So, TransFormers: Animated has had its debut on Cartoon Network, and everyone’s talking about it… which is a huge pain, because I don’t get to see it until New Year’s Day. Sigh. I hate crap like this, I guess the people in charge have no idea what a pain it is to essentially be divided from your friends online as a result…

In other news, I’m on a serious Wario kick lately. I wish I had one of the games. Land, Ware, World, I’m not so choosey. At least I’ll get some fix before TOO long, when Super Smash Bros. Brawl comes out.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Pics: New pics, clearer now, of Japanese Classics Grimlock have surfaced, showing off his G1-ish paintjob.
2. Newsbit: Plus, the new Movie-version Robot Heroes Final Battle 5-pack has been revealed, featuring metallic versions of Optimus, Megatron, Blackout, Jazz, and Ratchet.
3. Newsbit: Wondering what’s what and what the deal is on all those upcoming Japanese TransFormers releases? Fear not, as you are now covered.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Newsbit: Beware, possible spoilers for Marvel Comics’ Spider-man “One More Day” storyline lie within.

   *ahem*

   “Dear Marvel,

   Get bent.

   Sincerely,

   PMO”

   Seriously, as many have pointed out, this messes up a LOT of things stretching far beyond just Spider-man, Mary Jane, and Aunt May.

2. Newsbit: Sounds like Hilton is alright… Barron Hilton, that is, Paris’ grandfather.

   “That money will be placed in a charitable trust that will eventually benefit the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, raising its total value to about $4.5 billion, the foundation said in a statement.

   The foundation supports projects that provide clean water in Africa, education for blind children, and housing for the mentally ill. Its aims, based on Conrad Hilton’s will, are “to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute.”

   Makes sense to me. Paris has a career of sorts now, she can earn her own fortune.

Video Power

1. Newsbit: Capcom*Unity reports that the Bionic Commando site now has a blog to keep us abreast of the latest involving Nathan Spencer.
2. Newsbit: Remember the story yesterday, of Microsoft banning users from Xbox Live if they had a modded fan? Well, it gets worse.
3. Video: Normally, I accompany Virtual Console updates with videos for the corresponding games from GameTrailers, but yesterday, they simply were not available.

   Today, however… well, one is available. Check out Rolling Thunder 2.

4. Newsbit: Smash Bros. DOJO!! brings a new update for a new day, and a new way to get trophies: the Coin Launcher! A sort of game within a game.
5. Newsbit: Looking to stock up on some games, now that Christmas has come and gone? Then check out these deals.
6. Newsbit: Still trying to find a Wii? Maybe you should plan a trip to China. Seems they’ve got plenty of them– of ours– over there.
7. Newsbit: Apparently, some people have had issues with the Burnout Paradise demo. And to that, Criterion has a retort.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

For some insane reason, I’ve opted to update tonight. But really, it’s more to keep stuff from piling up. Anyway, hope everyone had a happy non-denominational celebratory day of festivity.

Ho ho ho.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Images: Lots of pics today: Japan’s Classics Megatron, with a nice Generation 1-styled appearance, the cover for IDW’s Movie comic book continuation, featuring a nice throwback to Marvel’s issue #5, a new cover for Spotlight: Arcee, and the “backcard pictures” for Big Daddy, Jolt, Divebomb, and Grindcore.
2. And, just a reminder: TransFormers: Animated debuts in the US on Cartoon Network today!

Video Power

1. Music/Newsbits: Smash Bros. DOJO!! celebrates Christmas strong with four updates.

   First, something I’ve been really hoping for and am thrilled to see: Wario, fighting in his classic attire! It’s just a shame it’s not made as detailed as Mario’s real-denim-looking overalls.

   On Christmas Day came an update on the Blue Blur from Christmas Island, Sonic, as his Final Smash was detailed, and a bonus update let us hear the remix of the Angel Island Zone theme song.

   And then tonight, we get the Smash Bros. equivalent to a Pokeball (outside of the actual Pokeballs) in the form of trophy stands.

2. Newsbit: Three new Virtual Console games this week, in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble for the Super NES, Rolling Thunder 2 for the Genesis, and Blades of Steel for the NES.

