Videos: GLSEN Takes On "That's So Gay"

We have tackled the subject of the appropriateness of the phrase "That's so gay" on GayGamer before. It has become a fairly commonly used phrase for something derogatory much to the chagrin of many gay people. You hear it everywhere and of course it seems to run rampant as an insult during online play. Well, the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) has finally had enough and have launched an ad campaign titled "Think before you speak" targeting teens about the misuse of the word. Celebrities like Hillary Duff and the hilarious Wanda Sikes have gotten on board and appeared in the public service spots. I applaud GLSEN and the celebs for bringing more attention to this matter and I sincerely hope that it will serve to make some changes happen. You can see the Wanda Sikes clip above and make the jump to check out the Hillary Duff spot and one other featuring someone I don't recognise.

Wii-kly WiiWare and Virtual Console Update - 10/13/08

Another week, and another batch of four new games to download for your Wii. Nintendo's on a roll.

I've been hearing nothing but good things about today's WiiWare release of World of Goo. Created by fellow gay gamer and friend of GayGamer.net Kyle Gabler and his business partner Ron Carmel, the game has some seriously addicting physics-based puzzle gameplay. If you want to support indie developers (and you should) then World of Goo is some of the best you'll get. It might be a little pricier than the typical WiiWare game, but as some early reviews have noted, it's more fun and fleshed out than some of the full-priced retail games for Wii. Plus, the art style is absolutely beautiful, so you really can't go wrong.

Nintendo also dropped a bombshell this week in the form of the SNES classic Secret of Mana. So those wanting to relive one of the greatest RPGs of all time will finally get the chance to do so.

For those who don't want to play with gooey physics or 16-bit fantasy, Nintendo has released Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition from the Sega Genesis and a new entry it the Art Style series with Art Style: CUBELLO. The last Art Style game was actually really good, so gamers wanting something unique (after you've already played World of Goo to death) might want to check it out.

WiiWare

• World of Goo (2D Boy, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone--Comic Mischief, 1,500 Wii Points): World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Grab living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues. The millions of Goo Balls that live in the beautiful World of Goo are curious to explore--but they don't know that they are in a game, or that they are extremely delicious. World of Goo Corporation is contractually obligated to state that everyone is a winner, and is enthusiastic to celebrate everyone's Goo building opportunities equally.

• Art Style: CUBELLO (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Art Style: CUBELLO mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: CUBELLO.

Virtual Console

• SECRET OF MANA (Super NES, 1-3 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older--Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 800 Wii Points): Good and evil battle for a young warrior's heart. There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting this balance, spreading evil throughout the land. Thus, the warrior must undertake a dangerous journey to find the seeds of the Mana tree, which have been hidden for centuries. Only then can perfect harmony be restored. In this incredible adventure, things are not as they seem. Magic swords release evil as well as fight it. Treasure chests hold booby traps. Monsters are friends and friends are enemies. Potions give power, black magic takes it away. Dragons fly, weapons change. It's a world turned upside down that you must help the warrior make right. And the only way to succeed is to solve the Secret of Mana.

• STREET FIGHTER II: SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen--Violence, 800 Wii Points): STREET FIGHTER II': SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION was the first STREET FIGHTER game released for the Sega Genesis console. The STREET FIGHTER series can be considered one of the first fighting games to popularize competitive video game fighting. This version of the game contains both the CHAMPION and HYPER rule sets, from the two editions released in the arcades. It also introduced an exclusive Group Battle mode that is now a general feature in most fighting games. Play as one of 12 different characters, each with their own distinctive fighting style. Try single-player mode or challenge a friend in this legendary, classic fighting game.

Gay Gamer of The Week: Jason C.

Name: Jason C.

Age: 24

Astrological sign: Aquarius

Gay, Straight or Bi: Gay

Relationship Status: Taken/Engaged (more than 3 years) :-)

Consoles/handhelds you own: Current: 360, PS2, PSP, DS, & PC Past: Fairchild, Atari 2600, Nintendo, SNES, GameBoy, GameBoy Color, GBA/SP, N64, GameCube, Game Gear, Genesis, Nomad, Saturn, Dreamcast, PlayStation... Yeah, a little bit of everything.

New Releases For The Week Of 10/13/08

In space, no one can hear you scream. So save your breath when you get lost in the creepy world of Dead Space this week. If you're interested in the game might I suggest taking a look at Dawdle's and Fruit Brute's impressions on the game. For those of you who'd rather play games that won't make you wet your pants in terror this week has the release of Saints Row 2. Will it live up to the high standards of GTAIV, or just be some solid fun? Wii owners are being asked to give music a second chance with Boogie SuperStar, after the first lackluster entry in the series are gamers willing to take another look? Speaking of music games, Konami, the company arguably responsible for the creation of the genre releases Rock Revolution which has the unfair release date of right before Rock Band 2 hits the PS3 and right after it hit the 360. Let the guitar wars begin!

