GamingAngels

Left4Dead 2 “Dude, Where’s My Thumb 2″ Contest

2009-11-11T06:49:18Z

Last year’s contest must have been so successful that Valve has decided to use the photo contest again for this year’s advertising campaign for Left 4 Dead 2.

Just like last year, Valve is asking gamers to take creative photos of themselves in front of one of the outdoor media placements in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami, Phoenix, Dallas, Minneapolis, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The entries will be judged by Gabe Newell and the top 25 entries will win a free copy of Left 4 Dead (probably the second although the press release just says Left 4 Dead) and one overall winner will get a custom engraved L4D2 Xbox 360.

“Last year’s out of home media campaign proved to be one of the most effective vehicles for helping land Left 4 Dead on 2008’s top 10 seller list in the North America,” said Doug Lombardi, vice president of marketing at Valve. “Valve has once again partnered with Gibson Media to execute the Left 4 Dead 2 out of home campaign and extend it to more markets across the US.”

To read all the details on how to enter go to www.L4D.com/contest

Torchligh Editor out now

2009-11-11T02:50:53Z

Many people on my Twitter seem to be enjoying their Torchlight experience. Now they can add even more to their game with the TorchED, Torchlight Editor. The modding editor is free to download and available now here.

Gamers will need .Net installed. To download and get the install go here.

There are tips for running TorchEd here. Last, mods will not be hosted by Runic Games but can be stored at the original Runic Games Fansite or Torchlight Insider.

Review: Blackadder Ultimate Edition (Remastered)

2009-11-10T23:01:53Z

October 20th marked the release of a great box set: The Blackadder Ultimate Edition. This set houses all the great comedy of Blackadder, and includes a variety of special features that were either not available or only unavailable separate from the previous box set. Now, you can enjoy all the greatness of Blackadder in one large set.

If you’re unfamiliar with Blackadder, it’s a historical comedy staring Rowan Atkinson (also the star of the BBC series, Mr. Bean) that appeared on the BBC in 4 series from 1982 to 1989. Each series surrounds Atkinson’s character Edmund Blackadder and his dogsbody Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. Each series changes timelines, but all follow an Edmund Blackadder, increasing in both intelligence and station through the series, and in each time period, Edmund is served by a Baldrick, who seems more dirty and dimwitted through each series. With each time period Edmund is saddled with some aristocrat less intelligent than himself that Blackadder has to put up, and sometimes uses as a patsy to serve his own schemes (when Baldrick won’t do). In the first two series, this aristocrat is played by Tim McInnerny and in the second two by Hugh Laurie, although McInnerny makes appearances. There are regular appearances in most of the series by Miranda Richardson (who plays Queen Elizabeth in series 2) and Stephen Fry (who plays a variety of roles through the whole series).

There’s some interesting new features to each season on this edition as well. On each series disc, you can flip to the special features and get a short history lesson from Tony Robinson on the time period from the series. If you’re not really up on history, this is a great way to figure out what would’ve been happening during that time period, or to find out more about the real life characters. Robinson has done a lot of history or informative specials (think: Discovery Channel) so it’s not a surprise to find him narrating little items like this, he’s got a nice voice for it.

My personal favorite season (even upon rewatchings) is Series two, set during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Elizabeth Tudor (played by Miranda Richardson) is portrayed as a bloodthirsty prankster through out the six episodes of the series, and she and her Nursie (Patsy Burne) and Lord Melchett (Stephen Fry) are constantly harrassing Lord Blackadder, great grand-son of the Blackadder from series one.

This Ultimate Edition also includes Blackadder the Cavalier Years (a comic relief sketch for Red Nose Day in 1988) a fifteen minute episode that takes place during the Civil War. Blackadder Back and Forth, a great movie about a modern day (2000) Blackadder having several guests over for a New Years/Millennium celebration. Blackadder has created a time machine as a con to bet his friends with, but it ends up taking Blackadder and Baldrick back in time. And, Blackadder’s Christmas Carol where Blackadder is portrayed as a kind and lovely Ebeneezer Blackadder, contrary to all the Blackadders before him, but in true Blackadder fashion, this story turns the time period (and the traditional Christmas Carol) on it’s head. Blackadder’s Christmas Carol has been one of the only Christmas type movies (aside from Scrooged with Bill Murray) that I’ve been able to enjoy on a yearly basis.

