Revolution no longer, now it's Wii

That's the official name announced by Nintendo for its next home console, formerly called Revolution. It's going to get a bit of getting used to, but looking at the logo I can learn to live with it.

From Nintendo european site
(short brand intro video available on site)

While the code-name "Revolution" expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.
Wii will put people more in touch with their games ... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes this console is for everyone.

Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii. Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.

elderly tags wii nintendo revolution brand name change new

Guitar Hero II The Interview

Having announced that GH2 will be hitting western shelves this autumn (November on the Redzone site) Game Informer Online and IGN have posted interviews with producer John Tam.

Guitar Hero II will feature new characters, new game modes, new venues and the ability to use the original guitar as a rhythm, bass or lead. Featuring 55 songs the tracks are said to be firmly in the "rock" category.

Game Informer Online interview

IGN Interview

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2006 FIFA World Cup The Review, The Website

Given their picture distribution policy, I might be forgiven for hoping the game falls flat on it's face, you'll be glad to hear the opposite is the case. Scoring a massive 83% from 6 reviews on Metacritic the following is a summary of the reviewer's comments.

Reviews Summary xbox360
Control feels natural and responsive, typical lavish gloss and high presentation
Graphics on the 360 are not as big an upgrade as they could be, complete lack of innovation.
What I consider to be a "next generation" game.
Fails to captivate your interest beyond a handful of games.
Good gameplay, palpable pageantry, above average graphics
Lack of online tournaments is biggest detriment.
Most solid soccer gameplay experience yet

Reviews Summary xbox, ps2
No need for official licencing and new global mode? then no big reason to upgrade
Deepest World cup Title of all time, star players and a nifty new shooting mechanism
Some framerate choppiness, for most part gameplay is same as last few games.

Official Website (wallpaper available provided you agree to a legal contract)

Silly policy EA, change it!

elderly tags ps2 xbox xbo360 2006 FIFA World Cup review website wallpaper

Guitar Hero walkthrough (ps2)

Published by RedOctane, Guitar Hero from the makers of Karaoke Revolution uses a plastic guitar peripheral so that gamers can show their skills at crunching power chords and nailing a tough solo. The game features multiple skill levels and about 30 songs.

Walkthrough from Gamefaq

IGN Cheats

Official Website

Review from Eurogamer (9/10)

Buyers reviews (some bordering on hysteria) from IGN

Screenshots from gamespot

Guitar Hero forum

Even wikipedia are in on the buzz

elderly tags ps2 guitar hero walkthrough cheats hints tips website screenshots forum review score wikipedia

Fees for Final Fantasy XI (xbox360)

Be prepared to pay $50-$60 for the game, a lengthy (1-3 hrs installation), monthly fees of $12.95 plus $1 dollar for every character you setup online. And in case $12.95 looks tiny, that's $155.40 a year excluding your fees for xboxlive.

Thomas Hawks outlines his experience with the purchase, installation and the financial outlay required to get up and running with Final FantasyXI. Joystiq expand on the issue and suggest a more "upfront" policy be adopted by American retailers. Meanwhile Canadian and European consumers should have things a lot easier as consumer legislation dictates a much leveller playing field when it comes to disclosure prior to purchase.

So check out before you buy, be aware of the costs, read the reviews (this one on eurogamer is the best I've found, where they rate the game 7/10) and then if you do end up throwing the thing into the pre-owned games basket after two months you won't feel as duped.

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Oblivion downloads on xbox marketplace

Update! 23rd May 2006. Bethesda have resolved the localisation issue affecting some European countries from dowloading some of the plugins. So the next paragraph (in italics) is now redundant. Horrayy!

Ok I can take it on the chin that as Europeans we must wait for horse armour and the Orrery quest while Bethesda overcome their "localization" issues. However as my level increases and the opponents brandish meaner weapons and the lions/wolfs/bears slice through my chainmail like a butter knife through tissue, there is an increasing likelihood I'll lose a horse or two before the armour arrives. Grrrrrrrr!

Thankfully to salve our wounds somewhat Bethesda have just uploaded 7.5mb of enjoyment in the form of the Wizards Tower, for download on xbox marketplace

Available for purchase for 150 points (at a current exchange rate of 80 points for $1) that would set us back $1.87 or €1.50.

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April's xbox360 dashboard backgrounds

A rave from the grave with these two characters from Kingdom under Fire.
Click pics for wall sized image

themes where are they?

Any wallpaper set as an xbox360 background

elderly tags xbox360 xbox 360 dashboard backgrounds wallpaper kingdom under fire

Too Human Hands on (xbox360)

1up have been lucky enough to get some playtime with a running demo of the game. Next gen third-person epic action-game from Silicon Knights, Too Human sets you as the Cybernetic God Baldur who is charged with defending mankind from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on eradication of human life. The first of a three part trilogy.

1up preview

1up screenshots (81)

Silicon Knights website with game info


elderly tags xbox360 too human hands on preview screenshots

Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny website

The prequel charmed gamers with it's special blend of alchemical role playing, now a year later Altier 2 plans to continue the success. Atlelier 2 takes place in a brand new World callen Eden, where two orphans attempt to save their World after a series of earthquakes rock the realm. While one orphan sets out on a perilous journey the other remains at home creating magical concoctions to assist their partner. Due for release in US on April 25th and Europe May26th

Preview from gamezone

Official Website wallpaper, screenshots, game system, character profiles

Screenshots from gamezone

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