1. Good news for Canadian anime fans, as it looks like YTV has been approved to start their own anime channel.

   Hope it’s not a specialty channel, though.

2. Heard about this from all over. Trouble was brewin’ in Boston today, thanks to Cartoon Network/Adult Swim’s promotion for Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

   Admittedly, they probably could have done better. Say, featuring a name or CN logo or something. Maybe perform it in tangent with some posters or billboards?

   Still, I think that those calling it a “terrorism hoax” are going a bit overboard.

   Merriam-Webster defines a “hoax” as the following:

   1 : an act intended to trick or dupe : IMPOSTURE
   2 : something accepted or established by fraud or fabrication

   What this really boils down to is people misinterpreting a viral ad campaign, no trickery involved. Ergo, in the defense of those who initiated this campaign, I do not believe that the charge of a “hoax” or intent to fool people into believing that this is a terrorist attack should hold.

   All the same, between this and Sony and Lord knows what else, I think maybe companies ought to step back on this viral marketing thing. At the very least, maybe think things through more.

   Do we need laws to regulate such advertisements?

   The good news for them, as I see it, is this: they could probably auction these things off on eBay and recover their legal fees, or a part of them anyway, if they use a little tact… (i.e. DON’T go saying something like “These are the items that caused a false terrorist panic in Boston! Buy now and terrorize your friends today!” Bad idea, that.)

3. On to brighter news. If you like transforming robots and you like dousing people with enough water to… well, make people really wet (after the “Wee for a Wii” incident, just about anything else sounds distasteful, sorry), then boy-oh-boy, has Hasbro got the answer for you!

   Or at least, Hasbro Germany. No telling elsewhere.

   All the same, to tie in with the upcoming movie, Hasbro will be releasing a TransFormers Super Soaker, with four spray nozzles, and expandable shield, and a huge tank to ruin your back, even when you’re not lugging a pack full of books through school!

   But at least that last part is easily remedied, once you find a worthy target…

4. The Allspark has also landed quite an exclusive deal, as Activision has requested their help in finding out what bonuses you want in the upcoming TransFormers video games. Speak out, and let your voice be heard!

   …oh, and I think this will be more on the up-and-up than the whole Mega Man X Collection fiasco was, thank you very much Mr. Inafune.

5. After that roster build-up a few weeks ago, Newsarama has come through again for New Avengers fans, this time with a 7-page preview of the upcoming issue #27.
6. So, I of course use this space to talk about comic books. And video games. And, when the occassion calls for it, video game-based comics.

   And with that, today I make note of the impending release of issue 2 of the Dragon’s Lair comic book.

7. Hey, remember that piece I mentioned yesterday about how a company called Splitfish had a way to give Sony its rumble back, and everything could be fine and dandy (as rumble is concerned) in Sonytown?

   Never mind.

8. So Mario Kart 64 can’t save Ghost Data. And according to Game|Life, it ain’t gonna, either.

   Me? I’ll live. But he does pose an interesting question regarding the possibility of other games that use the memory pak…

9. Sigh, idiots.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Some good news (well, not for me, but for SOMEone, I’m sure) I received by a tip from BPM Omega. Sounds like Vista’s Aero won’t affect gaming performance.

   “As this was a concern of mine (as I’ve considered whether or not to actually USE my free Vista upgrade), it has been confirmed through testing that the Aero Glass 3D interface doesn’t hamper the PC’s performance when playing games. As it turns out, Vista disables Aero while playing 3D games.”

2. GameTrailers has a video interview with Ed Boon regarding the gameplay of the Wii version of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

   What has me most curious is how punches and kicks are executed, or more specifically, how the differentiation between high and low punches would work.

3. Good news from IGN for PS3 owners: you may be able to have your rumble after all.
4. Godzilla: Unleashed on Wii.

   Is there really anything more that needs to be said?

   Well, in any case, there’s an interview behind the link there, which ought to sate you for now.

   Oh, and screenshots. Beautiful, beautiful screenshots. HD? Whatever. I’m good with this.

5. I was relucatant to report on the death of an EBGames Manager, who was suffocated by assailants during a robbery.

   This really is tragic, disgusting even. Hopefully the thieves will get theirs.

6. When Wario says, “I’m-a Wario, I’m-a gonna win!”, then you’d better believe it!
7. Nintendo turns family into familii, seems to be the claims of one lady from Hardin County, whose family just can’t get enough of Big N’s wonderful little machine.

   …yeah.