Below is the list of all the great things you’re going to get in this edition of Blackadder. If you’re a Blackadder fan, I highly recommend picking this up, it’s got everything you need for your Blackadder watching pleasure and then some. You can grab the Blackadder Ultimate Edition tomorrow from the BBCAmerica store and Amazon.

All-New Digital Restoration from the original program masters
All-new commentary with Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Tony Robinson, and Tim McInnerny
All-new interviews with Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, and Tony Robinson
Blackadder Back and Forth
Blackadder The Cavalier Years (Comic Relief sketch)
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol

P.S. If you’re a fan of Stephen Fry or Hugh Laurie this is definitely worth a watch. They’ve got great comedic timing, and if you’re only familiar with Hugh Laurie as House, his time in series three of Blackadder as the dim-witted Prince Regent, Prince George might surprise you.

Review product was provided by WB, and does not affect the outcome of this review.

Review: The Estuary by Derek Gunn

2009-11-10T23:03:09Z

Permuted Press has another zombie book written by Irish author Derek Gunn. The premise of the book caught my attention as it involved some history in the back-story, and I’ve enjoyed other Permuted Press books in the past. However I have to admit that I was pretty unimpressed by The Estuary.

This post-apocalyptic novel centers around a covert Nazi mission, which we unfortunately don’t learn too much about other than it gives the people involved a case of the heebie-jeebies. We are immediately whisked away to the present day where we are brought into the life of John Pender and his family in the village of Whiteshead.

Soon the discovery is made of a metal object within the estuary of a large metal object. Upon further digging, more canisters are found, which in turn begin to leak a strange gas. This infects any person who came into nearby contact and create the living dead who are obsessed with feasting on human flesh. The survivors try to escape but find that they are trapped by the army who have quarantined the town. The last hope for them is to cross the estuary to reach an old fortress that juts out of the water, which means getting past all of the infected.

The one thing that really disappointed me was the fact that we get the short prologue involving the Nazis and the secret mission. I would have loved to read more about that, but it felt like it was rushed. The rest of the novel felt the same. Events seemed to unfold too quickly, and in the end I really didn’t care for any of the characters in the book. I will say that the action scenes that happen near the end of the book were written quite well and I really enjoyed those. But throughout most of the book I have to admit I was bored.

I think this was one of the more lackluster books that I’ve read from Permuted Press, but if you’re looking for some new post-apocalyptic horror I recommend checking it out. You can always see if your local library has it to borrow. And there’s always great deals on Amazon!

Holiday Guide for Mobile Games

2009-11-10T21:52:25Z

Kids Under 10

Title: AlphaBetic
Developer: No Monkeys
Price: $1.99 Download at the App Store
This is an alphabet game that can help reinforce and teach the alphabet to small children. It features brightly colored letters that move graphically across the screen. Players touch the appropriate letters in order to progress through the game. The game starts out innocent enough but more advanced levels offer a challenge for older children and adults. A Lite version is also available for free.

Title:
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Developer: THUP Games
Price: $.99 Download at the App Store
This cute colorful app is most appropriate for preschool age children and focuses on teaching colors, shapes, basic reading skills, and counting. Its full of positive reinforcement and encouragement. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is available from the Apps Store for $.99.

Tweens

Title:Crazy Penguin Catapult 2
Developer: Digital Chocolate
Price: $.99 Download at the App Store
This is a strategy game in the style of Lemmings. Players are given penguins to catapult into polar bears. The more polar bears players defeat, the higher the score. Crazy Penguin Catapult offers strategic game play with cute cartoonish graphic and a festive soundtrack. A Lite version is also available at no cost.

