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Gaming for Life - June 2008

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

June 28th 2008 18:56
Call of Duty 4 was released on November 7, 2008 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It's a new innovative war game that takes into the depths of war, and it's not pretty. The creators took great care in recreating WW2 weaponry and bringing it to life in the modern day.

Modern Warfare tells a continuous story, where you hop between the British S.A.S and the U.S. Marines. With each change, the storyline continues while still revolving around stolen Russion nukes and Mid-Eastern terroriests.


There are tons of enemies in COD4 that are all resourceful and merciless. If you don't take care of them, they'll do you in.

Throughout most of the game, you'll be making your way through a series of short levels.

The single player mode is great, and the co-op mode is one on its own. The main concern with co-op mode is that enemy fire and your own are sometimes the same color., which can get frustrating after a while.

In general, the list of complaints are short when compared to the overall length of the game. If you're a persistent gamer, you can probably complete the game in about 5 to 6 hours if playing the game on regular difficulty, but as you move towards Veteran, the game can take about 8 to 9 hours to complete.

Overall, Call of Duty 4 is a great game with an intense storyline. Where single player mode is a nice mode, multiplayer will keep you entertained for hours.

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My Pokemon Ranch Wii Cheats

June 26th 2008 14:28
My Pokemon Ranch was released on 03.25.08 in Japan and 06.09.08 in the United States, so of course once it was released in the US. cheats galore were released. Well, maybe not galore but there are several. Check them out.

Unlockables

Ranch Level Up
As more Pokemon characters are deposited, Hayley will make the ranch bigger and better, and as the ranch gets bigger, more Pokemon can be stored there. At different levels it will take a different number of Pokemon to boost to the next one.




Once you are at level 21, the Pokemon that Hayley brings will not count for hte grand total any more.

Also at certain levels you can bring more Miis to the ranch. Check out the levels with how many Pokemon and Miis the ranch can hold when the specific number of Pokemon are deposited.

Level 02 (25 Pokemon): Deposit 7 Pokemon
Level 03 (30 Pokemon): Deposit 10 Pokemon
Level 04 (40 Pokemon and 5 Miis): Deposit 15 Pokemon
Level 05 (50 Pokemon): Deposit 20 Pokemon
Level 06 (60 Pokemon): Deposit 30 Pokemon
Level 07 (80 Pokemon): Deposit 40 Pokemon
Level 08 (100 Pokemon and 5 more Miis): Deposit 50 Pokemon
Level 09 (150 Pokemon): Deposit 60 Pokemon
Level 10 (200 Pokemon): Deposit 80 Pokemon
Level 11 (250 Pokemon and 5 Miis): Deposit 100 Pokemon
Level 12 (300 Pokemon): Deposit 120 Pokemon
Level 13 (350 Pokemon): Deposit 150 Pokemon
Level 14 (400 Pokemon): Deposit 200 Pokemon
Level 15 (500 Pokemon): Deposit 250 Pokemon
Level 16 (600 Pokemon): Deposit 300 Pokemon
Level 17 (700 Pokemon): Deposit 350 Pokemon
Level 18 (800 Pokemon): Deposit 400 Pokemon
Level 19 (900 Pokemon): Deposit 450 Pokemon
Level 20 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 500 Pokemon
Level 21 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 600 Pokemon
Level 22 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 700 Pokemon
Level 23 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 800 Pokemon
Level 24 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 900 Pokemon
Level 25 (1000 Pokemon): Deposit 999 Pokemon



Unlockable Features
Favorites Reach: Level 10
Free Mode Reach: Level 05

Unlocking Special Pokemon
You can insert a certain number of Pokemon from your Diamond and Pearl games onto your ranch, which will unlock certain Pokemon characters, which can then be transferred back to your Diamond or Pearl game.

