Everybody's a Diva...Except Me Have any of you seen this show Born to Diva on VH1? I haven't yet watched an episode, and I don't think my stomach could take it as the ad spots themselves are nearly enough to make me sick. Doesn't it seem as though the word "Diva" is being thrown around a bit loosely? You'd think the word means, "Mediocre talent bitch who thinks her crap is made of gold."
Now if you want to talk real Divas, or at least something resembling a talented singer, Verve Records is releasing a killer set of CDs called The Diva Series which includes great female singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and others. I was fortunate enough to snag advance copies of the complete set and have been enjoying them all day long. If any bone in your body remotely enjoys music, I suggest picking up one or two.
MKistler writes:
This is the first review of the new Matrix movie, and it rocks (the review). Everyone has to read this, I for one, have never read anything like it. This is why AICN is so good, they get all the best reviews before anyone else does.
As for E3, I am particularly interested in where the gaming market will be 5 or 10 years from now. I mean, with the Computer, TV, Video game systems, and online technology all moving toward the same place, where do the industry guys see things going? The same goes for handhelds, PDA's, cell phones/pagers and such. Will the next Game Boy incorporate any of these things?
Basically, at what point are we going to get the next "jump" in technology, as from the SNES, Genesis days to PSone? I mean PS2 , XBOX, and GC were big steps, but just improvements over what came before, whereas the PSone era was a revolution in that it took games from 2D to 3D, and added nifty features like memory cards, and games on CD's (more space). Just like the NES was a huge jump from the Atari era.
I can't wait. I think this will be another great year for Video Games, despite the somewhat slow outlook right now. I'm sure E3 will change that. I wish I was going ... maybe someday. Well, I hope you guys have fun, make sure to bring back the best coverage and take lots of pictures, pictures are always good.
Thanks, man. I'll do my best. You've got some good questions about the industry and your letter reminded me of a conversation I had with Joe the other day. We received a copy of a D&D interactive movie called "Scourge of Worlds". It's basically a choose your own adventure-type thing, that poses some interesting questions. It's no secret that Microsoft, for one, is fond of the idea of a set-top, all-in-one box. Are we going to be there in 5-10 years? Who knows? Expect an editorial on GWX about this very topic in the near future.
I actually had a chance to see the new Matrix flick this morning, but had to turn it down due to the crapload of work sitting on my desk. Ah well, what's another week, eh?
And what would be a day without a letter from our pal Bahamut?
Well, since you will be our eyes and ears at E3, I really only have one thing I request for you to look out for me for. See if you can find anything about Fear Effect: Inferno, please. I have heard its been canned or super delayed, but I would like to know, if at all possible. If this is at all to much to ask I will cover my clothes in honey around ravaging killer bees and bears while flogging myself in the public square (wait, we don't have a public square), oh and I really like your editorial thing on Bonk. It was quite interesting to read. I will read you tommorow, if you have updated.
Ask and you shall receive. Thanks for the props on the Bonk Feature. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I wasn't able to give it the treatment it deserves. However, I'm still planning on doing a big Turbo blowout sometime down the road, so hopefully that'll make up for it.
Keep the letters flowing, folks. If there's something you'd like us to keep an eye out for at E3 let us know and we'll do our best.
The Party That Rocks the Par-tee With each passing day I just get more and more geared up for E3. My mind is racing. My inbox is flooded with press releases and announcements. Myself, Sonny, Joe, and the rest of the staff are in constant meetings regarding our coverage, and I can assure you that May 13th through the 16th, GWX will be doing all that we can to emphasize E3 and all the big announcements.
What am I most excited about? Well, surprisingly the N-Gage has piqued my interest. I've got some one on one time set aside with some folks from Nokia to check out their new handheld, and while I'm not going to put much stock into the device's success marketwise, I sure am anxious to get my hands on it and see what it can do.
Beyond that, Sega, Capcom, and Konami will be up there on my list as well. I'm hoping to get some time with Viewtiful Joe and crossing my fingers that we'll get hands on with Killer 7, as the game's style is right up my alley.
I'll try not to fill this space with E3 rambling for two solid weeks. It's just that the GWX staff got our E3 media badges in the mail today. How can I not be excited?