   Incidently, I am curious if the Wii has been responsible for creating any sort of “family time,” wherein families that might normally go about their own business are spending more time together as a result of Iwata’s wondrous viral box.

8. Apparently, there are those who would oppose Capcom in their attempts to besmirch the name of the AIAS and their pay-to-play awards. Click and see what Chris Kohler at Game|Life and Ray Padilla at 1up have to say about this recent turn of events.

   I myself was unaware that awards shows operated this way. Might explain the Spike TV VG awards, too.

   Or maybe not.

9. So Game|Life reports that Guitar Hero is stickin’ around on the PS2 for now.

   After reading this, thinking about Sony’s situation and stuff, I can’t help but wonder if maybe some sort of add-on to the PS2 for Blu-Ray and Sixaxis support might not have been a better idea.

   On the other hand, that’d probably be too much like SEGA CD and 32X for some people…

   …thought maybe just the same people avoiding it, anyway. Really makes you think.

10. Burger King has a triple-platinum with cheese.

    Heavy on the cheese, but heavy on the profits, too.

11. o/~ Bad boys, bad boys… o/~
12. Hmm…

    “All told, Tim claims he spent six hours and a total of four trips to Wal-mart just to buy what should have been a “fully operational” machine. So either this is an isolated freak of nature, Microsoft is shipping abnormal amounts of defective product, or Wal-mart’s restocking returns.”

    Knowing Wal-Mart, my money is on number three. What do I win?

13. 1up.com has After Burner: Black Falcon for PSP, and is bound and determined to kick anyone and everyone’s ass in coverage, with exclusive hands-on, video footage, and even an official blog.

    Mercy, please, I beg of you!

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Ah, what a weekend. Let’s see what’s gone down…

1. The Allspark has a few new TransFormers tidbits up for your perusal, including detailed pics of the movie toys, new Star Wars TransFormers, a peek at the movie toy catalog, new Titaniums, and Michael Bay’s reasoning for not making Bumblebee a VW Bug:

   There have been some rumors going around for the longest time that VW didn’t want to be associated with the Tf movie because of ___ reason or that they didn’t want to be associated with Bay for ___ reason, etc.

   So I asked Michael today to clear it up and he simply indicated that he didn’t want want BB to be associated with….

   Herby the Love Bug.

   Yeah, there’s a comparison I’m sure LOTS of people would make…

   Oh, and remember that Death Star/Darth Vader toy mentioned a few days ago?

   Now there’s a picture.

2. Looks like Newsarama has the final list of free comic books to be given out this year on Free Comic Book Day.

   Little Archie, The Simpsons/Futurama, Mickey Mouse, TransFormers: The Movie Prequel, Amazing Spider-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, Justice League of America, Family Guy, The Unseen Peanuts, Keenspot, Marvel Adventures 3-in-1… and those are just the ones I want, off the top of my head… go check out the list, there may be something else to catch your eye!

3. And speaking of comic books, word is that Stephen Colbert himself is going to be at the New York Comic Con, autographing his new book from Oni Press, Stephen Colbert?s Tek Jansen.
4. Yesterday was update-day for the Virtual Console, which now sports Mario Kart 64, Contra III: The Alien Wars, and… eh, who cares? Mario Kart 64 and Contra III are plenty for me.

   …alright, alright, Comix Zone and Bonanza Bros. from the SEGA Genesis came out, too.

   Save for Comix Zone, today’s a fine day for multiplayer classics, I must say.

   …but “Jimbo” and “Scully?” WTF, Konami?

   Anyway, Racketboy has nice little setup detailing the games that I should stea–er, “borrow.”

   *LBD looks around, gives a Wario laugh*

   As Joystiq says, “Damn the lack of online gameplay. Damn it to hell.”

5. GameTrailers has a new gameplay video for Sonic and the Secret Rings, still looking snazzy.

   I think one big benefit to this game will be the automatic forward-movement, since the other 3-D Sonics seem to break stride whenever you slightly deviate off of running straight, or hitting an slight barrier.

   And speaking of the game, Go Nintendo and Chris Kohler are saying the release has been bumped up to February 20th. And if you pre-order, you get a Sonic wristband.

   It’s no statue like the 360/PS3 guys got, but hey, it’s oldschool Sonic on there! So for some people, that makes this deal even better.

6. Peter Moore, as usual, gives Nintendo a Wii bit of praise.

   What’s funny to me is how in a way, Moore and Gates seem to see things so differently in regards to their competition. Makes me wish I could just sort of follow them around at tee-time and hear what they discuss…

7. Punch-Out!! for Wii? And I don’t mean the Virtual Console, either.

   I hope this is better than the Wii Sports boxing game. Not that it’s bad, but it could definitely be improved upon.

