Animal Planet joins the History Channel and (hopefully soon) the Food Network and Oxygen in Video Game Format

That's right, Animal Planet, who brought you "The Planet's Funniest Animals" and other things to watch while the WGA is on strike are coming at you in video game format.

The show: "Meerkat Manor," a show about meerkats that's narrated by Sean Astin (of "Rudy" and Samwise fame).

According to allheadlinenews.com, the game will be developed by Activision (the team who brought you the Tony Hawk games and the latest Guitar Hero). They're also looking to add more Discovery related programs to the video game roster and appeal to more than just teenage boys.

Come on, teenage boys LOVE Animal Planet...right?

The games are aiming to be released in late 2008.

The Perfect Shot + Net Connect

Spiffy, eh?

Well, it's The Perfect Shot by Nyko, the latest product for the Wii that hits North America next month. The product is strikingly similar to the Wii Zapper, which came out last week along with "Link's Crossbow Challenge" (note: that was the prototype Zapper photo in the post. The new Wii Zapper looks like this). However, this one does have a pretty cool toy gun chic about it. And no worries, you can still connect your Nunchuck.

They're also releasing Net Connect, the answer to those users who need an actual wire for their Internet connection. The device enables Ethernet use for the machine.

The Perfect Shot will go for $14.99 while the Net Connect is going for $24.99.

What says the reader? Are you interested at all?

"Super Mario Galaxy" - The Review

If you were skeptical about buying "Super Mario Galaxy," I think I just gave you a new reason to look into it. That's right, Mario flies around like a cute little Italian bumble bee.

"Super Mario Galaxy" is a breath of fresh air. After months of playing only first-person shooters and things on the darker side of the playing field, there's nothing better than putting on the red hat and jumping from planet to planet.

As a reference point, here's the E3 trailer.

The game, which is the fastest selling game the Wii has seen thus far, is a faithful and fantastic throwback to classic Mario. It leaves me nostalgic for both "Super Mario 64" and "Super Mario World." With retro details, right down to the screen which tells you how many lives you have left, the game is extremely faithful to the old Mario standards.

I was honestly very skeptical of the game. I wasn't a fan of "Super Mario Sunshine" for the GameCube. It seems that Nintendo has learned a valuable lesson - you can't beat the classics. Where Sunshine failed, Galaxy picks up. Although the environment is obviously very new and different in comparison to other Mario games, it still gives you that same feeling that was lost in Sunshine. Heck, the game starts with an invitation letter from Princess Peach right before she gets captured by Bowser. The Toads help you along the way. Sound familiar?

This is the best Wii game that I've played since "Twilight Princess." It's endlessly fun and I can't stop thinking about it. It takes a classic and puts a new spin on it (I mean that literally - you very well may get dizzy). Do yourself a favor and check this out. It's well worth it.

And come one! Bee Mario is so adorable!

This Week in Video Games (11/26/07)

Who wants fun? Well, there isn't as much to choose from as there was last week.

- Shadowgrounds Survivors (PC) - Why don't we just take a look at the trailer?



Who likes running backwards while shooting monsters? It looks like "Alien Syndrome," which wasn't good, so let's hope that this improves on it.

- Game Party (Wii) - Capitalizing on the success of "Wii Sports" and "Wii Play" comes "Game Party," complete with darts, table hockey, and trivia.
- Geometry Wars: Galaxies (DS) - The hugely popular Xbox Live Arcade game turns to the DS.
- Cranium Kabookii (Wii) - The board game comes to the Wii. Hide the children!
- Cruis'n (Wii) - You know, the old racing game! No, not "Daytona USA." Although that's the best theme song to a game ever.
- Boogie (DS) - See the post about the Wii release...but more compact.
- History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (360, Wii, PC) - Take part in some of the battles of WWII. Go Team Discovery Channel!
- Omega Five (Live Arcade) - Looks interesting, but who knows. At least it's got HD graphics. Could be worth a shot.
- Master of Illusion (DS) - A game that teaches you magic and card tricks that involve your DS. If only Houdini were alive today. Now that we have the DS, we truly know the true measure of a magician. Put down that PSP, David Blaine, and get to work!
- Speedball 2 Tournament (PC) - Some kind of futuristic sports game with a steel ball and rival gangs. And a TERRIBLE soundtrack. Check this out.



