspired by well-known and legendary properties, such as the Disney•Pixar hits WALL•E and Monsters, Inc., Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Academy Award® winning classics, The Lion King and Aladdin.
“The dynamic multiplayer gameplay experience that takes place in Disney Universe is designed to engage every type of gamer, from the enthusiast to the casual,” said Javier Ferreira, Senior Vice President of Publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Disney fans in particular will love the various film and character elements we’ve incorporated into the game, which take place alongside fast-paced adventure and quirky humor. Disney Universeis truly a title that everyone will enjoy.”
Longtime Disney enthusiasts will be delighted by some of the most iconic character costumes in Disney Universe, including ones inspired by Sam Flynn, Quorra and Clu (TRON), Baloo (The Jungle Book), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Sulley (Monsters, Inc.), Nemo (Finding Nemo) and everyone’s favorite fairy, Tinker Bell (Peter Pan). Dozens of other character costumes are also featured in the game, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald.
Players will be able to journey to the enchanted city of Agrabah, sail the high seas in Jack Sparrow’s beloved Pirate ship, or witness the majesty of Pride Rock as they suit-up to battle some of the most fearsome villains in the Disney catalog, all while using special power-ups that change and expand in influence as the game continues on.
Disney Universe is now available at all major retail outlets. Several select retailers are offering purchase incentive programs that will provide consumers with additional exclusive characters, such as Cinderella and Peter Pan, to download into their game. The game will also be expanding post-launch with new downloadable content, including worlds, costumes, and more available for download, giving Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system owners an ever-evolving gameplay experience. Available in November, the first downloadable content will be the “Disney Villains Costume Pack” with five new character costumes based on Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmations), Hades (Hercules), Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), The Evil Queen (Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs) and Ursula (The Little Mermaid). Individual costumes will be available for download for 99 cents on PlayStation®Network or for 80 Microsoft Points on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, and the complete package will be available for $2.99 on PlayStation Network or for 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE.
Editor’s Note: During a recent Playstation event GamerFitNation contributing writer, @NicFurlong, and myself had the opportunity to demo this game. Disney universe is full of characters your kids will love and promotes team building that the whole family can get into. This would be a great addition to any family library.
Be sure to check out the official trailer:
Do you love Disney?Are you planning to add Disney Universe to your collection? Do you already have Disney games in your collection? Tell us what you think.
More on RockSmith: GFN talks with Ubisoft
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
Recently we lost our very own @nicfurlong to the thrills of stardom with Rocksmith by Ubisoft.
Before Nic began his hands on experience with the game, and during his demo time, we had the chance to talk to Nick from UbiSoft about the title and some of the hard work that went into the game. After 4 years of development you can bet he was thrilled to be showing it off on the floor.
Nic of GamerFitNation and Nick of Ubisoft going over the Rocksmith UI
You can bet with two DJ’s and an open bar that this event was loud! It may be a little hard to hear but be sure to check out our brief recording of our talks with UbiSoft about Rocksmith
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN —>rocksmith
While we may have only recorded a small bit of our conversation Nick talked to us more about the game and how great it will be for learners.
Let me tell you a little about the specifics (source):
Can I use any guitar with Rocksmith?
Most likely, the answer is yes. If your guitar has a standard ¼ inch jack for you to plug in a cable, then yes, your guitar will work. If your guitar does not have a jack (for example, many acoustic guitars), you can go down to your local music store and buy a pickup, and your guitar will be ready to plug in and play.Will I need an amplifier to play the game?
Nope. All you need is a TV, a guitar, and our game. With Rocksmith, your TV or home theatre system becomes your amplifier. You plug your guitar directly into the console, and play. It’s that easy.I’ve never played guitar, and it seems difficult and intimidating. How do you expect me to play this game with no prior guitar knowledge?
Unlike other music games with only 4 difficulty modes, our game adapts to your personal skill level in real time, making it possible for you to play and have fun. If you’re a beginning guitar player, the game will treat you as such, and constantly challenge you to improve without overwhelming you.
I’m an experienced guitar player, and am not interested in a game for beginners. Why should I own this game?
If you’re an experienced guitar player, it will recognize this, and feed you the amount of notes that you’re able to play. If that’s 100% of what the actual guitar is playing in the recorded song, then good for you. You’ve just learned a new song while playing a video game. Plus, what other video game out there allows you to plug in your own guitar? None! This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you are guaranteed to enjoy.