Now I'd like to address a question to you. What do you folks want to know from E3? If you're not lucky enough to be in attendance, I'd like to do my best to be your eyes and ears for the show. Is there anything in particular you'd like to see? Specifically? Send in your requests and I'll do my best to get hands on with the game/s you're most interested in. After all, that is my job. Is there a specific question you'd like Nokia to answer about the N-Gage? How about Microsoft? Send in your suggestions. I'm not promising to get to everything, but I'll do my best, as will Joe, Hilden, Katy, and the rest of the staff.
Oh, about that game last night and my closing remark in yesterday's entry: nevermind. Anybody need a pretty-boy guard/forward whose last name rhymes with erbiac?
Scrummy About ten years ago I caught reruns of Mr. Bean on PBS or HBO or some channel that escapes my memory right now. Anyway, A&E just released all fourteen episodes on DVD and wouldn't you know it? The whole boxed set landed on my desk this morning. I'll be damned!
I'm not sure what it is about Mr. Bean that cracks me up so much. The movie sure sucked, but the shows are hilarious. Perhaps our European Correspondent, Craig Harwood can explain the magic of Bean to me.
Heather wrote in today regarding our discussion of pro gamers yesterday. Apparently something amuses her:
Professional gaming? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *snort**chortle**laughter*
~Heather
Yeah, to a certain extent I'm with you, Heather. The whole concept is amusing to me. But like I said, word to Fatal1ty to finding something that is not only profitable, but has to beat having a desk job.
Greg sent this in:
Hey John,
Let me begin by saying that I’m very surprised at this whole idea. I never thought I could get excited – let alone promote – an idea from Apple, but they’ve sold me.
Today they unveiled their new iPods and a service that looks to revolutionize the way MP3 players will be done. I know that you like to harp on the Music Industry and its downfalls, so I know you’ll particularly enjoy this.
It looks like Apple will offer downloads of singles for $.99 – and not just indie stuff – mainstream junk as well. You’ll be able to download the songs (or albums) off of their high-speed servers and directly into your iPod and Mac (PC later this year).
I for one am pretty excited, it looks to me like the music industry and MP3 have finally found a middle ground.
That is pretty cool, man. And let me say a bit about Apple and Macs, while we're sort of on the subject. Hilden is a huge Mac advocate and the more I'm exposed to that scene, the more I can see why. Now I'm not a tech-head and I don't know a Giga-whatzit from Joe, but Macs just look and feel right to me. Not only that, but Hilden's Mac doesn't have a motherf**king icon that pops up on his desktop every day telling him that updates are available for his OS. He also doesn't have an annoying little program installed that sits on his task bar blinking incessantly.
Anyway, thanks for the link, man.
Bahamut's back and he sounds a little down.
Like I have said once before, I am not very good with the written word. And the editorial line was a joke from my last e-mail which I now conclude you never got. I am sorry it was hard to follow. Maybe I should make a rough draft, then edit, then make a final copy before I send you any e-mails... nahhhh. Oh and I am finding fresh leads on Bonk 3. I am not sure if I will prevail, for my future be somewhat clouded, but I am still looking. Peace out, and remember, "Life is full of disappointments, I'm just one of them."
No sweat, man. I was just busting your balls a little bit. And do you know what else? You're the friggin' man for looking for Bonk 3 for me.
Sorry to cut this one short, folks. The game's on.
Won't Get Fooled Again Hopefully you saw these screenshots from Ubi Soft's upcoming Batman game. Those fine folks did a decent job with Batman: Vengence, so I am confident that they won't burn me in the same way Kemco did with Dark Tomorrow. Yeah, I'm a Batgeek, so to see the Caped Crusader dragged through the mud nearly brought a tear to my eye. In fact, Kemco is one of the companies that invited us to take a look at their goods at E3 this year, but in discussing the subject with Hilden, we came to the conclusion that neither of us could have a conversation with a Kemco rep without having sudden bursts of "How could you f**k up Batman so heinously, you bastards?!" So in the best interest of GWX and our safety at E3, we were forced to decline.
In regards to my outburst directed towards Sega earlier today, I realize that it was just that: an outburst. They really chafed my hyde with Shenmue II by forcing me to either import it or wait another year and a half, so the mere thought of Yu Suzuki and company abandoning the series - however unlikely the reality of that is - gets me a little emotional. Luckily readers like Bahamut are there to calm my nerves.
