Toys for Kids & Adults

GameSpots's Gertsmann Fired, Fallout is Harsh

I've been so busy writing theLBMass EffectWalkthroughthat I haven't had a chance to point out this story to you.

Jeff Gertsmann, until recently the editorial director at GameSpot, was fired for a not-so-kind review of Eidos'Kane and Lynch, or at least that's what most people are speculating.

If you need to do some catching up, Joystiq has it covered wellhere,here, andhere.

What's most interesting to me is that this is bringing out the long held notion that game reviewers are under pressure to write favorable reviews for games so that the game companies will then advertise (or continue to advertise) on/in said reviewers site/magazine.

While it's still unclear what really happened the fallout from this story is far more important than any truth. The notion of biased game reviewers is instilled in gaming culture and this story, fact or fiction, only serves to perpetuate that notion.

It then goes further and brings in a giant parent company, CNet, who perhaps undeservedly so, is being cast as the evil villain squashing the independent, gamer-centric reviews of Gertsmann for the all-important advertising dollars.

I'll continue to keep my eye on this story as it is one of those situations where the perceived notions are, most likeyly, worse than reality, but that simply doesn't matter.

Worst. Christmas. Ever. Phone Book for PS3

Hey, look at that box shaped like a PS3 box! Is that the present I've been asking for? I think I'll rip it open. Yay!!! Thanks for the PS3 mom and dad! *opens box*

WTF, yo! It's a friggin phone book!

Yes, this actually happened to a California teen. The parents are working with EB Games to replace the phone book.

You can watch thenews report here.

'Duke Nukem Forever' Teaser and 10 years of history

It's been over 10 years since 3D Realms announcedDuke Nukem Forever. So long ago, in fact, that when it was announced, I couldn't legally drink!

The teaser was made by some 3D Realms employees to surprise the other employees at their Christmas party. Management thought the teaser so great that they went ahead and released it to the world. Thanks, I guess.

For a little history on the game, and everything that has happened in the game-o-sphere/world since, you should check outthisbreak down.

For the 2001 official trailer (a mere 6 years ago),go here. You know, that would've been a great game in '01 and they could've put out another one by now!

Holiday gaming? We have your Walkthroughs and Strategy Guides!

Besides the egg nog, Grandma's candied yams, and useless stocking stuffers (seriously, do I really need another go-pack of reindeer Kleenex?), the Holidays mean one thing: Gaming!

With so many new games (and new gamers) out there you're bound to get stuck. Don't fret! We have you covered with over 150Video Game Walkthroughs and Strategy Guides.

From the latest:

• Mass EffectWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• Super Mario GalaxyWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• Assassin's CreedWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• Zelda: Phantom HourglassWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• The Simpsons GameWalkthrough and Strategy Guide

To recent classics:

• Zelda: Twilight PrincessWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• LEGO Star Wars IIWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixWalkthrough and Strategy Guide
• Resident Evil 4Walkthrough and Strategy Guide
• God of War IIWalkthrough and Strategy Guide

Of course, you can get INSTANT ACCESS to ALL of these Walkthroughs plus over 150 more by subscribing to theLunaPass.

It makes for the perfect last minute gift to your gamer friend or family member!

Happy Holidays!