Toys for Kids & Adults

Take-Two Downgraded
Despite Take-Two’s blockbuster hit, the Grand Theft Auto series, Wedbush Morgan (a financial analyst firm), has downgraded Take-Two’s stock to a sell due to poor financial results and hopes for the future. Coverage: http://shorl.com/litretragykere (Gamesindustry)…(read more)

SOFTWARE GLITCH OR SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE?
The CBC recently reported that Ontario Lottery and Gaming pulled 87 slot machines out of service or physically removed them from casinos following a CBC investigation that uncovered flashing “winning” jackpot symbols in Konami’s “ Most Wanted”, “Sergeant…(read more)

WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?
The UK Court of Appeal recently decided a case involving copyright infringement and video games. Nova Productions Limited had created a computer pool game called "Pocket Money", and claimed that games created by two other companies — "Jackpot Pool" by…(read more)

Take-Two Take Over?
Stay tuned for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.’s (NASDAQ: TTWO) annual general meeting on March 23rd. A group of investors currently holding 46% of the company may take control of the board, which could be the end of its current CEO’s, Paul Eibeler….(read more)

VIVENDI, SIERRA, SONY AND HIAWATHA SUED OVER SPYRO
A New York woman has filed suit for unspecified damages in New York Supreme Court claiming that her infant son suffered a “gran mal seizure” (epilepsy) while playing Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly. GameSpot reports that the woman claims that the defendants…(read more)

Sony and Immersion settle differences, enter into business agreement
The announcement comes in the wake of a $91 million judgment in favor of Immersion in its lawsuit over Sony's DualShock controllers, which Immersion claimed violated Immersion's force feedback patent. Sony had appealed the decision. Both companies have…(read more)

SOFTWARE GLITCH OR SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE?
The CBC recently reported that Ontario Lottery and Gaming pulled 87 slot machines out of service or physically removed them from casinos following a CBC investigation that uncovered flashing “winning” jackpot symbols in Konami’s “ Most Wanted”, “Sergeant…(read more)

WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?
The UK Court of Appeal recently decided a case involving copyright infringement and video games. Nova Productions Limited had created a computer pool game called "Pocket Money", and claimed that games created by two other companies — "Jackpot Pool" by…(read more)

Take-Two in settlement discussions to settle GTA "Hot Coffee" lawsuit
A consumer lawsuit brought in New York against Take-Two Interactive, parent company of Rockstar Games - the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto series - has been stayed in order to allow the parties to carry out settlement discussions. The lawsuit is one…(read more)

VIVENDI, SIERRA, SONY AND HIAWATHA SUED OVER SPYRO
A New York woman has filed suit for unspecified damages in New York Supreme Court claiming that her infant son suffered a “gran mal seizure” (epilepsy) while playing Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly. GameSpot reports that the woman claims that the defendants…(read more)

Jack Thompson Gets Served
Anti-videogame activist (and lawyer) Jack Thompson is being pre-emptively sued by Take Two, in a bid by Take Two to thwart Thompson's plans to attempt to have Grand Theft Auto 4 and Manhunt 2 declared as public nuisances in the state of Florida. Thompson…(read more)

WeeWorld wants to withdraw Wii suit whereas Nintendo won't waver, wants to win
Ahem. WeeWorld's suit against Nintendo accuses the game maker of trademark infringement - more specifically, it alleges that Nintendo's Mii avatars infinged WeeWorld's trademarks for its own digital avatars (named WeeMees). Now, WeeWorld is is trying…(read more)

Sony and Immersion settle differences, enter into business agreement
The announcement comes in the wake of a $91 million judgment in favor of Immersion in its lawsuit over Sony's DualShock controllers, which Immersion claimed violated Immersion's force feedback patent. Sony had appealed the decision. Both companies have…(read more)

Activision's stock jumps on analyst outlook

While I'm not usually a fan of Wedbush Morgan's, Michael Pachter, I do think he has this one right.

In a research note published today, Mr. Pachter reitereated his "Strong Buy" rating on Activision's stock and raised the fourth quarter earnings forecast from $205 million to $250 million, citing strong first quarter sales dataNPD Group, which has the company's earnings up 39% year on year.

The big reason for this, of course, is mega-hitGuitar Hero II, which is set to debut on the Xbox 360 in April for $90 (Guitar included). Secondarily, Pachter notes this week's launch of the PS3 in Europe as another reason to be bullish.

As always, though, Pachter leaves out some important infomation. Yes, Activision has its three bread and butters:Call of Duty,Tony Hawk, and nowGuitar Hero. That lineup alone makes them a strong company.

However, this summer, they will be releasing games for three of the biggest movies,Spider-Man 3,Shrek 3, andTransformers.

Even if these movie-based games aren't amazing, they'll sell well.

Booya!, Activision. Booya!

LB 'God of War 2' Walkthrough complete!
Kratos is back, and he's a tad upset. It seems that a certain god has betrayed him and he needs your help to exact some vengeance,God of Warstyle!

