Gamin' Girl » News

Natal christened, Xbox360 light revealed!

Twinkling82 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:07:26 +0000

Source; Kotaku

Kotaku is one of the sites I trust the most, when it comes to gamingnews. Tonight they revealed a lot of stuff, I’ve been anxious to know more about. Firstly, it appears Project Natal’s final name is gonna be Kinect (I actually adore the name…) and secondly, they discovered an Italian website having an ad running, appearantly for an upcoming Xbox360 light/slim or what you can call it.

You can watch a video of the ad below. Appearently, this new Xbox360 isn’t the biggest change from the one, we know. The hard drive seems to be 250gb, which is available as it is. Neither the size of the machine looks like it’s gonna be significant smaller – we can only hope, if this turns out to be true, that Microsoft has solved the heating problems and the noise problems.

Thirdly, a number of games for Kinect (formerly known as Natal, remember?), has also been revealed – though, this time, by USA Today.

•Kinectimals lets you train and play with 20 different virtual cats, including a lion, cheetah and tiger.

•Joyride, a racing game, lets players use their hands to hold an imaginary steering wheel — pull your hands toward you and push back out for an acceleration boost — and their bodies to execute jumps and tricks.

•Kinect Sports has six activities including boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, track and field, soccer and table tennis. To serve a volleyball, you mimic the real motion; in soccer, you can kick the ball or do a header.

•Kinect Adventures includes a river-raft time trial and obstacle course, playable by up to four players. On the raft, playing as a duo, you and a partner must lean one way or another to steer. Jumping helps the raft reach special areas for extra points.

•Dance Central, in development by MTV Games, brings a So You Think You Can Dance experience home.

•Star Wars characters and iconic Disney favorites will be featured in separate new games being developed at Microsoft in conjunction with LucasArts and Disney.

All this seems very interesting, but were are we heading? I know how to treat animals – both digital and real life ones. For peaks sake, I had a Tamagotchi or three when I was a kid! :-p For Joyride, I would way more like to use the regular controller in a racing game – but I might try out the imaginary steering wheel experience at some point…
Kinect Sports and Dance Central was expected. The Star Wars and Kinect Adventures is what intrigues me the most here – seems like some good heads and laughs has been behind these ideas – I really can’t wait to try out those!

Pre-E3 News about Comic Jumper

Twinkling82 — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:15:56 +0000

I just got some intriguing news from Twisted Pixel Games’ CEO, Michael Wilford. Another chapter of the very (at least for me and a few of my gaming friends I’ve talked with about the game) anticipiated game has been revealed.

This time, its following the style of a comic from the silver age, Named “The Improbable Paper Pals”, the style is interesting, but not totally into my liking – nontheless, I like the idea of variating the style of the game!
Also, they revealed the style of the fourth chapter, which will be based on Manga(more details about this after E3).

The cherry on the top of the cake, you will be able to unlock some free Splosion Man DLC with Comic Jumper! This doesn’t mean that we will miss out on anything else – there will be a premium theme (I now know what will take over my Splosion Man theme on my xbox dashboard), gamerpictures AND avatar unlockables – we are getting everything from these guys! Isn’t that rather cool?
- I think so.

I really want this game, as it appeals to my liking in games. There’s nothing better than a 2D platformer – but with TP’s humour included it’s just mind blowing for me!

Full Press Release after the video.

- Full Press Release -

MORE COMIC JUMPER DETAILS EMERGE IN PRE-E3 SNEAK PEAK

Newest information unveils remaining comic genres, announcement of a playable E3 demo, and the inclusion of Splosion Man DLC within the game

AUSTIN, TX – June 10, 2010 – Today Twisted Pixel Games revealed new information about their upcoming Xbox LIVE® Arcade title, Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley. Highlighting their announcement was information on the remaining two genres in the game, an official trailer, and the inclusion of special Splosion Man DLC within Comic Jumper!

In Comic Jumper, Twisted Pixel approaches failed comic book superhero Captain Smiley after his series collapses. They offer him a chance to relaunch his comic if he agrees to work for them. Their technology allows the Captain to “jump” into other comic books and fix their storylines. Twisted Pixel’s previous announcements highlighted Smiley’s first job, a leap in the fantasy genre of comics featuring Nanoc the Obliviator. Today they reveal the game’s two additional genres: the Silver Age and Manga.

