Greetings humans, Monki here with your weekly batch of gaming goodness.
This week marks yet another section of my wrap-up and another half-hour I dedicate to this column instead of watching "The Pick-Up Artist" on VH1. (God I love that show...it's all about Kino-Escalation) Yes, yes, I screwed up last week by not mentioning that the newest version of Metroid just hit the streets. I apologize...and to show how apologetic I am, I'm adding a new "Games You Need to Have" section to the column. These won't all be new releases, and they might still be a while out, but you should find at least five titles that you need to have in your collection.
This should make for an interesting week for me. I've been banging around in the Call of Duty 4 Multiplayer Beta having a blast and tomorrow night I am going to an event at Richard Garriot's house. That's right...I'm stepping foot into Lord British's castle...wicked. I'll have more on that probably later this week if I'm not chained up in his dungeon.
Alright, we have a long way to go, so grab a seat, grab a controller and let's roll.
Press Releases of the Week!
A crapload of MMOs have been going the anti-money route as of late, suddenly, games that allowed you to sell equipment are no longer allowing that sort of behavior.
This release hit my box the other day and I'm still kind of confused as to what it means exactly, but it sounds interesting as all hell.
London, UK - August 30, 2007 - London-based games publisher, Kwari, today announced and released details of its new multiplayer online gaming service, which will potentially change the PC gaming landscape forever.
Kwari's game of the same name is a first-person shooter (FPS) with a difference; players make money off each other in real-time. The game will ultimately be free to download online, but instead of being subscription-based it will use a unique free-to-play/pay-to-play model whereby Kwari sells the player ammunition in place of flat rate charges or monthly subscriptions.
The skill-based game has been built from the ground up around the concept of money changing hands at a tremendously fast rate, and was developed using some of the most advanced technology available to ensure total financial infallibility fused with benchmark playability.
Kwari flies in the face of the social network gaming ethos, which hinges on projecting an identity online, and for others to be able to interact or engage with that online persona. Bring money into the equation, however, and the rules have to change. Anonymity becomes necessary as well as psychologically appealing to a point where Kwari is virtually diametrically opposite to the core values of social networking.
"Money changes everything," said Eddie Gill, founder and creator of Kwari. "I wanted to create something that had more of a buzz than a traditional FPS. The concept of playing for money is not a new one. However, these games tend to be an existing multiplayer game with a cash prize tagged on the end, much like clan tournaments, which means only a minority walk away with cash winnings - and usually a small amount at that."
Gamers playing Kwari for cash set up an account, are matched on the basis of skill, and enter a game at a pre agreed stake level ranging from one cent to one dollar a hit. During the four-round matches (3x 16-player maps, 1x 64-player last man standing map called 'The Killing Floor') every time a player hits another, money is decremented from the target's stake and added to the shooter's. In a way, the player's money stake mirrors their in-game health, except it's exchanged from one player to another.
There are also jackpot prizes which require keys to unlock. These jackpots are fed by self-inflicted damage sustained by the players in all games being played globally. For example, if a player jumps from the top of an arena or takes damage from a hazard, their stake is decremented and this feeds into the jackpots, which are then released hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly - the latter are expected to pay out millions of dollars. Most importantly; all money paid in to the game by players is won out of the game by players.
Being a game of skill, how much money a player can win depends partially on their in-game performance. So to ensure a level playing field, all games are skill-matched so that only players of equal ability are able to compete.
"This is an inevitable evolution for online gaming," commented Al King, Global Marketing Director for Kwari. "Like most skill-based or competitive games, once played at a professional level or where money is involved, it's unappealing to return to an amateur status."
The game will be available for download towards the end of the year. Until then, the company has opened a sign-up website for the beta test program starting next week at www.kwari.com.
Anything that is "...virtually diametrically opposite to the core values of social networking" is fine by me.
I really do love the idea of buying ammunition with real money. Wasn't there a Chris Rock bit about charging people $5,000 for a single bullet? Anyway, looks like you badass FPS guys have something to look forward to.
Alright, from shooters to MMORPGs...this one is for you Lord of the Rings fans. This came in a bit late, but right now there is a free 7 day trial available for the new LotR MMO. Hooray for abbreviations!
WESTWOOD, MA - August 29, 2007 - Turbine, Inc. has launched the official 7-day free trial of The Lord of the Rings Online(TM): Shadows of Angmar(TM) (LOTRO). Beginning today, fans in North America, Australia, and New Zealand can play the best online game for free by visiting http://trial.lotro.com.