Fortunately for you, theLBGod of War 2walkthroughcontains a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, solutions to all puzzles, strategies for every boss, locations of Phoenix Feathers and Gorgon Eyes to max out your magic and health, and a breakdown of enemies, weapons, and gameplay. It also includes Urn locations, a walkthrough of Challenge of the Gods, and so much more!

LBGod of War 2Walkthrough and Strategy Guide

Wii remote Mac music hack

I'm no musical genius, as you can probably tell from the title of this story, still, I found the below video to be quite amazing.

Seems this crafty guy,The Amazing Rolohas created aWii Loop Machineusing nothing but his brains, a MacBook and the Wii remote.

Amazing Rolo indeed! David Silver would enjoy.

Hat tip toJoystiq

Lunabean Video Game Radio - March 21, 2007

LISTEN NOW(MP3, 4.9 MB, 21.5 Minutes)

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In today's show we discuss everythingGod of War II, including our just completedGod of War 2walkthrough and strategy guide.

In gaming news, we discuss the $10 billion portable gaming market, the black Xbox 360, and a variety of announcements from Capcom regardingDevil May Cry 4andResident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles

Show links…

Sega's 'NiGHTS' coming to the Wii

Last Friday, rumors were running around the internet like a wind up chicken struck with the spirit of Jesus regarding an impending "World Exclusive" in the next issue of Official Nintendo Magazine UK (ONM).

The front cover shows a collection of stars and says, "World Exclusive! Step back in time as a classic game makes a long overdue return." Some resourceful internetters figured out that if you trace the stars, you get the outline of theNiGHTSlogo.(See the cover and outline)

MoreNiGHTSrumor and information

Greek gods family tree

Writing awalkthrough forGod of War 2meant that Allison and I had to study up on some Greek mythology.

Despite the fact that I took such an intro class my senior year of college, it was an early morning class and sparsely attended. Oh, how I wish I would've paid attention.

Not to worry, though, because the other day Allison found this awesomeGreek Gods Family Tree.

The chart has come in handy a number of times, and, with links to Wikipedia, it is a fountain of knowledge, like the Oracle of Delphi…see, I told you I took a class.

If you're playingGod of War 2and are in need of help, head on over to ourGod of War IIwalkthrough and strategy guide.

Now study!

DFC: Portable game market to exceed $10 billion

When I was a wee lad, the portable gaming market consisted of a green and black screen GameBoy and the battery sucking SEGA Game Gear. My how things have changed.

Today, we have the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP, and, according to DFC Intelligence, a research firm, the portable gaming market could exceed $10 billion this year.

$10 billion this year!?! Holy wow. That's not the entire gaming industry, just the handhelds.

DFC also states that the Nintendo DS may well go on to become the best selling piece of gaming hardware ever, beating the current record of 115 million PS2s, and, that the combined sales of the DS and PSP, by 2011, could outsell all gaming consoles combined.

Read more…

Coolest fort evar!

I'm not intoArmored Core, or even BattleMechs in general. However, this is by far the coolest fort I have ever seen. Imagine that in your neighbors back yard.

If you want to learn how to build your very own mech, then you can read all about how this one was made atthe Making of a BattleMech.

Hat tip to Joystiq.

Black Xbox 360 confirmed — UPDATE

Microsoft is attempting to kick Sony while they're down with the announcement via April's issue ofGame Informermagazine that they will be releasing a black Xbox 360 with a 120GB HDD, HDMI input, and an HDMI cable for $US479. The console will also support TIVO-like capabilities (DVR) butwill notinclude an HD-DVD drive.

There is no word yet on when this version of the 360 will debut, or if the DVR features will cost extra. Also, Microsoft will offer an add-on 120GB HDD for under $US200.

UPDATE — It looks like the system will debut in late April after a Microsoft annoucement earlier in the month.

Read my opinion on the black Xbox 360

Hat tip toKotaku.

Ten free Flash games for the Wii

AdvancedMediaNetworkhas put together a fairly decent list of free and fun Flash games to play on your Wii. While none are going to blow you're mind, most do serve as fairly decent time wasters (with or without your Wii).

To play these games, simply point your Wii's browser here:http://wii.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=9221and select from the "must play" games. Have fun!

Wii remote Mac music hack

I'm no musical genius, as you can probably tell from the title of this story, still, I found the below video to be quite amazing.

Seems this crafty guy,The Amazing Rolohas created aWii Loop Machineusing nothing but his brains, a MacBook and the Wii remote.

Amazing Rolo indeed! David Silver would enjoy.

Hat tip toJoystiq

Greek gods family tree

Writing awalkthrough forGod of War 2meant that Allison and I had to study up on some Greek mythology.

Despite the fact that I took such an intro class my senior year of college, it was an early morning class and sparsely attended. Oh, how I wish I would've paid attention.

Not to worry, though, because the other day Allison found this awesomeGreek Gods Family Tree.

The chart has come in handy a number of times, and, with links to Wikipedia, it is a fountain of knowledge, like the Oracle of Delphi…see, I told you I took a class.

If you're playingGod of War 2and are in need of help, head on over to ourGod of War IIwalkthrough and strategy guide.