   For a little extra fun, here’s the listing, as told to ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

3. Newsbit: So, your Xbox 360 tends to overheat. So the solution is simple enough, right? Get a better fan.

   Or not.

   Apparently, Microsoft is now banning consoles from Live who use better fans than they’re providing.

   Whew! I thought that we might have a problem there for a second, what with the possibility of systems not overheating. I’m sure glad we have MS protecting the honest, red-ringed folk who’d like to use Live.

4. Newsbit: Looks like PS3 isn’t the only system in town getting a Devil May Cry 4 bundle in Japan; it’s cohost of the title, Xbox 360, is pulling the same deal.
5. Preview: Next Generation has the latest peek at Ghostbusters. ‘Cause bustin’ makes me feel good.
6. Newsbit: Following in Nintendo’s footsteps (yeah, I know, someone else has probably done it, too), Microsoft is now allowing MS Points to be given to people with Windows LIVE accounts.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Whoops! Almost forgot there’s an update to do today. But first…

One gift I got for Christmas (hi Lyra!) was a copy of the second volume of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, which you can’t really get here in Canada, and so I’ve been watching it with the wife, reliving some good memories with the music redubbed. Incidently, each DVD in the set has a “bonus episode” that’s just the cartoon; no Lou or Danny live-action fun. This had me curious, and searching on Wikipedia revealed the following:

…on the second volume, due to legal issues, four of the animated episodes were presented as “bonus episodes” without their respective live-action segments. Other than the four “bonus” episodes, the other episodes were arranged in production, not, broadcast order.

Now, I’m curious as to what sort of legal issues would prevent these from being rebroadcast. Probably something silly; for example, they don’t use the original “featured songs” here, as they were also removed for syndication, but when released on VHS (and I think on the Family Channel), they still had them. And apparently in some other countries still. Legality a crazy, crazy thing when it comes to stuff like this.

But in any case, it’s those four live-action segments that have my curiousity piqued. If anyone can direct me to where I can find some answers to satisfy my curiousity, I’d be very appreciative.

And now, on with the update!

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Newsbit/Pics: More Allspark Power toys are on the way, including a recolor of Cybertron Downshift into fan-favorite Big Daddy! Gotta get me that one. I’ve heard nothing but good about the mold, but these colors look far better to me.

   But dammit all, they’re Wal-Mart exclusive. Guess that counts me out.

2. Pics: New images have arrived for Animated Cybertron-Form Optimus Prime, and three of TakaraTomy’s versions of the Classics.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Newsbit: Scarab found this one for me: Looks like the Oscars and the Golden Globes will be cancelled. If I watched either, I might care far more. But the significance of it does interest me a bit.
2. Newsbit: The Build-a-Bear Workshop is going to be helping the Marine Toys-For-Tots charity by donating one toy for every stuffed animal sold through Christmas Eve. And so we applaud them for their action.

Video Power

1. Pics/Newsbit: More info about the first in a line of Metroid gunship statues, which apparently have light-up features as well.

   Looks better than what we saw before, but for that money, I’ll have to hold off for the version from Prime 3, or maybe Fusion.

2. Newsbit: So, word has come down through Capcom’s Bionic Commando “Top Secret” podcast session with Keiji Inafune that Mega Man is not in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, though there is still time…

   Personally, I think he’s bluffing, stalling for time.

3. Newsbit: So, Red Steel 2, or whatever they’re calling it, is officially announced, for realz this time.
4. Newsbit: Guess Wii shortages aren’t so bad everywhere, as in the UK, they’re abundant enough for prices to drop on eBay.
5. Newsbit: EA botches Canadian Rock Band launch. All there is to say.
6. Newsbit: Getting a Wii at a fair price isn’t easy, and some chain called “Slackers” (apt enough) are said to not be helping one little bit. But according to Kotaku, they deny it… mostly.

   But then, on Game|Life…

7. Newsbit: A man stabs his uncle in a dispute over a PlayStation game. And the world collectively shakes its head.
8. Newsbit: “Chun-Lang” for the next Street Fighter movie?

