*My 360 blogged my 10K feat, how cool is that.*

*fhttp://www.360voice.com/tag/giovani74*

*giovani74’s Xbox – Apr 6 2008*

Pick it, pack it fire it up, come along, lets get giovani74’s gaming on! Gamer score is 10,080. That is a gain of 135 points over last time! Did you ever think this day would come? The 10k club! That is a one followed by four zeros! 10,000!! Count them! He opened up Naruto Rise Of A Ninja finishing 2 achievements, Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 picking up 3 achievements, and then the lightweight went to bed. Freakin’ wuss.
*giovani74’s Xbox – Apr 5 2008*

Wow… giovani74 must have some kids or pets or dragons or something thrashing around the house… I heard lots of noise, but didn’t see any gaming. That’s alright, animals and people first, game consoles always second… I don’t expect much else.
giovani74’s Xbox – Apr 4 2008

Like a king on his throne, giovani74 said ‘awaken’ and for him I did comply. 9,945 points represents the size of our growing kingdom. Ok, enough of this Monarchy stuff. That is a profit of 20 points over last time! He opened up Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 acquiring 1 achievement, Naruto Rise Of A Ninja, and I think there was some random Live Marketplace browsing, but I wasn’t paying attention.

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In one corner you have the XMB (cross media bar for those who like things spelled out) looking to provide features that many PS3 owners have been calling for since the launch of the console. In the opposite corner you have the highly touted HOME which is a free virtual world that is going to provide some of the same features as the XMB once it’s integrated into games. So the real question is; are they both needed?

Tale of the Tape:

HOME according to the official press release:

“Home is a real-time online 3D, networked community available on the PLAYSTATION®Network. It allows PS3 users to interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share private content and even build and show off their own personal spaces to others in real time. Home will be available as a free download from the PLAYSTATION®Store and will launch directly from XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) on PS3.

With an avatar uniquely customized according to each user’s preference, users can explore the 3D community that is Home – a sleek, modern environment featuring spacious common areas; custom spaces dedicated to specific games; and personal apartments. Each user is assigned an apartment in Home where they can invite others to join them as they show off their own style in an area they can personalize themselves with furniture, art and other items – even a different view from their windows. They can also show their personal video, pictures and other digital media content found on their PS3 hard drives in their apartments. Very rich interactive communication with others is achieved through built in text, audio and video chat, along with sophisticated emotional animations for each character.

Sharing continues in the “Hall of Fame,” where users can display new 3D trophies that will be unlocked through in-game achievements, as well as real time score rankings in PS3 games”

In-Game XMB:

Probably the most requested feature from many PS3 owners is In-Game XMB. It will more then become a condensed version of the XrossMediaBar; making it accessible from any game, video or whatever you’re doing on the PS3. Giving you access to music, friends lists, message box, and any other feature Sony wants to pull out their hat to help gamers trick out their PS3 experience.

The Bout:

Now while both services are vastly different, where one is a virtual 3d world and the other a static interface, they both are going to offer some similar services. The biggest one from them both is the friends list and how that feature is implemented into how you play the game. Both services should bring about being able to access the main friends list from the PS3. While HOME is still very much a mystery and going through a closed beta testing; Sony ensures that while in HOME you’ll be able to connect with friends anywhere in the virtual world. Also you’ll be able to invite them back to your apartment to share videos and pictures, but more importantly it will also act as a lobby system to launch multiplayer games from. In-Game XMB is taking its cue from the 360 guide button. Part of the XMB will be accessible while playing a single player game as well as during intense multiplayer matches. This will give owners the freedom to view their main friends list while playing; as well as send/receive friend and game invites, also granting the ability to check messages. It’s also possible that one day Sony could offer custom sound tracks if they can get around a patent that Microsoft owns.