Flourishing in the early 60s, the Silver Age of comics featured superheroes punishing evil while held to strict morality guidelines. Captain Smiley and foul-mouthed Star face the ire of the Comics Obscenity Commission (C.O.C.), who constantly attempt to censor Captain Smiley and his chest-mounted sidekick. But with Silver Age heroes the Improbable Paper Pals out of commission, Captain Smiley is all that stands in the way of Mistress Ropes and her diabolical plan to grant women equal rights. As with any of his comic jumps, Captain Smiley undergoes a total transformation when leaping into a new genre, changing his style to fit with the comic.

Captain Smiley finds the Silver Age strange, but he is completely at a loss when faced with the world of Manga. Nonsensical characters, plotlines, and levels that run right to left leave Smiley and Star longing for the American comic ideals of scantily-clad superwomen and problems solved with fists and violence. Stuck in the “shojo” (we don’t know what that means either) manga Cutie Cutie Kid Cupids, Smiley battles between completing his mission and just wanting to get the hell out of there.

But who needs details on the game when there are bonuses to talk about? Twisted Pixel broke new ground with The Maw, becoming the first XBLA game to offer a premium Xbox dashboard theme with the game. Last year, Twisted Pixel was the first XBLA game to offer free Avatar accessories. With Comic Jumper, Twisted Pixel tries to outdo themselves once again, offering not only free gamerpics, a free premium theme, and free Avatar accessories, but also offering free bonus levels for Splosion Man that can only be found within the game. The bonus DLC pack includes one single player and one multiplayer Splosion Man level for everyone who earns them in the game. “We really enjoy coming up with cool new ways of rewarding our loyal fans with free stuff,” says Michael Wilford, CEO of Twisted Pixel Games.

Twisted Pixel is releasing their official trailer for the game, along with some sneak-peak footage of the playable demo that will be shown at E3. Though no details have emerged yet on release dates or pricing, Twisted Pixel promises up-to-the-minute postings and regular updates on the game’s progress at www.TwistedPixelGames.com and on Twitter (@comic_jumper, @mrwilford, @twistedpixjason, and @mikehasnoluck.) Finally, full reveal information and developer interviews about the making of the Silver Age levels can be found at http://twistedpixelgames.com/CJ-reveal-index.htm. After E3, Twisted Pixel will reveal additional behind-the-scenes peeks at the making of the Manga levels.

More news about MGS: Peacewalker

MetalGearBAE — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:36:32 +0000

Slowly but surely news is starting to trickle down about the highly anticipated game for PSP owners, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Details emerged a few weeks ago about a Mother Base which will be the hub for Snake and his allies. This offshore rig will hold items and personnel and will eventually expand allowing Snake to upgrade weapons and store gathered intel.

According to the official press release from Konami, “users can recruit felled adversaries and transport them to the Mother Base sea rig by using the Fulton Recovery System. Recruited soldiers each have unique attributes that allow them to support Snake and other characters in a variety of ways. By gathering more staff, players will be able to expand Mother Base and gain access to new functions. Mother Base also acts as a development area for Snake, where collated information can be used to create and also upgrade all-new armaments . Peace Walker also introduces new AI Weapons – giant unmanned behemoths that Snake must overcome to complete his mission. These include hover, airborne, and tank-style vehicles. Each AI Weapon can speak and even sing during battle using VOCALOID technology, hinting at a surprising level of intelligence.” With these AI weapons being hinted on; the ability to sing is the attribute that stands out the most to me. This is to be expected from Kojima and his team as they are always pushing the boundaries of what we would normally find acceptable in a game. (I’m speculating here, but a singing tank? Only Kojima can turn that into something I am dying to see)

As for the multiplayer aspect, we already knew there would be four player co-op. Konami revealed that the online is being modelled after Metal Gear Online. “Kojima Productions has also confirmed the PSP® game will boast extensive multi-player elements, allowing four-player co-operative missions, and a stunning three-against-three battle royale, wherein six players can form teams and engage in huge linked battles via the Sony handheld’s Ad Hoc capabilities. Further details will be released shortly, with Kojima Productions looking to the ever-popular METAL GEAR ONLINE for inspiration.” I’m hoping it’s going to be like the PS2 version, but more likely it’ll end up being MGO2 for the PS3 that inspire the teams work on this game. I didn’t enjoy that version at all but it may be more fun now that the teams are going to be 3V3.