Title:UNO
Developer: GameLoft
Price: $4.99 Download at the App Store
The classic card game is available for the iPhone/ iPod Touch. The mobile version has three different multiplayer and local multiplayer options and single player. The interface is user friendly with a zoom mode to make game play smooth. Player are also rewarded with unlockable items such as avatars. Uno can be purchased on the Apps Store and a Lite version is also available.

Teens

Title:Flickitty
Developer: dev3 and DexSoft
Price: $.99 Download at the App Store
This platformer is made for a touch screen. Players control Flickitty by flicking him or her around the screen. Players help Flickitty become employee of the month by completing tasks. The graphics are cute and the game is challenging.

Title:Real Racing
Developer: Firemint
Price: $4.99
Download at the App Store
This racing game is tons of fun. The game offers 48 cars and 12 tracks. Racing is simple. Steer by either touching or tilting the screen. Real Racing also supports multiplayer and players can add there own music to the game. A Lite version with only one car is also available.

Adults

Title: Catan
Developer: Exozet Games
Price: $4.99 Download at the App Store
This classic tabletop game has come to the iPhone/ iPod Touch. The game has multiplayer and single player and is basically true to the original game. The interface is intuitive and fits well with gameplay. While the AI is challenging, fans of the game may also play with friends.

Title: Rock Band
Developer: EA Mobile
Price: $6.99 Download at the App Store
Take you band on the road with Rock Band for the iPhone/ iPod Touch. Single player and local multiplayer via bluetooth make Rock Band a must see on the iPhone/ iPod Touch. The game also offer the ability to link up in Facebook. 20 songs are included with the ability to purchase additional songs from the in game music store.

Title: Dungeon Hunter
Developer: GameLoft
Price: $6.99 Download at the App Store
This hack n slash RPG offers a Diablo like experience for the iPhone/ iPod Touch. The game includes hours of dungeon crawling goodness with tons of loot with each adventure.

Stocking Stuffers

Title: Skee-ball
Developer: Freeverse
Price: $.99 Download at the App Store
Who doesn’t like Skee-Ball?! Simply flick the ball into the holes to earn tickets. The more tickets players earn, the more prizes one can “purchase”.

Item: Additional Rock Band Songs
Rock Band for the iPhone/ iPod Touch comes with 20 tracks from great artists like Foo Fighter and Smashing Pumpkins. However, once your gamer has exhausted all the songs, check out the in game music store for more tracks available for purchase.

Modern Warfare 2 now available and helping Veterans

2009-11-10T19:04:30Z

Activision and Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is now out at retail stores everywhere. Many retailers had huge launch events at midnight for the game.

“From day one the goal was to bring our fans around the world the most riveting and authentic experience we’ve ever created in Modern Warfare 2,” said Vince Zampella, CEO of Infinity Ward. “Every design from the smallest detail was crafted to place gamers in the center of their own epic, action movie — with the suspense, excitement and adrenaline as if they were starring themselves.”

“By all indicators, we anticipate Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be the biggest entertainment launch of all time. As of today, the number of pre-order reservations we’ve taken for the game is the highest for any title we’ve ever sold in our 6,200 store network,” said Tony Bartel, executive vice president, merchandising and marketing, GameStop Corp.

The expected game sales numbers for MW2 are amazing. Jedi Mind expects to make $500 Million in sales in the first week. That seems a bit high, but it is a highly anticipated title that everyone on my Twitter list seems to be playing.

Which is great because while they are playing. it will help unemployed veterans. Activision Blizzard has started the Call of Duty Endowment corporation the help provide job placement and training to vets.

“I could make the case that based upon the service and sacrifice of our veterans that American employers have their own call of duty to ensure they have the opportunity for gainful employment and a viable career,” Cheek said. “Our soldiers have a lot to offer: integrity, discipline, teamwork, and personal sacrifice for a greater good. I can think of no stronger candidates for any positions employers might be looking to fill. These brave men and women willingly put their lives on the line to protect the blessings of liberty enjoyed by every business in this great country of ours.”