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Video: A new clip from the upcoming TransFormers: Animated cartoon has been posted on Cartoon Network’s Podcast, and on YouTube for the benefit of us foreigners not worthy enough to watch free cartoons.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Pics: Linear Ranger has added some scans from Tomart’s Action Figure Digest, showing off some of the new figures and toys from the Power Rangers Jungle Fury line. Plus, there’s a Lord Zedd and a Green Ranger figure (the original) that I’d love to get my hands on.
2. Newsbit: From He-Man.Org comes a little info from Toyfare which I only just saw myself:

   In the February 2008 issue of ToyFare Magazine #126 a He-Fan asks ToyFare about the possibility of seeing the rare Snake Armor He-Man in mini-statue form.
   Cornboy of the Four Horsemen stated that such a mini-statue was a great idea and a definite possibility.

   Cornboy also revealed that the He-Man prototype seen in the Mattel display case as this past 2007 San Diego Comic con was part of a pitch they had made, and Mattel snuck it into the case to gauge fan response. No word if anything is being done in regards to that prototype.

   Check out issue #126 of ToyFare for exactly what was said!

   I would so love that Snake Armor figure.

3. Newsbit: Christmas shopping for the young ones just got a bit more interesting, as Toys R Us has announced that it’s going to start putting 2008 toys out before Christmas.
4. Newsbit: For Canadian toy lovers, it may interest you to know that The 2008 Canadian 80s Toy Expo has been announced, and will be held March 16th, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Centre.

   Maybe I’ll see about covering it… provided finances allow.

5. Newsbit: Following the late-night guys, it seems that Stewart and Colbert are returning, too! Wonder what those two will be like, since they rely more heavily on writers…

   Plus, Stewart and Colbert issued this press release to coincide with Comedy Central’s:

   “We would like to return to work with our writers. If we cannot, we would like to express our ambivalence, but without our writers we are unable to express something as nuanced as ambivalence.”

   – Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert

6. Newsbit: And now, two more are signed on for the GI Joe movie, plus a look at Rachel Nichols with Scarlett’s red hair.

   And it looks like Heavy Duty is part of the cast. I don’t get it, why don’t they like Roadblock any more?

Video Power

1. Newsbit: Capcom is offering a pretty good incentive for preordering Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law.

   I’d enter, but the shipping charges for Canada are usually tabulated in rape dollars.

2. Newsbit: God…

   Ok, so the story is two teens who were babysitting the 7-year old sister of one of them beat the holy hell out of her, supposedly imitating Mortal Kombat, and wound up killing her.

   Clearly… clearly this is a case of (pardon my saying it) pure fucking stupid. That ANYONE could ever possibly NOT think this was a bad idea, a dumb idea, a stupid idea, ANYTHING but a good idea, is clearly not all there, and needs to be locked away until, if possible, they are taught to be able to be a working part of society that isn’t so friggin’ braindead. Longer, even.

   Geeze…

3. Newsbit: Sigh. Moving on… Emergency Mayhem is on track for a Q2 release in 2008 on the Wii. Personally speaking, it sounds rather fun.
4. Newsbit: Ok, so maybe there’s new Kirby on the way after all, but that’s just in Japan at the moment.
5. Newsbit: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword should be cutting up the DS in March of 2008.
6. Newsbit: Wow, where will this go next? Now, Activision wants compensation for Guitar Hero compatibility.

   Evil Avatar puts it best: “Man, this really makes Activision look like a bunch of money grubbing bastards.”

7. Video: Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates with a new trailer to tease the Adventure Mode, The Subspace Emissary.

   Not bad, though I wish we’d gotten a peek at Sonic and Snake…

8. Pic: The final map for Burnout Paradise has been revealed, and boy, is it big.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Newsbit: Looks like Mirage is the next TransFormer in line for a Spotlight.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Newsbit: Storm Shadow and Scarlett have been cast for the upcoming GI Joe movie. And there’s a rumor about a Wayans joining, too.
2. Newsbit: Speaking of martial arts cartoon characters converted to live action movie stars, Chow Yun-Fat will be Master Roshi in the Dragon Ball movie.