The Japanese magazine Famitsu also reported hat Japan will be getting two different versions of the premium package for Peace Walker. The first will include a camo-skinned PSP-3000, a case and a copy of the game. Konami is also selling an exclusive called, “The Konami Style Special Limited Edition”. This one will include everything from the premium pack along with dog tags, a psp stand and a booklet. Only 1,974 copies will be available on Konami’s website. The US and Canada are getting a Metal Gear Solid entertainment pack which will include a green PSP-3000, the game and some codes for some content and movies ingame. Though, the codes won’t officially work for Canadians.

This game is my most anticipated title of 2010. With that being said, I look forward to keeping you up to date with all the Metal Gear news you can handle. Only three months to go!

Release date is June 8th.

Smileyface as a hero!

Twinkling82 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:24:43 +0000

Since I first watched the teaser for this game a fair few months ago, I have been waiting impatiently for more news on this game. Finally Twisted Pixel revealed more about the it. If you didn’t had the opportunity to watch their demo of the game at Austin’s 2010 SXSW, you can attend this years PAX in Boston and find Twisted Pixel at booth number 601, where they will show the game once more. Times for the show-off is 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. And I mean literally show-off – this games looks truly amazing. Youtube videos for both teaser trailer and gameplay at the end of the article.

From the official press release
The demo consists of the game’s protagonists Captain Smiley and Star moving through the first comic book, The Adventures of Captain Smiley, where they must thwart a bank robbery by the crazed Dr. Winklemeyer and Smiley’s arch-nemesis Brad. The first comic features tons of written dialogue and voice acting, graphics that conjure the epic splash-page comics from the 90’s, gameplay modes ranging from melee to shooting to riding a Brad-bot down the side of a building, intense panel-jumping transitions, and an unforgettable Brad theme song that you hear while doing battle with Brad before the demo comes to a close.

Seriously… a smiley face on top of a huge Hulk-wannabe-body and with a talking star on the chest? How much better can it be? Twisted Pixel did a good job on making it very cartoonish style, with text, speech bubbles and more. The only tiny bit I noticed was that Captain Smiley moved his legs faster than he himself was moving, which made it awkward looking.
- There is unfortunately no words about the release. Yet! Stay tuned.

Get drunk online! .. or something.

Twinkling82 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:37:10 +0000

PSN recently added a new feature to the avatars life, called HOME.

For a small fee (4.99$) you can buy the new addition to HOME. It’s called London Pub, and it even contains a dart game you can play with your friends! It’s a personal space, therefore not accessible from HOME square.

To get the London Pub, go into HOME. Get to the square and access the mall. Inside there’s a couple stores, look for the estate store, and the store has London Pub on the shelf.

Go and get those 180 points and brag to your friends!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Always improving!

Twinkling82 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:24:43 +0000

I have taken an all-day coding/working the website day. The result ended up in a few small changes and some addings to the site to improve the experiencing of the visit, and hopefully make more people to come back more regularly too!

- improved the look of the front page
- changed the related post links so it now shows thumbnails too
- screenshots/related pictures (for future articles)
- and last, but not least, subscribing to comments on posts

Front page
The front page hasn’t exactly been the harmony of design in quite some time, but I think I really made an improvement there. It’s now more like the articles, and seems generally more finished.

Related posts
I’ve changed the plugin to show related posts. Before it was just some dull links, now it shows thumbnail, title and the first couple lines from the article, making it more tempting to check out related articles. This cuts it down from 10 related posts to 4, but I don’t think it matters.

Screenshots
I’ve decided to add screenshots gallery to the articles, this will mainly be used for reviews, but if there’s some related pictures for the article, I would certainly make use of it. This wont be implemented in old articles though, but will be added for future articles.

Subscribing to comments
Now to the most fun addition (I think). When you’re commenting, you can now subscribe yourself to the comments! You can even manage on which posts you wish to get updates about comments on. This will encourage in more dialogues in commenting, making this site more active. When I think there’s activity enough, I will consider making a forum.

Now, one last thing to tell you about before I’m finishing this newspost up…
Gravatars!
You might have noticed the avatars in comments. I’m using Spirit of Cimarron (I love his expression on that picture), and for the standard, there’s a selection of some funny geometric faces. To make your own gravatar, click on one of the gravatars (globally recognized avatars) or this link. Then sign up with the e-mail account you want, preferrably your primary one (the site can be trusted, no spam or repeating messages at all). When you have finished the subscription on the site, and made your gravatar, you can make use if it right away. All you have to do is write the e-mail you use for the gravatar, in the proper field when you post your comment, and your gravatar will automaticly show at your comment. Try it out!