Now study!

The Ultimate in Magnetic Toys - Magna-Case from Mega Brands!
Is your child into magnetic building systems? Is your child looking for a good magnetic toy kit for his/her next school science project? If you don’t mind spending approximately $40-$50…

Fisher-Price Pays a Hefty Price Indeed!
Fisher-Price has agreed to pay a rather large sum to the tune of $975,000 for failing to report that a metal nail fastener could come loose from it's Little People…

Can Time-Outs Be Fun?
Yes, you read that right! Time-outs can actually be fun with these cute new plush toys from Jaag. The stuffed animals have a timer in their belly which goes off…

Thinking About Playing Outdoors?
Summer is just around the corner! It's time to dig out your outdoor toys and have some fun in the sun. Kids enjoy outdoor toys like trampolines, swings, slides, water…

Tamagotchi Version 4 - New and Improved!
Tamagotchi, the virtual pet from Bandai America, has been riding a wave of popularity for quite a number of years. The latest version of the Tamagotchi is the Tamagotchi Version…

learning tools

Former Take-Two CEO Admits his Sins of Backdating
Ryan Brant, the founder and former CEO of Take-Two who resigned in October of last year has pleaded guilty to felony criminal charges for his role in backdating stock options and has settled with the SEC and the NY Country District Attorney’s office….(read more)

Take-Two enters into settlement discussions over Grand Theft Auto lawsuit
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. has agreed to enter into settlement discussions with a view to settling the lawsuit accusing Take-Two of selling its popular Grand Theft Auto video game titles - allegedly containing sexually explicit images - under…(read more)

CANADIAN THOUGHTS ON MOD CHIPS
Dr. Michael Geist, one of Canada’s pre-eminent technology law scholars, has an interesting entry on his blog about mod chips. One of his readers recently received a cease and desist letter from a large Canadian IP firm on behalf of the ESA concerning…(read more)

CHINA MOVES AGAINST VIRTUAL MONEY
The Chinese government is cracking down on the use of virtual money from online games to buy real-world products. According to a government notice, there must be a “strict differentiation between virtual exchanges and online commerce in material products”…(read more)

PATENTS AND GAMES
Gamasutra has an interesting article about the US patent regime and how it does more harm than good, especially in high-tech industries such as video gaming. Note that some of the criticisms raised in the article are not fully applicable to other jurisdictions…(read more)

Microsoft ordered to pay $1.5B in patent-infringement damages to Alcatel-Lucent
The award was made by a federal jury in San Diego who arrived at the figure, says Microsoft, by multiplying Windows sales and average PC sales prices worldwide since May 2003 Lucent, which was acquired by Alcatel in 2005, had filed patent claims against…(read more)

Take-Two Take Over?
Stay tuned for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.’s (NASDAQ: TTWO) annual general meeting on March 23rd. A group of investors currently holding 46% of the company may take control of the board, which could be the end of its current CEO’s, Paul Eibeler….(read more)
The Ceo may have to be looking for a new home.

10 Things You Must Know When Building or Renovating
Boys like there home improvement toys. There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work.

Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation.

10 Things When Starting a home improvement project:
Prepare a budget
Be aware of council regulations
Find a tradesperson
Know your start and completion dates
Selecting Products
Prepare plans
Purchasing products
What should I purchase myself?
What services are available to my property?
What sort of hot water unit do I need?
Prepare a budget

Toy Fair 2007 - Do's and Don'ts of PR, Marketing and Promotion
Toy Fair 2007 is just around the corner! I can literally feel the excitement in the air. Things are heating up for the toy manufacturers, public relations agencies, buyers and…

ActiviTot Play Gym from Tiny Love
I've tried out lots of other baby gyms, but they all have something or the other that I'm not happy about. After all, who can be perfectly satisfied when it…

What's New in the World Of Bratz Nowadays?
Well, Bratz finally made it to the #1 spot in the doll market edging out it's arch rival, Barbie. It's going to be pretty close competition this year too, and…

Can Time-Outs Be Fun?
Yes, you read that right! Time-outs can actually be fun with these cute new plush toys from Jaag. The stuffed animals have a timer in their belly which goes off…

PS3 downloads not so active?
Wednesday 28 February 2007 The of the PS3's XMB (cross media bar), expected to be unlocked in a substantial firmware upgrade that will coincide with the PlayStation 3's launch in Europe, may have been overstated. The upgrade will hopefully allow you

MLB '07: The Show
As baseball games continue to evolve, the MLB franchise will always have the challenge of outdoing itself year after year. There are only so many ways you can improve pitching, batting, fielding and managing. How well the game's controls translate into a

PGR4 Peugeot Concept Car Unveiled
no suprise there typical responce from a playstation geek. pgr not a sim ??? lol go back to the grey matter where you belong and if its a full on sim you want then the toca games from codemasters sends GT straight to the trash can (GT no car damage, fake

Golden Joystick nominees announced
The contenders for Future Publishing's Golden Joystick Awards have been announced for 2007's award ceremony. You can read more about it over on CVG's website.