Video Power

1. Video: And now, our feature presentation.

   …man, Duke’s not quite sounding himself. Think he’s getting on in years. Or cobwebs.

2. Newsbit/Pics: Smash Bros. DOJO!! has a pretty good update today, and one I’d have thought we already had: Kirby’s Special Moves.
3. Newsbit: Sorry, Sony owners: you’re going to remain Homeless for the rest of the year.
4. Rumor: There’s a bit of buzz going around that Nintendo of Japan’s website might be hinting at two new Virtual Consoles. But what could they be?
5. Newsbit: Seems that there might have been a misunderstanding about that “no Kirby game for Wii” bit from before, and Nintendo has elected to clarify the matter for us a little.
6. Merch: First 4 Figures has unveiled the first image of their Samus’ gunship statue, with preorders opening on the 21st.

   I dunno, it’s not bad, but something seems a little off…

7. eBay: Want a custom, fully-posable Samus action figure? It can be yours… if you’ve got $600 to spare.
8. eBay: Want a special 1-in-1000 Nintendo 64 Millenium controllr? Now’s your chance.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Blogging: TransFormers scribe Simon Furman spills the beans a little about the upcoming Spotlight Grimlock issue.
2. Video: Hasbro has unveiled the opening for TransFormers: Animated…
3. Website: …as well as a section of their website dedicated to it.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Video: A new trailer for Disney/Pixar’s latest movie, Wall-E.
2. Newsbit: Looks like Jay and Conan are going back to work at the start of the new year as well. But Dave will still be the only one with his writers.

   Here’s what they have to say.

3. Newsbit: Looks like Kimmel won’t be left out, either. Good thing, too, the poor guy was being bankrupted by having to support his staff.
4. Newsbit: From WebbAlert: Yeah, I think prison is apt for a guy who tried to axe California’s power.
5. GameSpite lets us know what’s out just in time for Christmas this week in the realms of DVD and video games, though not a lot in either.
6. Newsbit: Looks like Peter Jackson is back in the Tolkien fold, as he’s set to make two movies based on The Hobbit.

   Hope they’re better than the Lord of the Rings movies. In hindsight, I can’t believe Red and I paid for all three…

Video Power

1. Newsbit: And now, it’s (legally) possible to play PS1 games on your PSP.
2. Newsbit/Pics: Smash Bros. DOJO!! has a trifecta of updates so far this week, featuring a new item, a new stage, and a new theme song.
3. Virtual Console’s updates this week are: Cybernator for the Super NES, Alien Storm for the SEGA Genesis, and Monster Lair for the TurboGrafx16.
4. Newsbit: Sonic the Hedgehog is now available on… iPod?

   SAN FRANCISCO (December 18, 2007) – SEGA? of America, Inc. today announced that Sonic The Hedgehog is now available for play on the new iPod nano with video, the iPod classic and the fifth generation iPod. Sonic The Hedgehog was originally introduced in 1991 and has become one of the most popular video game franchises in history, selling well over 45 million copies. Sonic fans can purchase and download the game from the iTunes Store for $4.99 (www.itunes.com). Sonic has been designed specifically for the iPod and is available on the 22 iTunes Stores around the world.

   “Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO of SEGA of America, “And with the installed base that iPod enjoys Sonic now becomes available to a whole new group of casual and hardcore gamers just in the time for the holidays.”

   iTunes customers can buy the game for themselves, or easily give the gift of Sonic The Hedgehog. Similar to music and video content on the iTunes Store, customers simply find the game on iTunes and click the “Gift This Game” button.

5. Newsbit: So we heard before that gamers with gimp Rock Band guitars would be getting free games in addition to replacement guitars, and now we know what those are.
6. Newsbit: Update: Nintendo still isn’t planning a Kirby title for the Wii.
7. Newsbit: GameStop has clarified a few things about the Wii rainchecks– er, “Wii Certificate Program.”
8. Newsbit: Good news for attendees of E3: it may not suck as bad next year.
9. Pics/Newsbit: Previews for the upcoming Sonic X #31 and Sonic the Hedgehog #186 are available now.
10. Video: Resident Evil: Degeneration is coming in 2008, but the trailer is here now.
11. Newsbit: Oh, yay. Just what we all feared: Bandai making more Dragon Ball Z games. At least Namco might factor in this time.

