WiiWare

Wii

No this isn’t a hack for your Wii, this is a new channel that Nintendo will be releasing soon that contains new independent games available for download. Obviously this is an attempt to compete with Xbox Live Arcade as well as the PS3 online service.

The question is how will Nintendo differentiate itself from the competition, not only in variety of games, but in how they help indie developers create games for their system. It isn’t clear where exactly Nintendo wants to take this channel. If they want the support of hobbyists like Microsoft is doing with XNA. If Nintendo is, then they’ve got a lot of work ahead of them.

Considering the amount of retro games that have been downloaded since launch  – over 4 million – via the Virtual Console, WiiWare could be a great addition to help the industry create some very unique and original titles.

Hopefully all of these new games will not be mini-game related… This announcement also brings up the issue of storage. Who really wants to have tons of memory cards full of random games? Hopefully Nintendo will release a harddrive attachment.  🙄

ESRB Controls the Internet

The video game rating organization ESRB has gone into hack and slash mode today! Video game publishers releasing M and AO titles are being forced to have press sites age-gate any videos relating to their products, which contain mature content. Since StuffWeLike.com focuses a lot on its media player content, we’ve asked SplashCast – the technology behind the player – to add an age-gate system.

It’s pretty crazy though that an organization can now control the content that flows out onto the internet. This is something to take very seriously by not only gamers, but by anyone who uses the internet. The internet is the place for freedom of speech and expression.

It is important to protect younger audiences from graphic material, especially if deemed unsuitable by their parents. But an age-gate system is easy to get through no matter how old you are.

There are going to be some major repercussions here GOOD or BAD.

No Doubt re-unite, “Surprise,” she says.

 

NOTE: If you’re reading this from the front page, you’re not going to see the videos. I don’t know why that is. Either click “More” at the bottom of this post or click the “BLOG” link at the top of the page to see what’s going on. 

Believe it or not, I feel that there was a time that No Doubt did not totally suck. Back before Gwen Stefani’s solo effort hit us with the mind-numbingly stupid lines, “This shit is bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!” she put on a hell of a show jumping, flailing, contorting, and wailing to Orange County flavored pop rock. I used to be in love with Gwen.This past weekend, Orange County was treated to a very special surprise when the rest of No Doubt took the stage during Gwen’s encore performance, and they cranked out some old No Doubt tunes. Above is I’m Just a Girl, followed by the much inferior It’s My Life, both performed beneath the din of hundreds of screaming pre-pubescent girls.Supposedly, the band is back in the studio, recording a new record due out next year. Here’s hoping the band makes a return to it’s ska/punk influenced roots. Hit the jump for Spiderwebs.

First image from “Where the Wild Things Are” film

wtwtahead.JPG

If you told me that you thought Where the Wild Things Are was the greatest book ever written, I would not argue with you. During my childhood, I read and re-read that story so many times I knew it by heart. With that in mind, I am absolutely geeking over the fact that a live action production is being made by Spike Jonez. Now, in addition to being the greatest book ever written, Where the Wild Things Are may become the greatest film ever made. Do you hear me, Spike Jonez? GREATEST FILM EVER MADE! Don’t you mess it up!MTV Movies Blog has produced this (appropriately branded) first image of the movie, which already looks wonderful. Jesus, I can’t wait. Click the thumbnail below for the awesome full-size image.

[Via Aint It Cool News]

wtwta.jpg

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, New Scans!

mp3header.JPG

Squee! I <3 Metroid.European gaming mag Play has gotten hold of some hot new images of the upcoming Wii title, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, and I’ve got to say, it’s looking very nice. I’ve been awesome enough to gallery them below for your viewing pleasure. No need to thank me. Just cross your fingers and hope I don’t get sued.
mp31.jpgmp32.jpg