It's the only video I could find for this game. I mean come on - if you're going to put a soundtrack on YouTube, can there at least be lyrics?

I'm not going to lie, folks - there isn't a lot else out that's worth reporting extensively on. My sarcasm can only go so far. So here's a short list of the rest of the releases.

- Chicken Hunter (DS)
- Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey (PC)
- The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures: Starlight Starbright Charity Challenge (PC)
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Mobile)
- Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Wii)

Happy hunting, fans.

The Latest in Incredible Video Games

Oh dear, it seems that all of my dreams have come true. (SARCASM INITIATED!)



That's right, "Dirty Dancing: the Video Game" is here at last! I've waited so long. You don't know what this is from? Well check it out.



I'm ghost like Swayze.

ROCK BAND: THE REVIEW

I apologize for the lack of photos on this blog entry. I thought I had packed my camera, however I neglected to. But when I returned home on this holiday break, I discovered a shiny new copy of "Rock Band" in my living room. I got right to work.

Here are the vital statistics of the game play.

BAND NAME: Carl & His Handsome Weathers
MEMBERS: Myself - Vocals, and when it was permitted, guitar and bass
Justin Minsker - Drums
Jeanette Rowsey (my mom) - Vocals
Griffin McElroy - Guitars, bass, vocals, drums
Travis McElroy - Vocals
Brian Adkins (or Badkins, as they say on the streets) - Bass, vocals (once or twice), guitar
Clint Wilson - Bass, guitar, drums
BAND RATING: Ehhhh...OK I guess.

I'll confess that this game would probably be much less interesting if I played it alone. However, the glue that holds the magic of the game together is the chemistry found between you and your "bandmates."

I was Carl. The rest - the Handsome Weathers. We weren't great, but I can't stress enough how much fun we were having. Come on, isn't it every kid's dream to rock out like Keith Moon or Pete Townshend on "Won't Get Fooled Again?"

Great moments:
- "Epic" by Faith No More: I was on vocals and rapped it like Lamar from "Revenge of the Nerds." I highly recommend trying it.
- "Enter Sandman" by Metallica: I sang it like Robert Goulet (may he rest in peace).
- Playing "Won't Get Fooled Again" and feeling amazing (despite our lack of ability).
- Caffeine Free Diet Coke thanks to Badkins.
- Seeing everybody (studio audience: "Awwwwww!")

To those non-believers, I say try it out. Yeah, it looks like it moves a lot more slowly than "Guitar Hero" as far as the fretboard goes, but it doesn't matter. For one, it's a lot harder to play the drums than blip through the guitar parts (for me, anyway, Justin's getting the hang of it).

My one complaint: the "Rock Band" guitar isn't quite as good as the "Guitar Hero III" controller (each for the 360). It just seems to have more technical problems.

So here's my recommendation: if you enjoy "Guitar Hero" and have a large group of friends who all play "Guitar Hero" with you (roommates, siblings, etc.), buy this game. It is worth your time and money. I could spend hours on this game and I haven't even touched the downloadable content.

"Rock Band" is worth the price - but buyer beware: you need a few friends to thoroughly enjoy this game.

Shatner and T's World of Warcraft

Last night, I was introduced to the greatest video game related commercials. Ever.





Oh man.

Oh, and does anybody know the name of the song and the artist in question for the latest Spike TV ad for the 2007 Video Game Awards?

EDIT: Airport status update - one hour until boarding (apparently). Appearance status?


