New Rumor: Music Studio Coming to Rock Band 2???
Here is some hot off the press news that I know you all hope will come true. Dan Teasdale, the lead designer of Rock Band 2, and his buddies at Harmonix are exploring the possibilities of creating an in-game music studio that features an “authentic experience.” Dan believes that they have to go “all-in” if they are going to include a music studio in a future release and points to the limitations of Guitar Hero World Tour’s studio makes it a “half-arsed” effort.
What limitations? Well, Dan would do it this way:
“We actually want to find a way to for people to create music and express themselves, but when we do we want to make sure that people can sing, or the songs can be longer than three minutes, or that you can have more than 1200 notes, or that you’re not tied to some dodgy sample somewhere. We want to make sure it’s an authentic experience and it fits on the platform.”
Here’s to hoping that you find this informative.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Gears of War 2 Acheivements Revealed
Hello everybody. I’d like to apologize on behalf of the staff at mghonline for the lack of posts recently. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve had my hands full with working two jobs and taking classes over thesummer. Well anyway lets get to the post at hand. Here they are folks, the list of achievements to one of this year’s highly anticipated titles, Gears of War 2. I’ve listed a few of them below, READER BEWARE!!! The Achievement names do give some sort of spoiler to the game and we all know how we hate when the games are spoiled. Here they are enjoy:
Rock Band 2 Official Tracklist Revealed
I’M B-A-C-K!!! Sorry that I haven’t been writing in a while. Andrew and I have been taking a physics crash course and I am also working two jobs so there hasn’t been much time to breath let alone write on the blog. Fortunately for you I will be posting regularly again.
The full track list for Rock Band 2 was released yesterday at E3. It is beyond awesome. Over 85 songs, all master tracks. Here is the full list. Enjoy!
The End of PC Piracy?
Apparently so according to this gentleman. Nolan Bushnell is sure of a new chip that will absolutely stop piracy of PC gameplay. It’s going into a lot computers right this very second and works as a stealth encryptor with an absolutely verifiable private key, which is uncrackable. I’m not to sure about this though because it sounds just like all that stuff they do now that was put in place to stop pirates. Nolan Bushnell also founded Atari and later Chuck E. Cheese, making him a hero in my eyes.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Education and Video Games
Today I bring you something that combines two of my favorite hobbies. I am a Junior in college who is a biology major and who also LOVES playing video games. 
Last July, Kaplan was contacted by Aspyr Media, the Texas-based developer that specializes in cross-developing PC games to the Mac. The two organizations worked together to come up with a new type of game, one that improves players’ skill at taking that universally dreaded college entrance requirement, the SAT test. This test SUCKS hard core those of you who’ve taken it know what I mean and those of you who haven’t will see soon enough. Excuse me for a minute while I revel in maniacal laughter: Mmmmmmuuuuaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaahhhaaaaahhhaaaahhaaa. Okay, sorry about that I’m okay now, its just that SAT’s make me have flashbacks. Scheduled to be released on the PC, Mac OSX and DS, Kaplan and Aspyr’s SAT game will resemble other edutainment software already available, like Brain Age and Ubisoft’s My Coach series. “We saw a lot of success with games like Brain Age and realized that there is this huge, huge audience and there are voids throughout that audience,” Aspyr VP for Publishing Ted Staloch said. But just because the game is about tests doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. The team at Aspyr says they’re focusing on making the game a piece of entertainment. “The game is going to be an amazingly fun game so the audience can be as big as Brain Age,” Staloch said. “It’s that science or that art of knowing what is the timing and the pace and what is acceptable for us to consider it to be fun or enjoyable or satisfying. We’re really trying to grab that first and bring in the expertise after,” Staloch said. SAT prep is just the tip of the iceberg for Aspyr and Kaplan; both companies are looking to use their new relationship to further develop software for helping people get more fun out of studying for their test-taking.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Ubisoft 2009 Line Up
Today I bring you all Ubisoft’s line up for the next fiscal year. From the looks of it Ubisoft has had a pretty good year, despite a few disappointments. We now know that next year, Ubisoft plans to publish Far Cry 2, Brothers in 
Arms, Splinter Cell, Anno, Prince of Persia, Haze, HAWX, End War, Shaun White, and three unannounced titles. More than a few high profile titles in that group, but the question is will they translate into sales? You decide your guess is as good as ours. Until next time.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Devo Coming To Rock Band
Today I bring you some upcoming DLC for Rock Band. Rock ‘n roll legend and Devo founder Mark Mothersbaugh recently dropped the word that three Devo tracks are coming to Rock Band, including anti-anthem “Through Being Cool!” No word yet on what other Devo tracks are coming or when they will be available, but as soon as I find out, you’ll be the first to know. Enjoy the video below:
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Madden 09′ Vs. Madden 08′
Hey cyber world. Its Jay Torres here bringing you the newest and hottest video game news. Today I am reporting on the comparison of Madden 09′ Vs. Madden 08′. The big deal with Madden’s football simulator every year is how it’s going to differ from previous entries in the series. The below video takes a look at how Madden ‘09 compares with ‘08. Just like every year, ‘09 will be out on every platform you can think of by Christmas.