    Speaking of which, I know there’s limited material to work with here, but I’m getting really sick of every damn Dragon Ball game having the exact same story that essentially traces the whole f’n thing from start to finish.

12. Newsbit: 12-player Mario Kart on the Wii, woo!

    Other info can be found here.

13. Newsbit: Take Two is promising not to make their games into annual affairs, unlike some other companies out there who have merged with others…
14. Video: Got enough in you for one more No More Heroes preview?
15. Video: Looks like the DS is getting another Death Note game we won’t see here in America, this one based on L and how he earned his reputation before going after Kira.
16. Preview: Next Generation takes a look at the next iteration of Bionic Commando here.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. eBay Pics: A new look at TransFormers: Animated Decepticon Lugnut has surfaced, though it’s still a prototype for now.

   Megatron’s sample, on the other hand, is fully painted.

2. Newsbit: Good news for fans of good cops, as Classics 2.0 is looking to have Prowl among its ranks, as well as Sunstreaker in the first wave, as reported before. Might Sideswipe be held off for a second wave, to break it up a little?
3. Newsbit: Good news for Club Members, as soon the Beast Wars-animated piece Theft of the Golden Disc will be available soon.
4. Pics/Info: Unicron.com got ahold of a press packet for TransFormers: Animated, showing off lots of pictures and bios for the characters, including some slight spoilers and plenty of wallpaper fodder.

   Plus, a peek at what might be the Animated version of Sentinel Prime has been revealed, too.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Newsbit: Looks like David Letterman’s company wants to strike an interim deal with the WGA to resume production. Wouldn’t that be a sweet deal for Letterman to effectively have 100% of the late night market all to himself?

Video Power

1. Newsbit: Good news for Euro Wii owners and fans of Blue Bombers all across time and space, as Mega Man 2 hits Virtual Console!
2. Newsbit: More info has surfaced on the Wii version of Ghostbusters, including the use of a Wii remote as a Proto Pack (though the use of Z to fire seems quite odd), and what I wanted, the ability to sling a ghost trap with a flick of the nunchuck.
3. Newsbit: Eidos is making some big promises as to what changes await Lara Croft in Tomb Raider: Underground. It does sound good, though, the sort of stuff gamers have been waiting years and years for in their games, and should be quite cool if they manage to harness the power of this console generation to deliver.
4. Newsbit: Wee, I got to take part in on a conference call with Reggie! Very cool, at least for me.

   Herein, he describes the reasons for the Wii shortages, why they aren’t so simple to fix as just “making more,” and what they’re going to do to help consumers with a special guaranteed raincheck program with GameStop. He also discusses other things, including someone’s off-topic questions about online Virtual Console games and voicechat in online Wii games.

5. Newsbit: Gets harder to believe they’re engineering this, too, especially if this analyst’s report is right in saying that it’ll cost Nintendo one billion dollars in lost sales.
6. Dig Deep: But, if you happen to come across a Wii and are feeling charitable, perhaps you could help contribute it to a good cause? Kotaku is even willing to soften the financial blow…
7. Newsbit: PS3 joins the “no credit card needed” club for online content purchases with their new PlayStation Network cards.
8. Newsbit: And just what sort of things can you buy with your new PlayStation Network card? How about… cheats?
9. Pics: Some new screenshots of Resident Evil: Degeneration, a straight-to-DVD CGI movie, have shown up on NeoGAF. And it has Claire! So it’s already win.
10. Sale: Toys R Us is having a sale where you buy 3 games, get a 4th free. Likely in the US only.
11. Newsbit: Remember what I said the other day about it seeming like there being a lot more crimes reported lately, at least related to video games? Add another to the list, this time a Wii from a retirement home, of all places.
12. Newsbit: Ok, so it looks like the Canadian release of Rock Band IS December 20th now. Good luck ordering online and keeping your spending sane.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Newsbit: Allspark has some new information regarding what to expect in Classics 2.0, and the fate of the Titanium figures, War Within Grimlock and Prowl.
2. Pics: Looks like some new Movie recolors are on the way, and reviving some classic names in the process.
3. Newsbit: Great news for us TransFormers fans north of the border, as Animated has been slated to debut on Canada’s YTV on January 1st, 2008 at 7pm!
4. Pic: And as a bonus, it seems a picture of Animated Ultra Magnus’ head has surfaced.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Just the kind of thing I’d get upset over: He-Man.Org reports that this Saturday, YTV is airing He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special at 7pm.