Note that my beard is extremely frizzy and unkempt, Michael is clad with his patented fake-excited expression, both of us are functioning on two hours of sleep. It's going to be an awesome day.

I might post too much today. Please comment. It will make me feel so much more validated (see also "a cry for help").

Post 150, or, Comin' Home

Hey faithful readers, wish BTVG a happy 150! Nice to see that you're still breathin', old pal.

So tomorrow, my good friend Michael Moore (no relation) and I are heading home for Huntington tomorrow via O'Hare International Airport (pending any weather delays) for the Thanksgiving holiday. When I get back, I'll try to post about any video game happenings in my life.

Wednesday morning at 4 o'clock as the day begins. Uuuuuuggggghhhhh.

New This Week

A lot of exciting stuff is out this week. Check it out.

- Rock Band (360, PS3) - If you haven't heard about this, you haven't been reading this blog. I'll give you my review of the game (with photos, perhaps) very soon.
- Mass Effect (360) - The game has sprouted controversy and good reviews alike.
- Unreal Tournament 3 (PC) - The next installation of the hugely popular franchise.
- Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (PC) - Third person co-op play. Sound good?
- Mario Party DS (DS) - Oh no! The party just got more compact, everybody!
- Link's Crossbow Training w/ Wii Zapper (Wii) - A cheap, new gadget for the Wii complete with a Zelda related game. Sounds spicy.
- Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) - Mini-FF strategy game using the stylus. Dig in, super fans.
- College Hoops 2K8 (360, PS3, PS2) - Forgive me, Madden fans, but the 2K Sports team are the best. I'd check this out if I was you.
- Soulcalibur Legends (Wii) - This one I'm very interested in. I've head a steady diet of "Soul Calibur" this semester.
- Soldier of Fortune: Payback (PS3) - It's Ralph Parker! Soldier of Fortune! (Kidding, it's a sequel to an older game about a soldier who is apparently quite wealthy.)
- Ghost Squad (Wii) - The UN has given you a mission: BEAT THE TERRORISTS.
- Time Crisis 4 (PS3) - There is still a crisis in time.
- Godzilla Unleashed (PS2) - I'm more curious about the prequel: "Gozilla Leashed." Control the monster and destroy things.
- Trauma Center: New Blood (Wii) - It's like the other ones, but now with a two-player co-op mode.
- Medal of Honor: Airborne (PS3) - More war, just right.
- Monster Jam (Wii) - Monster trucks!
- Sonic 3D Blast (Wii Shop Channel) - OOH! I'm excited about this one. This is a great old game that was released on the Sega GameGear and Saturn (I think).

Oh, and "Ghostbusters 3" update: FIRST SCREENSHOTS!

Enjoy this wonderful week for gamers.

ATTENTION PARENTS: HOLIDAY DEAL ALERT!

Do you have kids who like video games? How about boyfriends, girlfriends, or parents?

Well, here's your chance to be amazing.


From now until Wednesday, Toys 'R' Us is having a sale on games for the Wii. For any two Wii games you buy, you can get one free. This has got to be the cheapest deal for Wii games that you could get your kid (minus Black Friday, but don't kid yourselves, this will be WAY more relaxing). Don't miss out, you could be a hero this holiday season.

Suggestions for what to buy, you say? Well let's go.

For the single player:
- Super Mario Galaxy
- Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- Super Paper Mario
- Cooking Mama Cook Off
- Metroid Prime 3 Corruption
- Resident Evil 4 (for big kids, of course)
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
- Sonic and the Secret Rings
- Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis

For the multi-players (two or more kids):
- WarioWare: Smooth Moves
- Wii Play
- Guitar Hero III (although one kid would love this, too)

You're welcome - nobody wants an angry little one on the holiday season.

Oh, and "Rock Band" drops tonight at midnight. Word on the street is that if your kid wants it this Christmas, you better start camping tonight at your local Wal-Mart (or other 24-hour video game retailer). There may not be another shipment available until after the holiday.