• FIFA Soccer 09 (PS3, X360, WII, PC, PS2, PSP, DS)
• Saints Row 2 (X360, PS3)
• Dead Space (X360, PS3)
• Blitz: The League II (X360, PS3)
• SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation (PS3)
• Golden Axe: Beast Rider (X360, PS3)
• Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches (PC)
• Dark Horizon (PC)
• Rock Revolution (X360, PS3, WII, DS)
• Sniper - Art of Victory (PC)
• Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 (DS)
• Boogie SuperStar (WII)

New Diablo III Class Revealed - The Wizard

Joining the grizzled Barbarian and the spooky Witch Doctor, Blizzard announced a new playable class for the upcoming Diablo III - the brash and youthful Wizard. This is not your father's Gandalf, and in the backstory of the character, Blizzard goes to great lengths to point out the class's independent nature.

Owing to my lack of tolerance for those who would use magic towards their own nefarious ends, many have assumed that I am averse to the practice of the magical arts on a philosophical level. Nothing could be farther from the truth. My quarrel is with those sorcerers who dismiss the ancient traditions and teachings - teachings that have been honed over millennia in order to preserve respect for authority and the rule of law. ...

Recently the youth of Caldeum have fallen prey to the overblown stories of just such a delinquent wizard. That is correct: I used the uncouth term wizard, not sorcerer. It seems that even the title of a civilized magic wielder is too restrictive for this young upstart. ...

Those wiser than you or I determined long ago that certain schools of magic were too dangerous and forbade their practice. It is those magics that this wizard seems determined to explore - magics centered on manipulating the primal forces from which reality is constructed. Imagine, a headstrong nineteen-year-old youth, able to warp time itself to her will! The thought is truly terrifying.

Despite the feminine pronouns, you can play the Wizard as either a male or female, like all classes in Diablo III. The class also brings new skills like Disintegrate, Electrocute, Magic Missile, Teleport, and the very cool looking Slow Time, all of which you can see demonstrated in a video on the character's bio page. After the break, check out the the new character's trailer featuring a few of the above, as well as some other unrevealed abilities.

TGS 08: Video Round-Up

Fruit Brute and I aren't at TGS this year, a fact for which I'm not-so-secretly relieved (not that TGS isn't gaming's Mecca, but it ain't easy on the wallet, the back, or me-fitting-in-a-Japanese-subway-train-for-two-hours-each-way). However, even though we're enjoying a staycation this year, we're bringing you the latest trailers from the event outside Tokyo.

Make the jump for vids of Tekken 6, Bayonetta, No More Heroes 2, Resident Evil 5, Mirror's Edge, Castlevania, and The Last Remnant!

Alone In The Dark: Inferno

The universally panned Alone in the Dark is getting some redux treatment for its PS3 release, and the changes seem to be large enough to merit a brand new subtitle: Alone in the Dark: Inferno. That, or Atari knows it needs to convince gamers why they should snap up a game today that was almost unsellable yesterday.

On the other hand, developer Eden Games has "responded to the feedback of media and gamers" and offers up "sizzling gameplay enhancements, red-hot content and the hellish storyline..." I don't know if calling the storyline "hellish" is necessarily the way to sell copies, but at least they've gone whole hog on the "Inferno" theme.

Improvements include:

• Full 360 degree camera control
• Fine-tuned controls for faster, reflexive gameplay
• More accessible inventory system lets you scroll rapidly through the inventory, game paused while inventory open
• More on-screen tips
• Spectral Vision tuning, including a tutorial
• Improved car dynamics and handling
• 59th Street level improved for gameplay and clarity
• Brand new thrilling action sequence in Episode 6

Okay, those improvements do sound substantial, and while it may be too late to help sales, and although those improvements sound like they should have been there all along, it's still good to see a game publisher address widespread criticism concerning issues of minimum acceptable design standards.

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

It's Friday already so you know what that means... weekend game time! There really needs to be more hours in the day. Between performing in a play Thurs- Sat and preparing for my upcoming art show on the 19th (which includes a Silent Hill Nurse!) and trying to squeeze in game time I hardly have anything left that could be construed as actual down time. Still, I will be sure to make room for this weekend's gaming which will include more Silent Hill: Homecoming and many more hours of Fable II (It's INcredible). As long as I don't lose my mind before then I should be here next week to fill you in on all of Silent Hill's gory details and keep your eyes peeled on the 20th for my huge Fable II review. With so many amazing titles coming out in the next few weeks my gaming dance card is going to be more than filled. That pretty much covers it for me so, what are YOU playing this weekend?