Will Rocksmith have rhythm or lead guitar in the gameplay?
Both. You will be able to choose rhythm or lead before you begin playing a song. Basically, whatever guitar parts are featured in the actual recorded song, we will have available for you to play.Are there effects pedals in the game?
There are loads of effects pedals built into the game, and they are all the real deal. You’ll get to tweak your sounds, and string them together with nearly infinite combinations until you’re satisfied. Whether it’s a crunchy distortion, a vintage tremolo, or a psychedelic reverb, we have the gamut covered to make sure you can achieve the sound you’re looking for.Will there be multiplayer?
Absolutely. We will have split screen multiplayer where you and a friend will be able to rock side by side.Will there be chord charts?
Yes! And they are interactive. Rocksmith includes over 1,000 chords in the game.What is this I’m hearing about mini-games?
There will be a wide variety of mini-games that will challenge you to hone in on specific skills. Whether its scales, or finger dexterity you want to improve on, our mini-games will have you covered, and addicted.What is the price of the game?
Rocksmith is $79.99, and includes the game, along with a 1/4 inch to USB cable that plugs any guitar into your Xbox 360, PS3, or PC.What is the price of the bundle?
The Rocksmith bundle is $199.99, and includes the game, the 1/4 inch to USB cable, and an Epiphone Les Paul Junior guitar.What’s the Rocksmith guitar cable?
Rocksmith will include a unique quarter-inch to USB cable that is the first of its kind, and will allow users to plug any real guitar with a quarter-inch jack directly into their Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PC. Developed exclusively for Rocksmith, this revolutionary 11.25′ cable turns the guitar’s signal from analog to digital, allowing it to be recognized and played through video game consoles or PC for the first time.Will there be bass in the game?
Bass will not be included on the disk since our primary focus is on guitar. However, we realize that there is a high demand for bass guitar, and we are working to release this as downloadable content soon after launch.Can I put my own music into the game?
Currently, no. The intended goal of Rocksmith is not to be recording software. We want people to focus on playing the guitar and having fun.Will there be latency issues with Rocksmith?
If you experience any noticeable latency with Rocksmith, then it’s more than likely due to the specific setup you’re using. Since everyone has a unique arrangement with their home entertainment systems, we’ve outlined steps you can take to avoid this issue (you can troubleshoot through the steps by visiting the Official Site of Rocksmith).
Right now the track list for Rocksmith is impressive as it is and I can’t wait to see what will be added with the DLC.
Tracks include:
| “House of the Rising Sun” | The Animals |
| “When I’m With You” | Best Coast |
| “I Got Mine” | The Black Keys |
| “Next Girl” | The Black Keys |
| “Song 2″ | Blur |
| “Step Out of the Car” | The Boxer Rebellion |
| “Sunshine of Your Love” | Cream |
| “We Share the Same Skies” | The Cribs |
| “Boys Don’t Cry” | The Cure |
| “Rebel Rebel” | David Bowie |
| “Slow Hands” | Interpol |
| “Well OK Honey” | Jenny O |
| “Sweet Home Alabama” | Lynyrd Skynyrd |
| “In Bloom” | Nirvana |
| “Breed” | Nirvana |
| “Where is My Mind?” | Pixies |
| “High and Dry” | Radiohead |
| “California Brain” | RapScallions |
| “Number Thirteen” | Red Fang |
| “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” | The Rolling Stones |
| “The Spider and the Fly” | The Rolling Stones |
| “Panic Switch” | Silversun Pickups |
| “Outshined” | Soundgarden |
| “Me and the Bean” | Spoon |
| “Vasoline” | Stone Temple Pilots |
| “Mean Bitch” | Taddy Porter |
| “A More Perfect Union” | Titus Andronicus |
| “Burnished” | White Denim |
| “Icky Thump” | The White Stripes |
| “Chimney” | The Yellow Moon Band |
Because the game adapts to your specific skill level this is a great way to learn and rock at your own pace. I’m told that the hope is that this game will help push learner over “the hurdle” that is so easy to get caught in. And Nick’s right! i too am a victim of guitar learning discouragement. And while my learning has been basically on the acoustic, learning to Rocksmith is about to increase my cool quotient. But don’t get me wrong this game isn’t just for beginners.