Check Mii Out - An Analysis

"Check Mii Out" is the latest channel available on the Wii Shop Channel. It's actually kind of cool (unlike that "Everybody Votes" crap).

Essentially, the channel exists so people can upload their Miis while others rate them. Everyone from celebrities and world leaders to video game and comic book characters are subjected to judgment.


I was pretty astounded by this Jack Black Mii. I haven't quite seen anything like it.

The cool part? You can add your favorite Miis to your Mii Channel. So far, I've added Charlie Brown, Admiral Akbar (of Star Wars fame), and PaRappa (the Rapper). This Jack Black Mii could be next.

So upload your Miis and subject them to judgment. The good people at Nintendo also dish out contests, like "Who can make the best hatless Mario?" or "Who can make the best pilgrim from the first Thanksgiving?" Pretty lame right?

So here comes the BTVG "Check Mii Out" challenge!
- Who can make the best Doc Louis from "Punch-Out?"
- Who can make the best Dwight Schrute?
- Who can make a guy's face look like a ham sandwich?
- Who can make an Evan Minsker Mii (who looks disgruntled after recently waking up)?

GO, TRUE BELIEVERS!

A Next-Gen Breakdown

Let's see what's new with the three hard-hitters in gaming.

PlayStation 3

After lowering the price of the 40 GB model of the PS3 down to $400, sales for the system have doubled (and at times, tripled) sales compared to the previous two months. Look out - we've got a competitor for holiday sales. Thanks to the E-Commerce Times for the tip.

Xbox 360

Microsoft has announced that original Xbox games will be available on the Xbox Live Arcade - starting with "Halo," "Fable," "Psychonauts," and "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge." They cost 1,200 Microsoft points. This development brings the 360 ahead of the Wii and the PS3 of the game, considering GameCube and PS2 games aren't available online.

Wii

Finally, according to a mysterious GameFly listing, a version of "House of the Dead" (entitled "House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return") may be heading for the Wii. Also, the original NES "Volleyball" is now on the Wii Shop Channel!

EDIT: It's official: "House of the Dead" is heading for the Wii. Sega has confirmed the move. Will they incorporate the new "Wii Zapper?" Let's hope.

"Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say YES!"

I will spare you of any more puns or quotes relating to "Ghostbusters" in any way.

However, there will be a new "Ghostbusters" game, scripted by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, which will be a sequel to the films. The original four - Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson, will reprise their roles in likeness and in voice, set to be released in Fall '08.

The game will be developed by Vivendi's Sierra label, the same team that brought out the "Scarface" game.

Wow. And now for the great chartbuster, Ray Parker Jr.



Big ups to Joystiq for bringing this to my attention.

Reading for the Nerd

First, a thank you to all of the well-wishers for my 20th birthday. It was a good day, and now I'm 20. Who knew?

One of the most crucial parts of maintaining this blog is keeping in touch with gamer culture. Well, I'm pretty horrible at that. At best, I learn all about things like "I Am 8-Bit" and Penny Arcade from friends who work at video game retail stores (cough, Griffin, cough).

However, I just recently came across this book, called "Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life" by Bryan Lee O'Malley. It's the first volume in a series of one of the funniest things I've ever read in my entire life. Ever. I received the first two volumes of Scott Pilgrim from one Ms. Rowan Barrie for my birthday (thanks, Rowan, I really appreciate it).

The books are in the style of Japanese Manga comics. The catch? They're written by O'Malley, a Canadian, and the books take place in Toronto. The books feature actual locations in Toronto. I heard this from another incredible writer, Scott McCloud, who took a Scott Pilgrim tour of Toronto with his family.

It's the story of a 23-year-old (Pilgrim) in a rock 'n' roll band called Sex Bob-omb (Mario/Tom Jones reference - amazing), which forms after his band Sonic and Knuckles falls through. In the books, he aims to hold onto his relationship with Ramona Flowers by defeating her seven evil ex-boyfriends. On the way, he also has to dodge his own crazy ex-girlfriends and deal with the stresses of waking up before 1 p.m.