Mew: Level up your Ranch to 25 (Import 999 Pokemon)
Phione: Level up your Ranch to 15 (Import 250 Pokemon)

Easter Eggs

Earthquake and Tornadoes
If you shake your Wii remote while you're in the ranch, an earthquake will occur causing all of the Pokemon and Miis on the gound to fall down, and if you zoom out all the way and shake the remote again, a tornado will cause all of the Pokemon to be lifted off the ground, spin in circles, and fall back down.




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Bioshock

June 25th 2008 00:22


Bioshock was released in Augusts of 2007 for Xbox 360 and PC. The game should be released for the PlayStation 3 console in October 2008.

Although Bioshock is an older game in terms of how games come in and out of popularity, it's still a very fun and entertaining first person shooter game. It's broken into several large segments that are separated by logically placed load times, so it's not so bad.

Bioshock is definitely the game to play. If you're playing the PC version, you'll want to check out the patches, as they'll help you out with the kinks.

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As I slightly touched on in "Get Your Last Glimpse of GH3 Before Guitar Hero 4 is Released," it's true a new Guitar Hero is supposed to be released in October of this year (2008). This is pretty surprising since they just released Guitar Hero 3 last October, but they do need something to compete with Rock Band, so the release isn't that surprising.

Last year, Guitar Hero 3 was released in October, and a few short months later, in December Rock Band was released, so you know Activision had to come up with something quick to compete with the high sales and popularity that Rock Band produced.

THE INSTRUMENTS

The Guitar
The new Guitar Hero has to introduce a cool, new guitar contoller. This one has more features such as the touch pad located on the neck. The touch sensitve strip allows you to alter the notes during sustains by sliding up and down the strip. It can also be used for tapping to play notes.

The back select button is made to look like the bridge of the guitar, and it's now easier to activate star power. The D-Pad now looks more like a knob. The overall body of the guitar is larger and more realistic.

The guitar is wireless and sleek, with an accelermeter and a custom faceplates.



The Drums
The drums are probably the biggest change, when comparing World Tour with Rock Band. Instead of 4 drum pads and a bass drum, you have 3 centered drum pads and 2 cymbals, which simulate 2 toms, 1 snare, 2 cymbals, and a bass drum. The cymbals are raised above the drum pads and are positioned on hinged swivels so that you can position them as you want. Each drum pad is 8 inches in diameter, so that you are more likely to hit them. Plus the whole set is wireless.

To activate star power, all you have to do is hit both cymbals at the same time... Pretty simple. Huh?

Another big difference between the two drum sets, is that the World Tour drum set is much quieter.



The Microphone
The microphone is pretty standard. It's wireless addition without any buttons. In order to get to the menus, you'll have to use the controller. In order to activate star power with the microphone, you don't have to wait for special sections; all you have to do is tap it or make a quick similar sound at any time in order to activate star power.


CUSTOMIZATION

World Tour brings back all of the characters from Guitar Hero 3 and a few from Guitar Hero 2, but what's the point in playing someone else when you can be a rockstar yourself. You can customize a character and watch yourself rock out on the screen.

The character customization lets you choose the sex of the character, the genre (goth, punk, rock, etc), age, body shape, and body build. You can get as detailed as the size of the jaw, chin, ears, mouth, and eyes. You can even adjust the shape of the eyebrows. Add makeup and choose your hairstyle and color. There are tons of options when you create your own character. This feature will definitely be a hit.

You can apply tattoos by piecing together shapes and icons so that you can make your own tattoo design. You can even take decals and customize your instruments.



THE GAME

So far the track list includes Linkin Park, Van Halen, Sublime - "Santeria", Billy Idol - "Rebel Yell", and the Foo Fighters - "Everlong," but Activision understands that a good track list is necessary for solid gameplay.

You will encounter boss battles as well as career mode and quick play action.

The tour mode is similar to Rock Band. You can tour various locations and play setlists.