Due to the fact that Sega, has had financial trouble in the past, might try something they have not done in good sense in a while, take a chance (please note that what I am saying in the following pertains to the software only Sega and not there past Console..... whats the word.... exhibitions (I think thats how you spell it). You all see clearly they have been supporting X-box the majority wise, probably due to the fact that it is the most powerful (except in my heart) and its cheap and everyone will want to buy it, and I alomost forgot The Great Sega Game Qaulity (Which they have been lacking in to say the least). Well I guess the system sold decently, but not Sega's games. I mean they have in no way been up to par. I love the Dreamcat and It has some of the best games I have ever played, but after that Sega lost some qaulity. Gamecube being the opposite of X-box (light, small, can't really benchpress, the disc, need I say more)It not exactly getting the support it needs. So since Gamecube is not going to do anything with online..... yet (I hope) they are going to try there luck on that system. Cause think about it. Gamecube (to my Knowledge) has only one online games. Thus Gamecubers (I soon will be joining the cube ranks) most likely will gobble it up. At least they hope it does. Shemue, never played the game before, I have mixed feelings. They may not show it at E3, because everyone will be expecting it ( I think) so instead they don't show it and bring it out later when it is beautiful ( not saying it is not already, if they are making one) and everyone will be so "ohhh, ahhhh" and love Sega forever (or have a reverse effect). Personally I think Sega needs to get its act (wait, I think they are pulling already so nevermind) together and produce qaulity titles for the appropriate systems. But seeing as that does not pertain solely to sega I will not write my "editorial" Judge a gamer by its console ( I like the word editorial) well John sorry for the book report, you can hat eme later but, later.
Well buddy, that was a little hard to follow, but I think I know where you're coming from. To be fair, Sega's recent announcement of E3 games is more than enough to get me hot and bothered, and I think they are spreading the love fairly equally to all systems. It's just the lack of news regarding Shenmue III that bothers me. This is supposed to be a serial game, right? Even the Official Website is devoid of any sort of relevant information.
Joe has a theory:
I have a theory on Shenmue 3's mysterious abscene from Sega's E3 lineup. I think it's likely that Microsoft will be publishing it, as they published 2, so it will probably appear in the MS booth. Shenmue 2 was there last year, but in Microsoft's booth- not Sega's.
Anyway, outside of Shenmue, I received a press release today regarding pro gamer Fatal1ty. You may remember him from the MTV special True Life: I'm a Gamer, or whatever it was called. Sorry, my retention for anything MTV related is scant at best. (Nod to Mark Borchardt). Fatal1ty is the guy that goes to gaming competitions all over the world and pretty much dominates and takes home tons of prize money. I didn't feel the press release was particulary news worthy, but I did feel it deserved some discussion. Here it is:
AURAVISION SIGNS WORLD'S TOP GAMER TO EXCLUSIVE LICENSING PARTNERSHIP Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel Announces Game Product Line at E3
(SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA)-Auravision LLC, a pioneer computer peripheral developer, today announces it has signed Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel, the three-time World Champion Gamer from the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL), to endorse his own line of Gaming products and their lifestyle merchandise. Fatal1ty (spelled with his signature number one as the letter i) will be present in Auravision's E3 booth in Kentia Hall #6656.
Through this exclusive, worldwide master licensing partnership with the Auravision gaming division, combining his expert knowledge with Auravision's worldwide resources, Johnathan Wendel will be developing an array of products for gamers under the internationally renowned Fatal1ty(tm) brand. Products will be designed by Wendel and a newly formed team of talented gaming designers to focus on the needs of this huge lifestyle marketplace.
"Gamers embraced the EluminX technology early on and they remain big fans of our products that make it possible to have a high-performance gaming experience in the dark," according to Jeff Walden, Chairman and CEO of Auravision LLC. "We're pleased to bring products to market just for gamers with the addition of the Fatal1ty product line created by a true icon in the gaming community who, as a champion gamer, knows what gamers want."
"As an admirer of Auravision's capabilities, I'm looking forward to developing other great ideas as part of the Fatal1ty line," notes Johnathan Wendel. "I'm glad to be part of the Auravision team supplying the demand for sophisticated gaming products under the Fatal1ty brand."
About Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel
Johnathan first got involved in tournaments when he heard about a CPL's Frag3 Tournament that took place in October 1999. He won third there and was invited to represent the USA in Stockholm two weeks later where he won undefeated, winning all 18 maps against the top players in the world. He continued to dominate competitions all over the world, including in Singapore, St. Louis, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Korea, Germany, Australia, Holland and Brazil, to name just a few.
At QuakeCon 2002, he faced off against his rival ZeRo4 in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the year and ended up winning the match in a 14-(-1) flawless victory. He went on to place third overall in the event and fourth at the World Cyber Games USA a few months later. To top it all off, he won CPL Pentium 4 Winter Champions in December for Unreal Tournament 2003, a victory which netted the CPL Champion of the Year for the third year in a row-and each year for victories in a different game. For more information, visit www.fatal1ty.com.
So there you have it. I'm a little mixed at how I feel about this sort of thing. For some reason it reminds me of skateboarding and how it went from a group of reclusive punk kids to being a worldwide sports phenomenon; mostly thanks to the efforts of Tony Hawk. I find the notion of a keyboard endorsement a little silly, however, and the fact that there's something called the Cyberathlete Professional League (or CPL) causes my eyes to roll involuntarily. But hey, kudos to Fatal1ty to find a niche and a way to make some dough.
I'd like your comments and thoughts on the whole thing. Are you looking forward to the day when you can by a controller that has a box proclaiming how it's the controller of choice for some kid you used to beat the crap out of in junior high? Food for thought, I suppose.
One last thing before I pass out. I mentioned last week (I think) the Criterion Collection and the movie Brazil specifically. While some of you I'm sure have seen it, I have to recommend it whole-heartedly to those of you who haven't. It's directed by former Monty Python member Terry Gilliam, who has also directed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 12 Monkeys, and many others. The movie was made in 1985, but really hits home in today's world climate. Do yourselves a favor and give it a look.
Don't forget to send in your thoughts on that whole Fatal1ty thing. I'm really interested to see what you think of this whole pro gamer endorsement situation.
Where's the Logic? Sega recently sent over a list of the games they'll be showcasing at E3 in a few weeks and for the life of me I cannot figure out why Phantasy Star Online III will be debuting on the GameCube. Don't get me wrong, I love the little purple lunchbox and it sorely needs more games of this nature, but the logic of this move is far beyond my understanding. Having played both versions, I can unequivically state that the Xbox, with its voice chat and stable service of Xbox Live, is by far the more suitable console. I'm sure we'll be hearing of its release on the Xbox shortly after the GameCube's release, but Nintendo must be forking over some serious dough to get the first rights.
Secondly, looking through the list I see a number of exciting titles from Sega, but absolutely no mention of Shenmue III. Will this be an E3 surprise? Will it show up in video form only? What's the deal? Like many, I imported Shenmue II for the Dreamcast after they canceled the damn thing and sent it to Xbox, so the surprising lack of details on the third game in the series is making me a tad nervous.
I invite you to write in if you have an explaination or theory on what the deal is. Are they just nuts? Or do they just enjoy messing with my emotions?
Green Thumb I'm an old man. It's finally come to pass.
Yesterday was the most beautiful day of the year thusfar. Christine was at a family function so my intent was to sit in the house and play video games all day long until I became a staring, drooling vidiot. In the morning, I decided to straighten up the house a bit and took the garbage outside. The sun hit me like a slap in the face and I was hooked. I strolled down the street to the nursery to pick up some supplies and the next 4-5 hours were spent doing things I never thought I'd catch myself doing: pulling weeds, laying down topsoil, planting grass seed, landscaping with bricks and water fountains. And when it was finished, I sat on my patio (which is more or less a large slab of concrete) and looked at its majesty. Sure, the grass is a bit patchy and the flower bed hasn't come up yet, but the vision of it is surely majestic.
Just listen to me. Don't I sound like your father? Good lord...
Heather has sent us an email entitled "linky linky". I don't know why, but seeing that in my inbox made me giggle.
Here's a link that I really like. I bet you will too! Some of these are really great. Stupid Videos
~Heather
Thanks Heather. It's good to hear from you.
Well, I'm off to the Farmer's Market to pick up more stuff for my yard. It's sad, isn't it?