This book has been around since 2004, with four volumes currently out (two more are on the way, and a film has been optioned), so I know that I'm extremely slow on the uptake. But each book is chock full of gaming references - from the band names, to whenever he defeats an enemy (they turn into coins and items that Scott picks up).

If you get the chance, pick up AT LEAST the first two books. You'll finish them both in no time flat and ache to read them over and over again. O'Malley is one of the most talented writers I've had the pleasure to see in graphic novel form, and the book just leaves you wanting more and more and more.

(EDIT: This post marks the last time you'll see a Griffin McElroy post on this page without delving into the archives. Scroll all the way down and pour one out for mi amigo. Respeck.)

Guess what...

It's my birthday!

(Actual posting about video games soon to come.)

Rock Band and the Downloadable Content of Doom

Who likes "Guitar Hero?" Who likes the idea of "Rock Band?" Who likes amazing music? Look no further.

The good people behind "Rock Band" have announced the latest in the game's downloadable content. Not only will they offer "Who's Next" and songs by The Grateful Dead, but now new band/genre bundles have been announced (as well as more singles).

The Police Pack!

1. Roxanne
2. Synchronicity II
3. Can't Stand Losing You

Queens of the Stone Age Pack!

1. 3's & 7's
2. Sick Sick Sick
3. Little Sister

Metallica Pack!

1. (No songs announced yet)

Black Sabbath (covers) Pack!

1. War Pigs
2. Sweet Leaf
3. N.I.B.

BOWIE PACK!

1. Moonage Daydream
2. Heroes
3. Queen Bitch

The Singles!

1. Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival
2. Jukebox Hero - Foreigner
3. My Sharona - The Knack
4. Cherry Bomb - The Runaways
5. Bang a Gong (Get it On) - T. Rex
6. Joker and the Thief - Wolfmother
7. Brass in Pocket - Pretenders
8. My Iron Lung - Radiohead
9. Buddy Holly - Weezer

Did I mention all of Nirvana's "Nevermind"???

The Punk Pack!

1. Rockaway Beach - The Ramones
2. Ever Fallen In Love? - The Buzzcocks
3. I Fought The Law - The Clash

It's not hard, not far to reach. "Rock Band" is going to be incredible, and it drops in one week. BELIEVE!

Halo Comes Alive!

I know, I know. I'm terrible at PhotoShop and I haven't stopped making Peter Frampton references - let's move on.

Not sure what to get your loved one for Christmas / Thanksgiving? Why not the soundtrack to "Halo 3?" It's out November 20, complete with two CDs. The album features original symphonic compositions by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori (the guys from the last Halo soundtracks).

You can pick it up at most retail outlets that offer compact disc music. You can also download it (legally) at www.sumthingdigital.com. Pick it up for the kids - symphonic composition is all the rage these days (please don't mistake my sarcasm for sincerity).

(P.S., I haven't forgotten about part three of "The Orange Box" review).

The Orange Box: Review Part 2

So if you haven't read the last post, you probably don't know that I'm reviewing every game in "The Orange Box," Valve's addition to the Xbox 360 family (and soon the PS3 family). I just reviewed "Portal," the dark but amazing puzzle game, and now I'm moving on to "Half-Life 2" and the expansions therein. Here's a trailer to give you an idea of what you're dealing with.



Pretty amazing, right?

This game has been hailed as "Game of the Year" by nearly 40 sources after it's Fall 2004 release. Now, the game is available in "The Orange Box" along with the "Episode One" and "Episode Two" expansion packs (making it the most complete Half-Life collection to date). I only played "Half-Life 2" to get a real feel to the game, deciding to hold off on the expansions until I beat the original.