Natal release leaked?

Twinkling82 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:01:27 +0000

Source; UK MCV

The UK MCV website posted today that they have caught some leaked information on the long-awaited hardware extension for the XBox 360, called Project Natal by the developers of the device.

Appearently their sources say that Microsoft has settled a release date which is a year from now, sometime in November 2010, and it will be a worldwide release, so no one feels left out.

The article also mentions that Microsoft has now shared technical details and information to game developers, so they can prepare games that works with the device.

Microsoft plans are to make 5 million units for the worldwide launch, with a price of 50$ for a unit – which is a significant lower price than people all over the internet has been guessing. Let’s just hope that this guess is a fact and not just a rumor. If the price is this, I will definitely pre-order one.

Remember to follow my Facebook Natal Fanpage.

Up and running…

Twinkling82 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:46 +0000

Since the start in september, I have been working on this site periodicly. I’ve added some stuff here and there, when remembering or getting aware of a good function.

10th september I added counters, both flag counter – which I later on decided to remove because the design of it – but also dacounter, a free counter with lots of info on visitors which I love to use.

Later on, I found some share buttons, which I hope you all will use to show your gamingfriends the website.

If you wish to get updated on every post, you can either use your Trueachievements account and get in the leaderboard for the site and follow the website update thread, or use your Playfire account and get member of the group and follow the website updates thread there. Or you could simply use your Facebook profile and get fan of the page to get updates. Website updates will also be posted via Twitter.

I have a new writer on the way, be sure to check the website, so you can get to know her! I’m still looking for fresh new writers, so if you have a passion for games, are female and have some sort of writing skills in english, feel free to contact me. You can use the contactform or write to the twitter account.

The newest addition is probably the mark on pictures to show you, the reader, if the article is a review, impression, news or something completely different – with color code!

Also, I promise that I soon will be working on the article about myself.

I hope everyone has enjoyed this site so far. Feel free to write ideas on the comments to this article. Should we get a forum? Do you know about a wordpress installment we should get on this site?

hugs all around,
Twinkles
Founder

Hint for the next GTA game?

Twinkling82 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:12:21 +0000

Source; Gamespot

I think I’m gonna need the Pointer Sisters to justify my joy when reading this news article. Someone, try and keep me from singing “I’m so Excited”! It might just be a hint, but we all know how the developers at Rockstar love to tease us with this kinda stuff. And most of the times it ends up to be true, or at least, partly true.

According to gamespot, gamers around the world, who have waited patiently (not to buy the Lost and Damned episode from Marketplace), nailbiting with high hopes that the exclusive extra content for the X360 coming into disc. The wish is granted. When the second Episode, named “The Ballad of Gay Tony”, got released on Marketplace, Microsoft also released a disc version with both episodes.
Then they noticed something exciting in the manual. A little “ad” with a broken heart and the GTA IV artwork inside it. Below the heart it says; “Liberty City, it’s over!”, a hint that there won’t be more GTA games in Liberty City – at least not in this console generation. Further down, the ad is ripped, with some sort of bow in blue colors, and yellow and grey background – and the text next to the rip says; “Next stop.”, a hint that this might be the hint of the next Grand Theft Auto game!

One can only hope…! I certainly know I do – can never wait for these games. Anyone knows of a subscribing service to pre order the games and get the news as fast as possible?

What do you guys think? True or untrue?

The annual FLAG event!

Twinkling82 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:40:06 +0000

Source; trueachievements, flagtournement, Xbox Live.

For the fourth time, the FLAG (Fight Like A Girl) tournement is on. This is how we gaming girls roll I guess. Hardcore gamers don’t bake, so we can only bake goodies for our guys or shoot the head off them in games. These girls chooses the latter – I’m crap at shooting games (don’t buy these games) so I won’t participate, but I will participate in posting the news and telling people about it.

Origins
This tournament started as a simple idea to get a girl out of having to bake cookies to raise money for breast cancer research. Some girls just can’t bake. Some girls however, can shoot enemies all day and night from the comfort of their home.

Our Goal
We will prove to the world that gamers do more than just sit around eating chips, drinking Kool-Aid and playing games. While we may in fact love chips and Kool-Aid, there are thousands of us who are ready and willing to give. This tournament is a testament to that.

- sweet, ain’t it?

This tournement raises thousands of dollars in about 3 weeks – every year. You can pay for each event you wan’t to participate in, or buy a three-day pass to be in every event.