MUSIC CREATOR

Another cool feature with Guitar Hero World Tour is the music creator. Although the game will include over 85 songs, Activision wanted to add something special and new to the game. You can create your own songs by laying out note track. All you have to do is play, and the game does the rest for you. But, if you want, you can get technical and go into the editor and play around manually.

Where the music creator is a sweet addition for the instruments- drums and guitar- you cannot create your own song with the vocals.



Even if you're just a beginner, you can quickly and easily create your own music and songs by using the wizard tool. You can select a premade base line and a drum loop, adjust the tempo, and the basics are there; all you have to do is customize the song. If you have problems with rhythm, you can lock your notes to the beat.

When you're finished creating your song, you can publish it to the GH tunes. At that point you can pick which tracks will be played by the different instruments, assign your own cover art customizing it with the decal editor, select a genre, and more. At that point, anyone can download and play your customized song. After they play the song for the first time, they'll be asked to rate it; at that point the ratings are sent to the servers and Activision will track which songs are the highest rated, the fastest chart movers, and the ones played the most.

You can save up to 100 songs that you've created yourself, and you can download up to 200 songs.

COST

If you're trying to figure out the costs, well they're not too high....

The guitar and the game
PS3 and Xbox 360: $99.99 and $59.99
PS2: $49.99 (game only)

The full bundle to include the guitar, drums, microphone, and the game
PS3, Xbox 360, Wii: $189.99
PS2: $179.99
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Super Mario Galaxy

June 20th 2008 14:25
Released in November of 2007, Super Mario Galaxy is probably one of hte best Mario games out there to date. The game makes use of Wii's features without abusing them and making them old and played out, which is great as the game is no where near gimmicky. There are genuine motion controls using the Wii remote, where in some of the levels you need to travel right, move your Wiimote right or if you need to go left, turn left.



The layout and design of the game is not your simple Mario 64 world. You'll encounter random galaxy debri as well as random spheres, cylinders, random space structures that add to the larger planets that you hop between.

The designers of the game definitely improved the camera and it's angles and views. The new auto-camera adjusts to appropriate angles no matter what position Mario is in. It automatically pulls back to show you the full scope or to show you specific points that you need to progress to within a level.



This Wii version of Mario is probably the most animated and graphical version. Each character, planet, and galaxy is well animated and detailed so that each is one on its own. For example, no two galaxies are the same; each has it's own debri and planet designs. You'll see floating grassy planets, lava worlds, ice worlds, space meteors, ships, deserts, water worlds, giant mechanical contraptions, all of which define the different worlds and galaxies.

The one disappointment, so to speak, is that with any traditional Nintendo game, the lack of speech is continued through to Super Mario Galaxy. In many situations the theme music cancels out any audio that is present.



Super Mario Galaxy for Wii actually rates pretty high, almost a 10.0 actually.

The IGN rating is as follows...

Presentation: 9.5 An unnecessary side-tale contrasts with a traditional story. Otherwise, very slick menus and production values, not to mention WiiConnect24 support and a coop mode.
Graphics: 9.5 Outstanding on Wii. The first Wii title that looks like it's really pushing the console. Great art combines with great tech for stunning results. Runs in 480p and 16:9 widescreen.
Sound: 10 Normally, we'd harp on the lackluster voice acting, but whatever -- the orchestrated music is so totally amazing that it obliterates any other aural shortcomings.
Gameplay: 10 Mario 64 in space. Phenomenal platforming and a huge variety of galaxies to see and explore. Doesn't get any better.
Lasting Appeal: 9.5 40-plus galaxies -- all vastly different and filled with unique challenges. 120 stars to collect. Plus, a two-player semi-coop mode. Send your accomplishments to friends over WiiConnect24.

You can check out cheats for Super Mario Galaxy HERE.


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EA Sports: Nascar 09

June 18th 2008 15:10
Released in June 2008 in the U.S. Nascar 09 is probably the newest driving game created for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. Now, although I'm not much of a racing fan, I love me some driving games. It's so different than sitting in your living room and watching however many cars race in a circle trying to win. All the drivers and cars blend together, and it can be hard to tell who's who and what's what, but when you're in the driver's seat, and you're the one in control, you get a whole new respect for racing. Granted, of course you're not in danger in your house racing in comparison to on the track, but you get the idea.