Hope you enjoy it. Until next time.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Sony’s 2008-2009 Line Up
Hello [again]5 cyber world. Its Jay Torres here bringing you the newest and hottest video game news this side of the Mississippi. Today I stumbled upon Sony’s announcement of this and early next year’s line up. The line up is listed below. *Please note: This is ONLY the list of first party titles.* Metal Gear Solid 4 and Haze are not listed below because Sony isn’t publishing those. Enjoy:
Hot Shots Golf(R): Open Tee 2 — PSP (Available June 3, 2008 / E for “Everyone”)
Hot Shots Golf(R): Open Tee 2 introduces six challenging new courses, along with new characters to customize using hundreds of accessories. Internet play allows players to challenge other Hot Shots across the globe in tournaments of up to 16 players. Players can tee-off locally with up to eight others via Ad Hoc mode, or engage in a number of single-player modes such as Challenge, Training, and Stroke Play.
Secret Agent Clank(TM) — PSP (Available June 17, 2008 / E10+ for “Everyone 10+”)
Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark return to PSP this summer in Secret Agent Clank(TM), an all new adventure where Clank takes the lead as the titular character. Taking cues from spy classics of the past, Secret Agent Clank presents the Ratchet and Clank universe with a spy themed twist, including Clank as the Galaxy’s greatest undercover agent dressed in a tuxedo. Secret Agent Clank brings the humor, quality gameplay and action that fans have come to expect from the franchise back to PSP.
wipEout(R) HD — PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Rated E10+)
One of the most beloved PlayStation franchises of all time returns with wipeout(R) HD for PS3. Available exclusively for download on PlayStation Store, players race at blazing speeds and experience adrenaline-filled, anti-gravity racing action in full-1080p High Definition (HD) running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second. Featuring a selection of the best tracks from previous versions of the wipEout franchise meticulously reworked for PS3, wipEout HD supports up to eight player online multiplayer racing in addition to various other race modes like Tournament, Time Trial and Speed Lap. Featuring a new Pilot Assist option to help players navigate tracks at blazing speeds, wipEout HD also includes a Photo Mode, support for the SIXAXIS wireless controller’s motion sensing controls, and a bumping soundtrack with Dolby 5.1 surround.
Elefunk(TM) — PSN (Available Summer 2008 / E for “Everyone”)
Elefunk(TM) is a PS3 construction puzzle game exclusively for download on PLAYSTATION Network. In Elefunk, players are tasked with building bridges and structures capable of supporting elephants as they stroll across treacherous ravines, rivers, fire pits and swamps. Using various materials with real world physics applied to them such as metal to wood and rope, players must select the proper materials and pieces to build a structure that will hold up the crossing elephants. With single and multi-player gameplay both on and offline, Elefunk delivers simple and fun gameplay for the casual fan, with leaderboards and challenging modes for the more competitive gamer.
PixelJunk(TM) Eden — PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
In this stunning platform game, the player feels like a small insect seeing a garden for the first time. Within this constantly evolving and vibrant 2D plant environment, the player leaps and swings between lush plants, smashing into approaching enemies and navigating around the undergrowth to gather treasures. Through various levels, the player is treated to stylish 1080p graphics, a dynamic soundtrack and addictive gameplay. PixelJunk Eden supports both single and co-op play.