8. So it sounds like a company in Prince Edward Island, Telos Productions (not to be confused with anything to do with the Rockman Zero soundtracks, I’m sure) has acquired Nintendo developer status.

   Sounds like a complicated process, especially as they don’t expect to have anything actually made until 2009.

9. I wish I had the qualifications to be Reggie’s assistant.
10. Seems that Nintendo’s customer club, My Nintendo, has a few minor updates for Wii owners.
11. Looks like the fallout of the whole Super Columbine Massacre RPG incident with Slamdance has left the competiton null and void.

    This whole turn of events reeks of bull. Though I haven’t really followed it much since the initial event, I bet plenty of documentaries, movies, and books have been made regarding the event. I’m inclined to believe as a result that the real outrage here is that perhaps the “Utah residents and family members associated with the Columbine shooting” weren’t getting a cut off of a non-profit piece of software.

    Well, that, and the fact that it’s a video game.

12. Wow, I wish my bathroom looked like this.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. BPM Omega served me notice of the following: Scarface is coming to Wii.

   I really don’t care nor dislike Scarface, one way or the other (save for the “little friend” line), but this strikes me as generally good, as it’s a mature title that as far as I know has enjoyed a decent degree of popularity amongst the GTA crowd, which as BPM points out:

   It wouldn’t be too farfetched to think that a Wii version of the GTA3 trilogy (GTA3, Vice City, San Andreas) would be coming to Wii sometime down the line, either. As Reggie had stated he was talking with Rockstar to get them to support Wii.

   Could this lead to a shaking of the remote equalling a shakedown of a random hooker? Time will tell.

2. Sad news from TV.com via Kanuck, in that Iwao Takamoto, the designer of Flintstones characters as well as talkative toon dog Scooby-Doo, died earlier this month at the age of 81.

   RIP, Mr. Takamoto, your contributions to the field of animation will always be remembered.

3. Also from Kanuck come a variety of interesting topics out of the Toon Zone Forum, including the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie article from USA Today, a free Cartoon Network museum exhibit in Atlanta, an animated Dr. Who miniseries, and a bit of controversy around a Dakota Fanning film from Sundance, as reported by MSNBC.
4. The Official TMNT Web Site has some reports that the new Game Informer has a two-page spread on the upcoming game, and that demos of the game are being packed in with the movie figures.

   Now that is a nice promotion.

5. Well, Sony won’t be feeling any pity regarding their losses, at least not from Canadians, who are now seeing a price INcrease on PS3 units.

   Oh well, could be worse, I suppose.

6. On the other hand, it seems Europe does have at least one thing I’m jealous of, for a few more days, anyway.
7. Foul play from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences’ Annual Interactive Achievement Awards? Capcom would seem to think so.
8. onNintendo reports that yesterday’s bit of news about a possible Wii Games Channel has now been confirmed by Nintendo themselves, and should excite indie developers:

   Nintendo has developed a programming system that will allow small independent developers to make games for Wii download service. We cannot confirm at this time in what format the new content will be delivered, but in the future there will be original games available for download through the Wii Shop.”

   Should prove interesting. I wouldn’t mind seeing what this Geometry Wars thing is all about…

9. The Wii News Channel has launched, and a day earlier than expected, no less.
10. Still can’t find a Wii? Well, come April, Nintendo is ramping up production.
11. Interesting, eBay is dumping all auctions for virtual items, so as to protect their own interests.

    I don’t know if it’s fair, but it’s there, and could set an interesting precedent, as Slashdot indicates.

12. Final Fantasy VI: dying on a GBA near you.
13. And finally, I can’t help but think that Uwe Boll’s Postal should become a PS3 pack-in when it goes to home video. Something about it just seems right…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. An interesting find from Kia Purity.

   Over Capcom’s way, it seems that the admin of their forums is asking people what they want to see as it pertains to Phoenix Wright:

   Would you like to see the 3rd and 4th installments localized and released here in the states? What kind of collector’s edition shwag would you like to see? Something along the lines of the Japanese Limited Edition bonuses, or exclusive and unique American ones? What else would you like to see?

   Tell us what you want. We’re here to listen and take notes! Tell all your friends too! We want to hear everything, good and bad, from as many fans as possible. The bigger the response, the better!