   I’m going to be out, in all likelyhood. Damnation.

   On a side note, what the hell kind of loopy code does that page use that makes highlighting stuff damn near impossible?

2. Pics: Players of Marvel vs. Capcom may not know it, but that guy at the end, Onslaught? He’s a real part of the Marvel Universe, and not especially favored at that.

   So you can imagine the mixed feelings that fans must have when they see that he’s about to get the Ultimate treatment.

   On the upside, the Ultimate versions of bad ideas sometimes turn out alright, learning from the mistakes of the past, and keeping the good parts. Such is my understanding of the treatment of Spider-man‘s “Clone Saga.”

3. Interview: Speaking of Ultimate, looks like that universe’s Apocalypse is due.

Video Power

1. Newsbit: Nintendo has outdone themselves in Japan, now having sold more Wiis than they did GameCubes throughout the latter’s run.

   But if a Wii is just two GameCubes duct-taped together, does that mean they’ve really moved over twice as many units now?

2. Newsbit: Speaking of Japan, Microsoft is ready to make a stronger push there next year, including 250 new titles and a new Blue Dragon as well.
3. Newsbit: In keeping with the Japan-centric news here today, it seems that those of us in the “new Rockman DASH game on cell phones, dammit, dammit, why?” camp are about to get some company from the Final Fantasy IV contingent.
4. Newsbit: Good things don’t last forever, as evidenced by Nintendo’s shares screeching to a halt. All the same, it’s still a ride I’d like to have been on.
5. Hands-On: Good news: Ghostbusters “really is Ghostbusters.”

   At least, I hope that’s good. Don’t forget, the guys with the monkey were Ghostbusters, too.

6. Newsbit: Looks like MegaMan Star Force, after completing its first “season” on Toonami Jetstream, MIGHT be going to DVD.

   On the one hand, that might be a way for those of us in Canada to finally see it. On the other, people in America got the opportunity to “try before they buy,” and it sort of pisses me off a tad that we’ll probably get the same opportunity to spend our money on it, but not to see it beforehand.

7. Newsbit: So SEGA has confirmed they’ve resecured “Dreamcast,” but remain vague on just why. Digital distribution, perhaps?
8. Pics/Video: New screens of Bionic Commando, just in case you were thinking of forgetting about that one.

   And in case you’re still thinking of it, then how about 1up’s video of car-slinging fun?

   …waitatic. Did I just see him jump?

9. Newsbit: EGM is planning to celebrate Super Smash Bros. Brawl with their next issue. Not a huge surprise.

   They’re also planning to put it on the cover. And why not?

   But 16 different covers? THAT, my friends, is nuts.

10. Newsbit: Speaking of Brawl, Smash Bros. DOJO!! has revealed two new Assist Trophies today, in the forms of Stafy from the Japan-only Densetsu no Stafy, and… Waluigi?! Say it isn’t so! Why only an Assist?

    Oh well, maybe next time…

    As for Stafy, what sticks out in my mind is a vendor at Otakon trying to convince me that he was one of the stars from the Mario games…

11. Newsbit: Despite a lacking launch of No More Heroes in Japan (though word has it that sales have grown a bit since), it seems that Suda51 is interested in continuing the story of Travis Touchdown.

    On a related note, funny that the American version will be the only one with blood.

12. Newsbit: A suspected inside job sees 1,000 copies of Rock Band stolen. Fortunately, the driver was released unharmed.

    Is it me, or does there just seem to be more crime this holiday season?

13. Newsbit: Yesterday, Harmonix said that Activision was to blame for the patch allowing compatibility between games and guitars from coming out. But today…

    Amusingly, Sony is staying the hell out of this little war.

