Toys for Kids & Adults

'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.

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For more, head over toEngadget.

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.

PS3 to outsell X360 in 2008?

Electronic Arts predicts that the PS3 will outsell the Xbox 360 in 2008, with the Wii beating them all. You can read all about ithere.

I don't know why this is attracting so much attention. A lot of people already own Xbox 360s and Wiis, so this would be the year they buy the PS3. It just makes sense.

To date, Microsoft has sold about 17 million Xbox 360 while Sony has sold 8 million PS3s. If the projections are correct (and note the projects are for the US and Europe, only) then you'll bring up those totals to abouut 24 million Xbox 360s and 18.5 million PS3s.

The point here is that both are selling very well. The "console war" is a myth. Gamers will eventually have all three systems. It's no longer a matter of one or another.

To date console sell-through