Toys for Kids & Adults

Back from L.A.
We're baa-ack!

Yes, our mini-vacation in L.A. has come to an end, which means we're back to work! So, continue to check in for all of the latest videogame news and updates to our videogame walkthroughs, as we're back on our regular schedule.

While in L.A., we did have a couple of brushes with fame. First, we saw a portion of Jimmy Kimmel's "I'm f*cking Ben Affleck" being filmed outside the Roosevelt Hotel (the Harrison Ford portion):

For those who don't understand what this video is all about, it's a response to Sarah Silverman's slightly funnier"I'm f*ckig Matt Damon", which is definitely worth a watch.

Our second brush with fame came a few moments later, as we walked down Hollywood Blvd. to check out the Academy Awards preparations. As we walked down the street Jer and I both noted two men with a CNN camera staring at us. Then they made their move. Through the crowd the two made a beeline for us and asked us to ask Jon Stewart a question, as he would be appearing on "Larry King Live" that night (apparently, we fit the demographic). Since I'm camera shy, I stepped away, but Jer got to ask a question, which was aired on the show later that night.

If you care to watch, the video can be found here:

Jer on "Larry King Live"

Jer appears right around the 19:10 mark (although, according to people on our message boards, this tends to change). He's the man on the street wearing theDecemberistsbicycle tee. Oh, and he's the only one who gets a laugh out of Jon Stewart.

'Ninja Gaiden III' and 'Phantasy Star II' come to Wii

It's Monday, well, Tuesday, which is kind of like Monday due to the president's holiday, which means that there are new games for download on the Wii.

Ninja Gaidenâ„¢ III: The Ancient Ship of Doom: (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): Join master ninja Ryu Hayabusa, last member of the famous Dragon Clan, in the third and final chapter of the legendary Ninja Gaiden saga.

Phantasy Starâ„¢ II: (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): Hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by fans and media alike, Phantasy Star II is an RPG that features an epic story line and turn-based battles. Play as Rolf, Nei, Rudo or several other characters as you navigate through the Algol star system battling the evil Dark Force.

For more information,go here.

'Mass Effect' coming to PCs in May

Mass Effect, the BioWare space epic that is full of complete and total awesomeness (not to mention a benign sex scene that hasruffled the feathers of the anti-gaming media), has been slated to hit store shelves this May. EA will be the publisher this time around, as the companypurchased BioWare from Microsoft Game Studios, the publisher of the Xbox 360 version, last October.

According to thepress release, here's what we can expect from the PC version:

• Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
• High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
• Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
• Run&Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
• New decryption mini-game.
• New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

Related articles:

'Sodomy' inMass Effect
EA to buy BioWare and Pandemic
Idiots
LBMass EffectWalkthrough and Strategy Guide

'Assassin's Creed DS' Walkthrough and Strategy Guide begins!
We have begun work on theLBAssassin's Creed Altair's ChroniclesWalkthrough and Strategy Guidefor the Nintendo DS.

Per usual, you can check in on our growing guide as it's being written. Enjoy!

LBAssassin's Creed Altair's ChroniclesGame Guide.

Update:For those who needAssassin's Creed Altair's Chronicleshelp beyond the current scope of the walkthrough, please post your questions in ourAssassin's Creed Altair's ChroniclesHelp Threadin our forums.

Feature Article: 'Star Wars: The Force Unleashed'

How excited am I forStar Wars: The Force Unleashed? More excited thanNien Nunband Lando Calrissian when the shield generator on Endor finally went down.

I'm also pleasantly surprised by some quality video game journalism courtesy of Frank DiGiacomo ofVanity Fairand his"The Game Has Changed"feature.

DiGiacomo relates to us his visit to LucasArts massive San Francisco complex, whereStar Wars: The Force Unleashedis being developed for the PS3 and Xbox 360 (tentatively due out this summer).

How about this for an excerpt?

By the time the demonstration was over, I was left with the unmistakable sense that LucasArts was on the cutting edge of a huge leap forward for the video-game industry—a technological breakthrough, nearly as revolutionary as the introduction of sound in film, that could finally give gaming the kind of immersive realism that would enable it to join movies and television as a form of mainstream entertainment.

Um, yeah, sign me up! I can't wait for this game!

Read the full article.

Nintendo to clean dirty Wiis

Sure, Japanese gamers gotSuper Smash Bros. Brawlabout a month before we'll get it, but those who didn't take care of their Wiis are having some issues.

It seems thatdust, dirt, or tobacco smoke build-upare causing some Wiis to stutter while playingSSBBor causing the game to not play at all.

The problem lies in the fact thatSSBBis the first Wii game to be printed on a dual-layer DVD which requires a more delicate touch from ye olde laser. Dust or smoke build-up is causing the laser to have lost that loving feeling.

Nintendo has offered to clean the dirty Wiis, free of charge, and are even covering shipping costs.

We'll see what happens when the discs hit the States and Europe. I can see the YouTube home fix-its now.