14. Plug: For yourself. For charity. For whatever reason, buy this Companion Cube. You know you want to.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Was sick last night, so tonight’s a double-dipped update.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Damn, sounds like TakaraTomy aren’t moving their releases up.

   Suck. Not that it matters for me, I can’t afford Sky Lynx or any of the rest, anyway.

2. Simon Furman addresses the newest volume of Beast Wars: The Ascending, complete with cover, in his blog.
3. What do you want to see in the next volume of TransFormers: The Ark? Make your opinions known!
4. If you’re looking for a Robot Replica Optimus Prime, be sure you’re not getting one of the new ones, complete with seemingly inferiour paint job.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The WWE Raw 15th Anniversary show was on Monday night, and definitely brought back a wave of good old-fashioned nostalgia from the show. You can check some of it out right here.

   If I just knew whether or not it’d be on the Raw 15th Anniversary DVD (due out the 26th), that’d cement my intent to purchase.

2. Yahoo has some new pics from The Dark Knight, including the new Joker.
3. …that’s the new KITT? I dunno, it’s missing something, I think.
4. I’m not sure if any of the details have changed, but just to be safe: He-Man.Org has announced that Amazon.com now has the Mike Young 2003 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe volume one DVD set available for preorder!

   BCI Eclipse has released the cover image and Extra Feature details for Volume One of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon produced by Mike Young Productions! Each episode will include the original moral segments! (never seen on Cartoon Network) Other extra features (which are subject to change) include:

   * ?World of He-Man? Documentary
   * He-Man Heroes Still Gallery
   * Never before seen Heroes Sketch Gallery
   * Audio Commentary on 5 episodes with director Gary Hartle, Story Editor Dean Stefan and writer Larry DiTillio. Moderated by Ian Richter
   * Three commentaries have extended discussions after the episode ends and have been shot in High Definition
   * Animatics of the first 3 Episodes
   * 2007 San Diego Comic-Con He-Man Panel
   * Scripts for eps 1-13 (DVD-Rom)
   * 8 Page Episode Guide booklet
   * 2 Masters of the Universe Collectible art cards by acclaimed comic book artists
   Ben Templesmith and Dustin Nguyen
   * Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) – Digital Stereo

   Check out the cover, featuring all new art by Emiliano Santalucia!

   Front 3D

   Volume 1 – Coming February 19, 2008
   Volume 2 – Projected to be released in April of 2008
   Volume 3 – Projected to be released in the Summer of 2008

   In regards to a Blu-Ray release, a BCI rep has said on the forums that “The Blu-Ray will not be coming out at the same time. We have some features that take advantage of the BR tech and they are going to take longer to produce. We don’t have a street date for that one yet.”

   This is one of my favorites of the He-Man lore, so definitely be sure to check it out!

Video Power

1. First Mega Man, and now Mortal Kombat it seems are fated to vanish from toy shelves as Jazwares has no plans for the foreseeable future for the latter. And of course, the former hasn’t been heard of for quite some time, with many announced figures never seeing release…
2. And the Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse screenplay inches ever closer to readiness…
3. A new low has been hit at the Smash Bros. Dojo… Options. It’s the first thing I check when playing a game (other than seeing if there’s an opening cinema for attract mode), and even I don’t care…

   The Ice Climber theme added is pretty cool, though, pardon the expression.

   And today, we finally get the OFFICIAL confirmation of the Mario Circuit Stage.

4. “w00t” has been declared Webster’s word of the year, only narrowly beating out “facebook.”

   Ironically, words fail me.

5. Much like Canadians heading into the US to do their shopping, people in the UK are migrating to France to pick up their Wiis.
6. Interesting, GameStop is adding a new kind of store to its franchise: Tournament Stores. Huh, something that sets GameStop apart from Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and the rest? What a brilliant idea.
7. Sony CEO says that “innovation is their next step.” Methinks if it were a few steps prior to now, they might not be trailing in the console race.
8. Things are getting ugly in the battle of the video game bands, as Activision prevents Harmonix from utilizing a patch that would make the guitars between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III compatible.