So why is it so revered? The game allows you to navigate through a (nearly) completely interactive environment. Pick up anything, throw it at anybody. That may not sound too impressive, but think about it. Let's say in a video game about you, in real life, you go to pick up a carton of orange juice in your kitchen. Most game engines won't allow you to do that. In "Half-Life 2," not only could you pick up the carton, but also throw it, pick it back up, and examine a noticeable dent in the thing. Now that's detail.

And detail is what "Half-Life 2" specializes in. The graphics are phenomenal. In the first shots of the game, you can see every pore in the face of the man who's speaking to you and every hair in his emerging five o'clock shadow. Detail isn't lost on the game, and you could spend hours walking around in one room.

Also, the game map is incredibly enticing. You navigate around a seemingly roundabout map throughout the game. However, the game is so intricately planned, that when you think you've advanced to the next level just by stumbling onto it, the Valve team made it happen for you. Everything seems to have a reason to it, and the game seems like it never ends.

And thank goodness that it doesn't. I don't want to stop playing the thing.

"Portal" Grade: A
"Half-Life 2" + Expansions Grade: A+
"Portal" Worth: $25
"Half-Life 2" + Expansions Worth (What I Would Spend On This Game): $50
Actual Orange Box Cost: $60
"The Orange Box" Worth (so far): $75!

So with two games down, we've already gone over - this is already shaping up to be a great deal. Next up, "Team Fortress 2." Will it deduct the worth of the game? Will it make it an even better deal? Stay tuned, true believers!

The Orange Box: Review Part 1

Note: I finally have access to an Xbox 360. Now I can review the games that my roommates buy / the ones that I'll eventually rent.

"The Orange Box" is the latest release by Valve - those zany folks who brought us the "Half-Life" series. The game features five games - The three "Half-Life" games, "Team Fortress 2," and the latest, "Portal." Since there are five games, the review for "The Orange Box" will be in a series (sometimes split up by news, mind you). I'll rate each game with a grade, and as each game is rated, I'll tell you what the game is worth based on my grade. This is basically to illustrate if you're getting a good deal, a bad deal, or a great deal when buying all five games in this handy Xbox 360 format.

(Example:
Game Grade: C
Game Worth (What I Would Spend On This Game): $10
Actual Orange Box Cost: $60
Total (so far): $10)

Now this is my first experience with the folks at Valve since I'm not very well educated in the ways of PC gaming. Thus, I thought I'd start with their newest release, "Portal." Here's a trailer (complete with a rough demonstration).



If you're still not sure, you can play a flash version of the game here, and although it isn't at all associated with Valve, it's still a pretty good representation of the game (without the graphics and whatnot).

"Portal" is one of the most unique games I've ever played. Upon first appearance, it looks like a very intricate first-person shooter. However, this game (while being somewhat of an action game), is largely just an extremely intricate puzzle game. And let me say - it's the best puzzle/strategy game I've ever played.

The goal with every level is, essentially, get from point A to point B. Sounds easy, right? Not with a variety of intricate obstacles in your way. So get to shooting portals into the walls/ground/ceiling and making your way across each puzzle.

The game also features some very humorous dialogue from the computer system (which I nerdily refer to as Cerebro, thank you) instructing you - in a very nonchalant and robotic manner - through the horrifying danger you are in at all times.

One drawback to "Portal" lies in the longevity of the thing. My roommate managed to plow through it in one sitting. Two hours of gameplay and he was finished. However, where this may be the drawback, it still doesn't hold much weight (seeing as you still have four other games to play).

And hey, you have a very interactive environment to work with. In the first minute of playing, you can pick up a coffee mug, drop it, and watch it break on the ground. What more do you want?

"Portal" is simple, yet amazingly addictive and innovative. I can't get enough of this game (considering I haven't gotten a chance to beat it).

"Portal" Grade: A
Game Worth (What I Would Spend On This Game): $25
Actual Orange Box Cost: $60
Total (so far): $25

So "The Orange Box" has four games left and is already over one-third of the way to being worth the price of the game. The odds for this one are looking good.