BG21’s Take:

While these two services are primed to boost the PS3 range of services to the bar that Microsoft has set, but if implemented right it could set Sony on a whole new path completely. That’s playing to the beat of your own drum. However one can’t help but wonder if In-Game XMB comes out first will the need for HOME to be used as a launch pad to connect gamers together to play games be needed? Granted you still get the value of the online social community in a very pretty 3D interface, but to hang out in a virtual world waiting for your buddy to come on and play games with is a mute point once you’ll be able to see him on and invite him to the game you’re actually playing thanks to In-Game XMB. All the cool aspects and functionality of home will kind of become the punching bag of In-Game XMB once it comes into fruition. HOME will have all the flash of a persistent virtual world that you can run around in play mini pool games, wait in line at the arcade for your turn to play, build up your swanky bachelor/bachelorette pad, and kick it with your homies in your crib. Drop in a free couch or two or maybe even use real money to trick out your spot in leather furniture; the sky’s the limit. Those are some hard drop kicks that HOME is putting up on In-Game XMB. But, with games like GTA IV, MGS4, LittleBigPlanet, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, and other stellar titles on the horizon for the PS3; the less flashy In-Game XMB will get you connected to friends and in these games quick.

The Outcome:

This seems like it’s going to be the classic case of “The Chicken and The Egg”. Basically which one will come first? If In-Game XMB comes out first and gives all the functionality of HOME without the 3D environment, then HOME just becomes a place to hang out and share some pics and videos (I hope this is policed. I don’t need to see home videos of someone’s amateur porn career). If HOME is the first to drop and allure PS3 fans by the thousands, then it’s possible that it will build a following strong enough to fend off In-Game XMB ease of use and streamlined access. Many critics from various shows wonder about the longevity of HOME once In-Game XMB launches; while others even question while HOME even see the light of day. Some has gone so far as to suggest maybe HOME should just stay put and Sony’s efforts should be concentrating on In-Game XMB and make life easier for everyone. So for now In-Game XMB is the people’s champ, but be careful cause HOME could deliver a knockout blow then later on down the road; tattoo its face and bite your ear off simultaneously.

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These are a few Blowup and Beat down I expererienced in Halo3. Enjoy!

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Namco seems to be giving up a lot of 360 love this generation. Tales of Vesperia coming to the Xbox 360 this year is looking to be another drop dead gorgeous rpg. While yours truly have never had the pleasure of experiencing any title in the Tales series; I’m starting to look forward to this gem of a game. The slated U.S. release date for the new chapter in the series is currently June 24, 2008, and this excerpt about the game from IGN makes me just drool!!!!!

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What more do we need to say?????? If you have the beta code, get it to crackin already!!!!!! And put up some impression for your fellow BG21 brothers in combat. Remember not everyone is fortunate enough to have both systems and a beta to Da Gear (sad faces). The code was made available if you pre-ordered MGS4, and the beta weighs in at 700mb. As of this writing IGN seem to be having some troubles with getting into the test run of this game

IGN:

“Downloading the update took us a considerable amount of time this afternoon, but once it was done and installed, we were told to create a Konami ID either through the in-game portal or on the Konami website. However, it would appear so many people are trying to create IDs, the system is down — not only would the portal not open but the website is down.”

If you’re able to get into one of the most anticipated multiplayer game of 08, then let us know what’s your thoughts and share the excitement already.

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Insomniac is looking to set the PS3 on fire with the sequel to their smash hit Resistance: Fall of Man. This title seems poised to tap into all the power that the PS3 has to offer. So check out this teaser trailer and keep the wallets phat for this game when it releases in the fall.

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Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery therefore like Sony, Microsoft is getting into the motion sensing business. Since Nintendo’s outrageous sales and innovative game-play caught the industry by storm even the mighty Microsoft had to take notice. Microsoft has claimed to be working on a motion sensor controller for the Xbox 360 since last summer. MTV News first reported and was convinced it was a late April fools joke.