Gay Marriage: Not Just For Video Games Anymore

It's interesting to think that the video games industry, which can often be a cesspool of homophobia (stemming mainly from players, not from industry insiders) would end up pioneering gay marriage before it actually hit real life. From the Sims to Fable and Fable II, video games have been exploring gay marriage for quite some time.

Today, Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled that gay couples will have the right to marry in that state. I don't need to tell you what a huge step forward this is, especially for such a seemingly conservative state. Hopefully this will help bolster people here in California to get out and vote NO on Proposition 8 which is set up to ban gay marriage. Even if you don't ever plan on getting married yourself, there are plenty of people out there who would benefit from your vote on this issue. Don't let gay marriage in California be confined to your home gaming console. Vote NO on Prop 8.

Left 4 Dead Demo To Hit In Early November

As some of you might remember, Fruit, Dawdle, Game-boy, and I all got to try our grubby little hands on Left 4 Dead at PAX. I will readily admit that I had a great time playing, despite usually not liking zombie shooter games. Well, the game is due out on November 14th, but before then it looks like Valve will be dropping a good on us all. Apparently in early November they will be releasing a demo of the game that allows you to play 4-player co-op on your PC or Xbox 360 from the No Mercy campaign. Sounds pretty sweet and is a good opportunity to see just how much fun this game can be with the delicious co-op side of this game. Enjoy!

Latest Left 4 Dead Demo Details [Edge]

PlayStation Network Store Update - 10/09/08

Are games art? The PSN store just may answer this very question with the release of Linger in Shadows, which from what I've gathered is a leaving work of art that players are encouraged to explore. For less than three dollars there isn't a reason not to check this out. If you're looking for a bit of action then jump behind the wheel of Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars and get ready for online gaming on the Unreal engine. Finally, while it has dominated the handhelds, the Puzzle Quest series is looking to conquer the PSN with Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords mixing RPG elements with good old fashion bejeweled-style puzzles. DLC for Mega Man 9 and free game content for Civilization Revolution makes this a full week for PS3 owners. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some bandwidth to use up.

Qore

• Qore Episode 5 ($2.99 for episode / $24.99 for Annual Subscription)
  Episode 5 celebrates Halloween with a scary game roundup. It also includes exclusive access to SEGA's Valkyria Chronicles demo, some spooky/creepy artwork and new shooting galleries.

Games

• Linger in Shadows ($2.99) Linger in Shadows is a unique interactive digital art experience that uses the SIXAXIS controller to manipulate the very fabric of time and reality. Groundbreaking graphics and interactivity raise the bar for what is possible on PlayStation 3. Download Linger in Shadows and experience a truly unique journey that will change the way you think about games and art.
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.99)
  Building upon the addictive and easy to- learn gameplay of a puzzle game by integrating story and character progression elements found in RPGs, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords delivers a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a previously unseen level. The PSN version of the game also includes the content from the 'Wrath of the Plague Lord' expansion pack.
• Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars ($14.99)
  Get ready for non-stop action as you take control of a rocket-powered super car! It is a sport like no other, where supersonic cars jump, flip, and rocket boost their way to victory!

Add-on Game Content

• Hot Shots Golf Fall Fashion Line ($2.99) Spruce up your Hot Shots Golf Fall wardrobe with a collection of playful and funky new outfits ideal for golf wherever you play. Five new costumes come your way with 6 variations for each new costume giving you a total of 30 new outfits to dress your favorite 5 players in Hot Shots Golf Out Of Bounds. So now matter where you play, you'll certainly be the best dressed player on the course.
• Dead Space Obsidian Suit (Free)
  Download the exclusive Obsidian Suit now, available only for the PLAYSTATION 3! This amazing Level 5 suit features the jet black PLAYSTATION 3 colors, upgraded toughness, and extra inventory slots.

  Note: Free for a limited time only.

• Dead Space Scorpion Suit ($2.49)
  Download the exclusive Scorpion Suit now! Equip Isaac with this stunning Level 5 suit featuring enhanced armor and extra inventory slots.

Full list after the jump!




TheDoctor
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 9 October 2008 · Comments (4)
Other stuff like this: download, playstation network store, ps3, psn

Review: Fracture

Military strategy often dictates that those who hold the higher ground hold the advantage in battle. With that in mind, Lucasarts has brought us Fracture, a first person shooter with the intriguing hook of allowing the player to alter the terrain as they fight. Sound interesting, but does 'Terrain Deformation' help or hinder the game?