SIREN: Blood Curse — PSN (Available Summer 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
Released in twelve downloadable episodes, SIREN: Blood Curse delivers a haunting and horrifying story exclusively to PS3. Set in the Japanese village of Hanuda, an American TV crew has arrived to research and film an expose on the legend of a “vanished village.” Controlling seven different playable characters, the player must discover the mystery behind the curse that grips the eerie village of Hanuda. The unique “sight jack” system allows the player to see from the point of view of the Shibito, or living dead, to avoid their detection or watch as they close in on the crew. Intense graphics, realistic character animation, and a gritty film-like graphical presentation add to the horror of SIREN: Blood Curse.
SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation — PS3 (Available September 16, 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
With the power of PS3, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation will deliver the most intense and authentic high definition modern combat action. Delivering a global-scale combat experience that has been refined over four generations of the SOCOM franchise, SOCOM Confrontation gives players the opportunity to battle against the best and brightest from the U.S., Europe and Asia. Players will be able to modify their appearance through facial and physical customization and battle across seven North African environments, including a 32-player version of the most popular SOCOM map of all time “Crossroads.” Additional themed packs containing new Special Forces, weapons, maps and features will be made available for download via the PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
LittleBigPlanet(TM) — PS3 (Available October 2008 / Not yet Rated)
LittleBigPlanet(TM) is a new and hugely innovative PS3 title that establishes a new genre called “creative gaming.” LittleBigPlanet allows players to Play, Create and Share inside a glued-together and hand-stitched 3D landscape. Players customize and control their burlap Sackboy (or Sackgirl) character and can PLAY alone or with up to three others, exploring a variety of developer-created levels. Also, using a simple tool system, players can CREATE their own objects and even full levels. Players can then SHARE these creations with their friends or with the world through the online PLAYSTATION Network community.
NBA 09 — PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
NBA 09 builds on the technology and features of NBA 08 with more advanced graphics and gameplay control to deliver an experience catering to hardcore basketball fans and casual gamers alike. For the first time, NBA 09 brings “The Life” mode to PS3, delivering gamers the most detailed and engaging NBA experience both on the court and behind the scenes. Additionally, NBA 09 will feature a full Franchise mode, where gamers can run their own virtual team on every level from determining salaries, to deciding playing time, to making trades. Progression mode, where players are rewarded experience and attributes during gameplay, returns with players now able to track “team progression” for all five characters. Extending playability, NBA 09 will bring back NBA Replay mode, where players will be able to re-enact highlight performances from the real NBA season to gain additional rewards. Other key features include expanded commentary, a variety of mini-games, and full online gameplay action.
NBA 09 — PSP (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
Developed by SCEA San Diego, NBA 09 for PSP brings fast, fluid gameplay and delivers the most engaging portable NBA experience available. Featuring a new Franchise mode, players will be able to draft and construct contracts while engaging in multi-season gameplay. The popular Conquest mode returns in a variety of formats, allowing players to take over the country in gameplay modes such as Dodgeball, Elimination, Fast Break, and Pick-Up games. Carnival mini-games return, including Pinball, Pop-a-Shot, and Skee-Ball, and cross platform compatibility allows players to use mini-game Carnival tickets earned to purchase items in NBA 09 PS3. Additional mini-games round out the experience including, Pick and Roll, Alley-Oop, Box Out, Give and Go, and 21.
NBA 09 — PS2 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
NBA 09 for PS2 returns with the fourth installment of the critically acclaimed “The Life” mode. Within The Life, players will control storylines for three different characters, interacting with them on and off the court. In addition, a full Franchise mode will be featured, along with optimized gameplay and artificial intelligence (A.I.) to deliver a true basketball experience. Online roster updates will be available weekly, and NBA 09 will bring an expanded set of commentary featuring Kevin Calabro and Kenny “The Jet” Smith.