This is a very interesting move by Microsoft. Now they will have to develop games that are motion-sensor friendly. Now lets watch the Microsoft fan boys retract all there negative comments about Nintendo, tuck there tale between their legs and buy a motion controller. I love it when fan boys have to eat there words.

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I am not a big Nintendo Wii fan but Mario Kart for the Wii looks to be exciting. I don’t think there are enough upgrades for the Wii version but nevertheless it’s still Mario Kart. Mario Kart is is the only racing game that I am any good at playing. So watch out Tazzaholf and Spitfier I am coming for you.

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I am a Wii/360 owner and I understand the commitment to online multiplayer and the only way it can be truly achieved, is if we give Nintendo the utilities they need. There is a time and a place for FREE. Some downloadable content should be free while others should have cost. To have a list of friends with the ability to chat with them at anytime and game demos should be free. A true online multiplayer experience can not be done without the proper funding. Sure you can have a free online multiplayer experience but can it be enjoyable in an age of instant gratification.

Wii owners tend to be supercilious when it comes to online gaming. We want to play Mario Kart online multiplayer but we don’t want to pay for it. Nintendo has over 20 million console sold. That’s 20 million consoles that are Wi Fi enable and online multiplayer capable. Is it even reasonable to think that Nintendo can support a fraction of its owners without compensation? Nintendo has to deal with 24hr support, bandwidth, match making and server support for millions of Wii owners, for FREE. Its no wonder there’s been so many issues.

When Microsoft started online multiplayer there were only a few million. They ironed out the kinks and bumps until they got it right. Though there are issues from time to time, it really is an awesome service. It’s well worth $50 a year. In this gaming generation online game play is a must and it is the future. Nintendo should charge a flat annual fee to play online. Sure it’ll be painful at first but the outcome will be playing a contemporary console; instead of an antiquated dinosaur. Change is good.

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Ok Ok Ok, I know some of you have heard our shows, and read our articles. I know by now it may seem that we are out to destroy Nintendo and everything it stands for, but that is far from the truth. I like that Nintendo is about family much like in the vain of Disney, however Disney has shown that it has the abillity to offer adult content without insulting our intelligence. I don’t think the same can be said for the “Big N”.

Now before I get knocked in the head with your hate, we all can agree that it was Nintendo’s own words that people become intimidated with the complexity of a lot of video game controllers. In an article on reportbusiness.com Reggie Fils-Aime goes on to say how the introduction of “Goldeneye” lead to “lightning-quick reflexes” which in turn changed the focus to complex controllers. And with that said are we to believe that this complexity can’t be solved by reading a manual or following most in-game tutorials showing how controllers are used. I get that Nintendo is going for a broader audience but do they feel like this same audience is not able follow directions.

Sure a lot of fans of the Wii will come to the defense of Nintendo with the mantra “Innovative Gameplay over Graphics” but does this innovation have to come in the simplest form? I’m not taking anything away from the fun that the Wii promises to deliver; however I know that fun can also be a challenging and enriching experience. Take Smash Bros Brawl for instance; here is one of the banner titles for the Wii but to be able to get the best experience from it you need to either buy a classic controller or whip out an old gamecube style controller. Both of these controllers stray far to the left of the simplistic Wii-mote yet it’s the fastest selling Wii titles to date.

In my honest opinion harsh or not, to stand up for the Wii because of it’s “Simplistic Innovative Gameplay” that’s offered in the majority of their catalog; is a voice that says “I’m not smart enough to press more than one button at a time, I need to flail my arms about in order to grasp what I’m to do to play a game.” Also we can’t just blindly blame the kids for this either, kid friendly games are offered across all platforms as well as family friendly games. Yet the other two companies have seem to be able to offer content other then the “move your arms in a swinging motion to hit the ball” type of game. Disney’s Pirate’s Of The Caribbean was a blockbuster smash for all three movies, and they were more then some guy on a boat yelling “Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum.”, but then again maybe, just maybe some people like the thought of being called dumb by a company. Go figure.

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