Joel “the illmatic Genius” talks about Microsoft attempted buyout with yahoo. Kid Sidious discuss XNA and video games on the Zune. Joel also gives us his Hot Chic of the Week.

 

 BG21 Episode 11 [70:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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The Sony brand is expected to have it’s biggest year since the PS3 was released. AAA games like Final Fantasy, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid will be released this year; so why is Phil Harrison resigning? Phil has previously stated, how Sony’s reluctance to fully embrace social gaming handed Nintendo a significant advantage yet is that the reason Harrison is stepping down. Phil obviously is not being pushed out like Ken Kutaragi because Sony has made major strides in the gaming industry. SCE has sold millions in downloadable content, boasts the only FREE online multiplayer service, has defeat HD DVD in the format war and now the PS3 has the games to back up the console. Gamers and fanboys from all genres are shocked by Phil departure from SCE.  The official respons from Sony is,

“Phil feels it is time to move on and address new challenges. Kazuo Hirai will assume position of President of SCE WWS. The projects that Phil has been working on are still on track and sticking to their current schedules. Each title and project is supported by a wide variety of people behind the scenes to ensure the highest quality and execution. We wish Phil the best of luck in whatever new path his career takes him.”

Phil Harrison will truely be missed as the face of the Playstation. Phil in many ways is father to the Xbox and Nintendo as well. If there wasn’t a PS2, I doubt there would be an Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii.

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Gamers around the world should stand up and applause!!!!! For the first time ever, a video game is actually being showcased in a positive light and not being blamed for turning someone into a maniac. While I thought I would never live to see this day, seems like the old saying “Never Say Never’ holds true. The top 10 Halo 3 plays are taken from the Saved Film feature built into Halo 3. These plays are showcased on MLG and the top 5 plays can be found in this weeks Bungie Favorites. Due to the recent partnership between MLG and ESPN, these incredible plays and the insanely skilled players behind them get a moment in glory. One that was only held until now by some of the worlds greatest atheletes. So without further ado, Master Chief, take it away:

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I just finished watching the video from Silcon Knights, the developing of Too Human, and let me tell you it has now established itself to me as a MUST BUY. To say that this game looks sick, is really underplaying it. This may be the game that has the perfect marriage of Action and RPG elements. All I need is a release date and some funds to scoop this little gem up. I guess I’m going to have to start collecting plastic soda bottles for the deposit….damn!!!!!!!!!

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If you seen it then watch it again, and if you haven’t seen it what the hell are you waiting for????  Coming to the PS3 and 360 (keeping fingers crossed for this year) Borderlands could very well be that sleeper that gets everyone talking.  So check out the teaser, and we here a BG21 well keep an eye on this gem of a game.

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Always get into that argument with your friend that games should be about gameplay and not graphics?  Ever wish you could show him how important graphics are at pushing the boundries and in turn enhancing gameplay???   Well now you can win that argument!!!  ImageMetrics has revealed that their facial animation solution has been used in some popular titles that have been released, and some that’s still making their way to store shelves.   Now to say that this facial animation solution is quite amazing work is really underplaying it.  So check out the video for yourself and you can see why games like Top Spin 3, Epic’s Unreal Tournament 3, and Rockstar’s Midnight Club Los Angeles and Grand Theft Auto IV are showcasing some very convincing facial expressions.

Now this is not to say that graphics are indeed everything, but if you get that perfect marriage of graphics and gameplay; then you just might be in for a truly next gen experience.

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We at BattleGround21 report only the hard hitting news.  After weeks of bashing Mario in his new hit game Mario Galaxy, I received an off the record call from Mario.  I was surprised!  As I held the phone in shock and awe, I slowly grabbed my pen and steno pad and preceded with the interview.

Illmatic Genius:
How did you feel when Nintendo approached you about doing Super Mario Galaxy?

Mario:  I was excited by the script Mr Illmatic.  It was something that I haven’t done before therefore expanding my horizon.

Illmatic Genius:  Gamers have been waiting for you to make a strong showing since Mario 64.  Do you think Mario Galaxy accomplished this?

Mario:  Our numbers are strong in Japan and the US and numbers don’t lie.

Illmatic Genius:  Sometimes they do, if your Sony.

Mario:  No comment.  (wink)

Illmatic Genius:  I’ve been really critical about Nintendo not giving you a love scene.  Do you hold any bitterness toward Nintendo?

Mario:  I would like a romantic scene with Rosalina or the Princess but Nintendo feels as though Nintendo gamers wouldn’t respond well to it.

Illmatic Genius:  Is this because Nintendo is marketed towards children and senior citizens?

Mario:  Probably but it’s also good to stay on Jack Thompson’s good side.  He’s never accused me of causing any violent situations. 

Illmatic Genius:  We have heard rumors of you and the Princess for years, is it any truth to the rumors.

Mario:  Nintendo made us sign a contract to never touch or speak in public or private.  There is a strict do not touch or cohabitate clause in our contract as well. 

Illmatic Genius:  Do you ever sneak a peek at the Princess?

Mario:  Nintendo has strict rules about adult working situations.  We are restricted from flirting on the set or eye balling a person of the opposite sex.

Illmatic Genius:   Wow!  So Nintendo wouldn’t green light a Mature rated Mario. 

Mario:  No.

Illmatic Genius:  Would you like to work for Microsoft of Sony game division?

Mario:  That’s not even an option.

Illmatic Genius:  Who would you like a romantic scene with?

Mario:  I’m really feeling Bastila from KOTOR or the alien from Mass Effect . Liara T’soni.

I will have more from my interview with Mario next week.  We discuss his next game and his estrange relationship with Luigi

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Kid Sidious and Joe “The illmatic Genius” discuss Eternal Sonata, Sony’s big comeback and Joel’s gives his hot chic of the week

 

 BG21 Episode 10 [68:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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