About BUZZ!(TM) Quiz TV — PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
This fall BUZZ!(TM), the popular quiz show franchise, makes its way for the first time to PS3 with BUZZ!(TM) Quiz TV. BUZZ! Quiz TV comes stocked with five different channels of questions including Music, Movies & TV, Sports, Brainiac and Lifestyle, combining to deliver over 5,000 questions. Extending the quiz show network beyond the disc, up to four players from anywhere in the U.S. can team up for trivia showdowns in the online multiplayer mode, Sofa vs. Sofa, and new quiz packs to be available for download from the PLAYSTATION(R)Network. Also, for trivia fans wanting to see if they can trump others with their own vast library of knowledge, Mybuzzquiz.com will provide a global community for players to create and share their own quizzes online and make available to download on PS3.
BUZZ!(TM) Master Quiz — PSP (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
Coming this fall, the BUZZ!(TM) franchise puts trivia in the palm of your hand with BUZZ!(TM) Master Quiz PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable). Packing over 3,000 questions on topics including music, celebrities, TV, sports, science, nature, movies and more, BUZZ! Master Quiz puts players’ knowledge to the test at home or on the go. When gaming solo, players can enjoy a series of 15 different quiz challenges in single-player mode. Staying true to the franchise’s social gaming roots, BUZZ! Master Quiz also offers three new multiplayer modes designed specifically for PSP.
MotorStorm(TM) Pacific Rift — PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
The most brutal offroad racing festival is back, with players this time attempting to tackle the diversity and unpredictability of a remote Pacific island environment. Developed by Evolution Studios exclusively for PS3, MotorStorm(TM) Pacific Rift revisits the intense racing action introduced in last year’s MotorStorm(TM), this time allowing players to navigate a radically different tropical environment chock full of lush jungle, towering peaks, and crystal-clear water. Players will experience a greater selection of tracks and vehicles to choose, as well as extensive multiplayer options including four player split screen and races with up to 20 players online. Additionally players will be able to utilize a new photo mode to save images within the game and for the first time be able to take music from their PS3’s HDD to create a customized soundtrack.
Resistance 2(TM) — PS3 (Available Fall 2008 / Not Yet Rated)
On the brink of annihilation, mankind resumes the fight against the unstoppable Chimera on the shores of the United States. Thus the stage is set for Resistance 2(TM), the highly anticipated follow-up to Insomniac Games’ best-selling PS3 launch title. Players will once again step into the war-torn boots of Sgt. Nathan Hale, who not only faces near impossible odds on the battlefield, but also struggles with the Chimera virus raging inside his own body. In addition to an epic single-player campaign, Resistance 2 will offer a truly unprecedented eight-player, class-based online co-op campaign and 60-player online competitive multiplayer built upon a ‘massive battles, greater intimacy’ mantra. Also, players can expect tightly integrated community support via MyResistance.net.
Killzone(TM) 2 — PS3 (Available February 2009 / Not Yet Rated)
Killzone(TM) 2 is the highly anticipated first-person shooter created exclusively for PS3. Killzone 2 brings a highly detailed, ultra-realistic “theater of war”, where players encounter lifelike and adaptable artificial intelligence (A.I.) from enemies as well as fellow soldiers, destructible environments, and stunningly detailed scenery. Set on the hostile enemy planet of Helghan, players will once again join the ranks of the ISA with a directive to battle through the harsh environment to capture the Helghast emperor and bring the enemy war machine to a halt. With an extensive single-player campaign and thrilling multi-player mode, Killzone 2 delivers a host of new weapons, vehicles, and gameplay elements all wrapped in an intense storyline.
Here’s to hoping that you find this informative.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
Age of Conan Collector’s Edition Sold Out
Hello again cyber world. Its Jay Torres here reporting on the newest and hottest video game news. Today I bring all you PC junkies something to look at. Age of Conan officially launches tomorrow, but Funcom really, really wants you to know that their game is gonna be huge. After announcing that the early access to the game had all been sold, Funcom really wants to get the point across that a lot of people are going to play their game and you should, too. They say that their game is definitely something different as far as MMOs go. Give it a try if you’re bored with World of Warcraft. *Please note: the system requirements are pretty steep.* Here’s to hoping that you find this informative.
Your Game Guru,
Jay Torres
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