Activision Blizzard will be using proceeds from Modern Warfare 2 to fund the Call of Duty Endowment and help others.

“We embark on this effort as a grateful nation. Business leaders have an opportunity to renew their commitment to the American spirit and to reverse an alarming trend of not recognizing the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military service,” Kotick said.

The website is currently live and you can find more information at www.callofdutyendowment.org/.

Guests at Element Hotels can cook with Personal Trainer: Cooking

2009-11-10T18:43:17Z

Nintendo has positioned the DS to be a chic and useful device to moms everywhere. Starwood Hotels & Resorts agrees with Nintendo and is adding a Nintendo DS pre-loaded with Personal Trainer: Cooking software for hotel guests. The software makes it easy for travelers to plan their recipes and cook meals in the fully equipped in-suite kitchens. That leaves very little excuse for ordering in now.

“We know that many of our guests, especially our longer stay guests, don’t necessarily want to eat out every night of the week, but they also don’t have the time to come up with recipes and create shopping lists,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select brands for Starwood Hotels. “Providing our guests with this best-selling hardware and intuitive software that serves up healthy meal options at the touch of a button makes it easy for travelers to customize meals that please the palate in their own kitchens.”

The Element Hotel also has an on-site 24 hour a day pantry which has ingredients and pre-prepared meals. To cook when you are away from home check out Element Hotels here.

Square Enix Europe formally known as Square Enix Eidos

2009-11-10T18:20:58Z

Square Enix

Square Enix bought Eidos Interactive way back and now they have announced that the reorganization of the two is now finished. The combined businesses will no longer be Square Enix Eidios but will now be called Square Enix Europe.

“Today marks a major achievement towards the goals we announced in July and represents the creation of an efficient and powerful structure for game development and publishing.” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “We have a formidable product-line up which truly showcases the diversity of our exceptional gaming brands.”

Visceral Games dates Dante’s Inferno Demo

2009-11-10T18:14:31Z

Very interesting surprise from Visceral Games. While Dante’s Inferno may not be out until February 9, 2010, gamers will be able to play the demo this December. The “Gates of Hell” demo is the entire opening level of the game.

In the demo, players will experience the fighting mechanics and take on Death.

“Our main goal from the start of this project has been to create a journey that will make gamers truly feel like they are going through hell,” said executive producer Jonathan Knight. “The demo will give everyone some insight into how we are treating the story and a taste of the gameplay. And with nine more circles of hell to explore once the game comes out in February, we are literally just scratching the surface.”

The title has not been rated yet and is due out in North America on February 9, 2010 and in Europe on February 12, 2010.

2BeeGames announces finalists in 2nd Indie Game competition

2009-11-10T17:56:53Z

2BeeGames have announced their ten finalists in their 2nd Indie Competition. The winner gets to be chosen by players that vote and a panel of judges. The winner gets $10,000 and a publishing contract with Zoo Games.

The finalists are listed below. Players can find their games at 2BeeGames.com where they can play and vote.

The ten finalists are:

Bullets of a Revolver – submitted by Diefox

Climb to the Top of the Castle – submitted by TwO Bros. Games

Cavemen Vs. Aliens – submitted by John Sear

Cochon’s Pursuit – submitted by Edouard Mercure

Daytraders of the Dead – submitted by Mat Groves/ John Denton

DriftMoon – submitted by Ville Mönkkönen

Kablooey! – submitted by Vertigo Games

Tower of Heaven – submitted by Askiisoft

Turba – submitted by Binary Takeover

Vector Conflict: The Siege – submitted by Dig Your Own Grave Games

“Our first competition yielded great entries and two incredible games that we could not pass up the opportunity to sign to publishing deals,” said Tony Tran, Founder and Community Manager of 2BeeGames. “This time around we’ve seen nearly double the interest and we are looking forward to finding out which finalist the world will declare the winner.”