Have a look at this video about Rocksmith’s Dynamic Difficulty.
During the game I also noticed an enthusiastic in game crowd of people cheering on fellow GFN contributor Nic, so I asked Nick (of Ubisoft) about them. It turns out that the crowd cheering you on is in response to your skill level. The better you get, the larger the venue and therefore a larger crowd! Cool huh?!
Rocksmith released earlier this week (and is available for PS3, 360, and PC) and we couldn’t be more excited for the development team at UbiSoft. We want to say a HUGE GamerFitNation Thank You to Nick for taking the time to talk with us at this recent event.
A Mysterious Return for Professor Layton
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
A recent press release from Nintendo has me dusting off my monocle, my thinking cap, and my DS for Professor Layton’s newest adventure, The Last Specter.
—press release—
New and experienced fans of the Professor Layton video game series don’t have to wait for Halloween to discover a wealth of eerie tricks and brain-teasing treats this season. Launching on October 17th for the Nintendo DS family of hand-held systems, the Professor Layton and the Last Specter™ game marks an extraordinary new chapter in the fan-favourite puzzle adventure franchise, featuring a prequel storyline that invites players to help the top-hatted professor solve his very first case. Professor Layton and the Last Specter features more puzzles than any previous series installment and a bonus role-playing game called Professor Layton’s London Life that lets fans immerse themselves in the Professor Layton universe like never before. This new game delivers hours upon hours of unique portable entertainment.
In Professor Layton and the Last Specter, distinguished scholar Hershel Layton has yet to become a world-famous master sleuth. Upon receiving a mysterious letter from an old friend, he travels to a rural town called Misthallery that’s said to be haunted by a nocturnal phantom. As players progress through the story by solving a wide variety of logic, slide, picture, number and language puzzles, they’ll also encounter Layton’s brainy assistant, Emmy Altava, and witness his first meeting with would-be apprentice Luke Triton. The game’s numerous puzzles intertwine with the storyline in clever ways and are suitable for all skill levels. Starting Oct. 23, players can also download additional puzzles by connecting their Nintendo DS system to the Internet via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
“The huge variety of puzzles in Professor Layton and the Last Specter make it not only entertaining but also a terrific value,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “With a bonus role-playing game that takes the experience even deeper, players can get to know Professor Layton and his universe in a fun, interactive way.”
In the Professor Layton’s London Life role-playing game – which comes included on each Professor Layton and the Last Specter Game Card – players can experience life in Little London and mingle with quirky characters from throughout the Professor Layton game series. With more than 100 hours of game play and an additional storyline to complete, players can customize their appearance and surroundings, work odd jobs or collect clues to help uncover the origins of a mysterious fairy. Professor Layton’s London Life can be played anytime; it does not require players to complete the main game first.
Check out the official trailer:
I love a good puzzle game on the DS and am looking forward to trying out this new Professor Layton title. How about you?
Special Edition Battlefield 3 Themed Consoles.
While I don’t have too much information for you just yet, Battlefield3 Blog is claiming that
“The console stands are made in plastic and fitted with lots of cool features, such as a Claymore mine and LED lights. The “Vault Cases”, as they’re officially called, are available for the Xbox 360 for $90 and for the PlayStation 3 for $100. Both are now available at your local GameStop store.”
Edited Update: Joystick has posted the official press release HERE .
The press release states
The Battlefield 3 Vault for the Xbox 360 Slim and PlayStation 3 Slim will be available at http://www.calibur11.com, as well as all major online retail outlets this fall with a MSRP of $89.99. GameStop will also offer a bundle that includes a copy of the Battlefield 3 for the PlayStation 3 console, a code to download the Battlefield 3 Physical Warfare Pack on the PlayStation 3 and the Battlefield 3 Vault for the PlayStation 3 Slim for an MSRP of $99.99. Battlefield 3 Vault customizable nameplates are also available for an MSRP of $17.99.
So what about you? Are you looking to trick out your console by way of Battlefield 3 themed “vaults” or is your love strong enough that you don’t feel the need to dress it up? Has following your favorite franchise become a collector’s hobby?
MyaSharona.com 