LOTRO has received critical acclaim from around the globe. Since its launch in April, LOTRO has quickly become the second largest MMORPG with an estimated 4 million characters calling Middle-earth their home. The game continues to grow with two massive updates that have increased the world by over 20%:
- 10,000,000 square meters of new landscape to explore
- Over 200 new quests that extend the epic story
- Introduction of Legendary Play where players can experience PvP as a powerful Ranger or a fearsome Troll
- New and updated features including the Reputation, Bartering and Music systems
"We have surpassed our goal of combining the greatest fantasy of all time with a state-of-the-art online social experience," said Jeffrey Anderson, CEO of Turbine, Inc. "And now, we want everyone to have the opportunity to walk through the Shire, climb the Misty Mountains, fight with their own fellowship in the War of the Ring, and fully experience the greatest fantasy of all time."
Eligible fans can participate in The Lord of the Rings Online trial program and play the game for 7 days, free of charge. At the end of the trial, players will have the option to continue to play LOTRO, and keep the characters created during their 7-day free trial time, by purchasing the game either online or at retail. To participate in the 7-day free trial or to find out where to buy LOTRO, visit http://trial.lotro.com.
The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is available for purchase at major retailers across North America. For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro.com.
Don't say I didn't ever give you anything.
Pretty Images of the Week!
Okay, this first trailer I'm throwing up here...wow...if you are a fan of the early 80's horror movie trailers...you'll dig the shit out of this one.
Kinda reminds me of Edgar Wright's trailer in Grindhouse...DON'T! As far as the game...looks like every other alien vs. human shooter game...
I'm still fucking stuck on Hard in Guitar Hero 2. Psychobilly Freakout can suck my balls. That being said...it's difficult to know you will NEVER EVER POSSIBLY ACHIEVE everything this game.
On that note...I submit this next video from Guitar Hero 3.
Activision...seriously...why? Do you hate me that bad? Do you enjoy licking my tears as they stream down my face to Dragonforce? You sick bastards.
Half the fun of skateboarding is watching your idiot friends fall down. Pain is always proportionate to hilarity. Enjoy this trailer from Skate.
I've been a Tony Hawk fan since the launch of the first game, but I have to say, Skate is pretty badass. It flows so much more naturally than the Tony games have the past couple of years. If you actually know anything about 'real' skating, I can imagine it'd be much easier to pick up. This one comes out in a couple of weeks...I'll be picking it up.
Monki's Seven Most Important Stories of the Week!
I had an interview with author Matt Fox last week, but it got buried pretty quickly. Check it out, it was actually a pretty great conversation. Congrats Matt on the new baby!
Jack Thompson is like cancer. You think you have it under control...in remission...then it spreads. Jesus...
Like the Wii, WoW prints money. Ask Vivendi and their Scrooge McDuck style vault full of virtual gold.
Naughty, naughty Sims! Who taught you how to do that? (A great read, btw.)
Apple is hosting an event on Wednesday. Expect new iPods...same turtlenecks...
Wil Wheaton, of TNG fame, keynoted the PAX a week or so ago. Listen to it for free. It's a fantastic speech and fits pretty well with what I ranted about last week. Check it out.
The XBox 360 Messenger Kit releases today. (Tuesday the 9th) This thing looks cool...I love that it just fits onto your controller. Well done Microsoft. Learning a thing or two from Apple when it comes to hardware design I see.
Monki's Six Games You Must Own of the Week!
Okay, welcome to the new section. Here you will find new games that are about to be released, games that have been out for a while, and sometimes games that are way off on the horizon. All that being said, you need to have these games. You might see a game stay on the list for a while...well, that is because you really need to own it. Off we go!
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Available Now for Wii)
I think it's pretty obvious why I had to start with this one. The Metroid series has been a Nintendo staple since before time began...the further adventures of Samus Aran continue on the Wii and this game is exactly what the platform needed right now. A boost of energy in a sagging library.
Stranglehold: Collectors Edition (Available 9/17 for PS3/360)
This is the first time that someone has really used the PS3s blu-ray technology to an advantage. On the PS3 version of Stranglehold you also get a copy of John Woo's movie "Hard Boiled." Sure, the game itself isn't using up all that extra space, but at least something is...right? It's also available on the 360.
Halo 3 (Available 9/25 for XBox 360)
In a section called "Games YOU MUST OWN" is there really any reason why I should explain why you need to own Halo 3? Really?
Heavenly Sword (Available 9/11 for PS3)
Heavenly Sword looks like the first PS3 game I personally am going to get into. I've always been a fan of the huge hack 'n slash titles like Dynasty Warriors and this looks like it will appease my inner bloodthirsty hot chick with red hair. This game was also featured on an episode of Heroes a long while back.
Bioshock (Available now for XBox 360 and PC)
This game owns my ass. If you haven't read the hundreds of reviews all over the next about this guy...you are sorely missing out. Pick it up and wander into the underwater city of Rapture...and try not to go too crazy. I love this game.