   It’s been like, what, a week since the merger? And already Activision is out EAing EA.

9. In the meantime, they’re being sued over the Wii mono issues.
10. SEGA is testing a new tool that matches character facial expressions to the words spoken by actors. But who cares about that, the screencap alone is reason enough for me to link to this story.
11. Congratulations to the Keenans, who were recently robbed of their Christmas, but through the kindness of strangers, had a little bit of it returned to them. Unless the original crooks read this and decide to double-dip.

    God forbid, but that’s just the wary pessimist in me speaking.

12. Looks like anything– and any console– is still possible for Street Fighter IV, with the likes of the PS2 and DS even mentioned. Could there be one for Wii as well?
13. Capcom has finally come forth and apologized for the late, plushless shipments of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials & Tribulations and attempts to make things right.
14. Finally, some pictures of the upcoming LEGO Batman game!
15. This is up strictly for the benefit of my wife: the trailer for the Princess Bride game.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Show everyone you know that giant transforming robots can be art with these awesome battle-damaged Optimus Prime and Soundblaster with Ratbat busts.
2. If you’re in the US, then Cartoon Network is ready to treat you to a TransFormers: Animated preview bonanza, including a video clip, episode guide, and character bios.

   For those outside the US (or on Macs) who can’t view the clip for no good reason (it’s a PREVIEW, for God’s sake), then cast your eyes here.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. I don’t know what’s more “WTF,” the new look Betty & Veronica received recently, or Jughead’s.

   Maybe this’ll grow on me, but for the moment, I liked theirs better.

2. New week, new releases in anime, games, and DVD.
3. Death Note may be over, but luckily, it’s not finished.

Video Power

1. UDON has released their plans for 2008, which naturally include plenty of Street Fighter. Plus, Joe Ng has a preview for Street Fighter III right here, and Capcom has an interview with Jim Zub.
2. Wow. Now, I’m usually pretty credible with some of these Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates, but they’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel now. I have no idea how they’re going to stretch this out until February.

   Yesterday, we get a Pokemon named Bonsly. Today, Rotation.

   Maybe a month or two back, or whenever they knew the delay would be, they should have started making updates a weekly affair.

3. New to the Virtual Console today are: Pok?mon Snap on the N64, which now allows swapping of pictures online; the original Ghosts ‘n Goblins for the NES, and BASEBALL STARS 2 on the NeoGeo.
4. Plus, the Gifting feature has begun for VC:

   If some people on your gift list have visions of classic video games dancing in their heads, you’re in luck. Starting this week, Wii Shop Channel patrons can use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii owners with whom they’ve traded Friend Codes. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game?no wrapping paper required. And don’t worry about duplication. If your friend already has the game you’re trying to give, you’ll get a simple message and be bumped back into the catalog to continue shopping.

   But the downside? YOU CAN’T GIVE GIFTS TO SOMEONE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. Thanks a f@#$in’ lot, Nintendo, everyone I know is in another country!!!

   That was my initial reaction, but reading further, it seems to simply refer to region coding. Close call. I hope. Anyone wanna send me a game and we’ll find out?

5. Press The Buttons has word that a new Metroid statue is on the way, very likely Samus’ spaceship. Though, at this point, it begs the question “which one?”

   I’ve become fond of the Metroid Prime 3 craft, myself.

6. Burnout Paradise is coming in January, but the demo is coming in two days.
7. At the Spike VGAs, a trailer for the Iron Man game debuted.

   I’m playing “cautiously optimistic” on this one, being SEGA and all.

8. Hmm, seems that reports of Atari’s demise may have been exagerated.
9. Looks like CompUSA is going bye-bye, and from most accounts I’ve heard, it won’t be missed.
10. I don’t get this. The creators of No More Heroes had their launch party, and no one shows up? What the hell?

    This just breaks my heart for those two creators, while I wonder what the hell happened to gaming in Japan.

    I want that game more than ever now.

    And it seems I’m not alone in my thoughts, as this shows.

11. And while we’re at it, let’s add stealing a family’s Christmas to things that make me sick.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”