[ Click here to read more ]
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Kane and Lynch Review and Trailer

June 16th 2008 15:14
Kane and Lynch: Dead Men is named after the two main characters- Kane and Lynch- who you will find on death row in the beginning of the game. Together the unlikely team must survive together and make a few killings along the way.

The amount of violence pulled in the Kane and Lynch video game is top-notch when compared to other action games on the market. The curse words just fly out of their mouths, and the motivations behind the characters are enough to make anyone feel for them


[ Click here to read more ]
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Released in the U.S. on June 5th, DBZ can be found for PS3 and Xbox 360. Definitely check out the trailer before you purchase the game. I mean it's an okay game, but it's basically fan-based, in regards to the storyline and presentation of the game. There's nothing big and exciting about how the game is played out. For the most part, if you know the bigger story covered in the Dragon Ball Z sagas, then this is just a a series of fights, lacking anything special.

You'll see a good assortment of characters and battles; the battles and combat being probably the best aspect of the game


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Guitar Hero 3 was released in October 2007. Japan, actually did not recieve the game until 2008; the month of the release depends on what version that was being released.

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Metal Gear Solid 4 Trailer

June 10th 2008 16:09


To be released on June 12th, Metal Gear Solid 4 features an aging and exhausted Solid Snake in the middle of a futuristic battlefield. Snake is equipped with new devices and a high-tech suit that transforms its texture based on Snake's surroundings


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LEGO Indiana Jones

June 8th 2008 20:07
Released in the US on June 3rd, LEGO Indiana Jones has been a big hit in the gaming population. THe game is a great game for kids of all ages, but that doesn't mean that the game is just for kids. Anyone can find enjoyment out of playing LEGO Indiana Jones.

You can find the game in all sorts of game consoles, including Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, PSP , DS, and PC


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GRID Cheats

June 6th 2008 15:49
GRID was released on June 3rd. If you've already purchased or pre-ordered your game, you may be interested in checking out cheats are available. Currently, there are only a few cheats, but I will continue to update this as more cheats and tips for GRID are released.


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Rock Band

June 5th 2008 15:12
Rock Band is a fun interactive game that has been formulated for multiplaye use while playing lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals. You can currently find Rock Band for Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3. There has not been a released date set for Rock Band on Wii, but there has been talk about it.

You can play on Solo Mode, World Tour Mode, Solo Tour, Solo Quickplay, Tug of War, Score Duel, and a few other various modes


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Xbox GRID Achievements

June 4th 2008 19:31
The US has been the most recent country to see GRID released, as Japan and Europe has been playing the game since May 30th. GRID will be released in Europe on June 12th.

Like any other Xbox version video game, there are tons of achievements that you can earn to up your gamerscore. The more achievements that you earn, the more experienced you appear to other LIVE gamers


[ Click here to read more ]
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Crysis Monthly Update #1

June 3rd 2008 16:33
Crysis is a first person shooter game produced by CryTek and released in November 2007. Although, this is an older released game, it's still very popular amongst PC gamers.

If you aren't already aware of Crysis, the game is played in year 2019. You're playing against aliens in a fairly realistic and exciting environment and storyline. The basic premis of the game is that an asteroid crashes on a tropical island, and the North Koreans rush to secure the area. The US Delta Force Squad, of which you are a member of is sent to investigate. You must fight the North Koreans and the aliens that emerge from the asteroid


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Halo 3 Cheats, Armor, and Skulls

June 1st 2008 21:38
Next to GTA, the Halo series is another of the larger and more popular game series. If you've already played Halo 3, you know that in this chapter of the game, Master Chief finishes the fight, which brings the epic sage between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a full-force climax.

by David Babylon

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