   Well, that sounds like an open invitation if ever I heard one. Let’s do it to it!

   *pens in a vote for Ema Skye: Scientific Investigator spin-off*

2. Word has trickled down to me by way of the Penny Arcade Forums that IGN has a new trailer for Sonic and the Secret Rings.

   Not too shabby at all.

3. As usual, there’s not much slowdown in news when it comes to TransFormers. Allspark has us covered with word of a prequel story to the TransFormers movie on Free Comic Book Day, bios for Titanium movie figures of Megatron, Brawl, and Jazz, and more looks at the Real Gear Robots.

   And to top all that off, some detailed images of the prototype Bumblebee toy, with accessories.

4. Outside of the movie stuff, word is now that the Star Wars TransFormers Death Star toy will turn into Darth Vader, an update on IDW’s Soundwave Spotlight, and new, clearer images of Optimash Prime.

   Me, I’m holding out for Powermasher Optimash Prime. I figure he’d come with gravy to unlock a third mode.

5. Hmm, this could be a bad omen for the XBox 360 Ghostbusters game, though hopefully it can be chalked up to typical legal mumbo-jumbo as the licensing is worked out…

   A shame, I never got to actually watch the videos.

   Elsewhere, Joystiq has put together a fairly credible conspiracy theory behind the whole thing.

6. Can we share some pity for Sony?

   Well, whether you can or not (me = meh), it seems that there is sufficiently good reason why the price won’t be dropping any time soon on PlayStation 3:

   …Sony is selling every one of its new consoles at a loss, making it nearly impossible to move on the price until manufacturing costs are reduced. Analysts currently estimate that Sony is taking a $241 hit on 60GB versions, and a $307 loss on 20GB PS3s.

   Ouch.

   What’s more, it’s not like the units are running out the door as it is. Which presents a bigger problem for Sony; barring the release of a killer app, it would seem to mean that retailers may have to take a hit themselves just to get the product out the door, or systems remain unsold. And in the former case, that could lead to more systems being produced/sold leading to an even greater loss for Sony.

   Neither scenario is desirable.

7. Well, I feel more comfortable reporting on the Pope’s comments, now that Evil Avatar has saved me from having to make the joke myself.

   …as an aside, I accidently typoed “Poop” in the place of “Pope,” but I caught it. But would anyone have cared?

8. Kutaragi: “Hirai! What does the scouter say the DS’s sales in America are?!”

   Hirai: “It’s over TEN MILLION!!!”

   Kutaragi: “What?!”

   Hirai: “It’s ten million! Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen milliooooooooooooooooooooooooon!!!”

   That’s two, two, two memes in one!

9. This DVD release isn’t f*cked, it’s just F**k.
10. o/~ Coming to the-a-tres real-ly sooon, but will it have, a hula-hoop…? o/~

    Ok, so my songwriting sucks, but I’m sure anyone who cares has gotten the point regardless.

11. Ah, Udon. We love you, because you love us.

    In addition to the great art they do all-around various industries, and their continued publication of the Street Fighter comic book (alongside other greatness as Darkstalkers and Rival Schools, they’ve not only brought us a translation of the Onimusha manga and Street Fighter: Eternal Challenge sourcebook, not only bringing us the Mega Man Zero: Perfect Memories sourcebook and Okami artbook, but now they’re also bringing us several volumes of Street Fighter manga, as well.

12. Joystiq has word that Nintendo’s Wii News Channel will debut this Saturday.
13. Jeremy Parish has gotten his mitts on Wario: Master of Disguise, and readily gives us the lowdown.

    It sounds solid and fun if not spectacular and mindblowing.

14. In addition, T-Frog pulls double-duty with a helping of Retronauts goodness, looking over the latest downloadables from the Big 3… which really aren’t much.
15. 1up also does a little hair-splitting, but in a good way, as they might have dug up something new about the Wii no one’s talked about yet…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Wow, buckets of new TransFormers info over at The Allspark today…

   As pertains to the movie, we have a new, high-resolution design pic of Optimus Prime’s head, as well as some photos from Superhero Hype.

   As regards movie merchandise, a Toyfair UK report speaks of the “Automorph” technology, which sounds suspiciously like the gimmick the Omnicons had in Energon. In addition, Fast Action Battlers Starscream and Jazz have some new photos.

   Regarding other toys, if you’ve been waiting for a certain Classic, it “sounds” like Toys R Us’ website has just gotten a new “wave” that are now shipping.

   Talk about the new BotCon exclusives has surfaced as well, insinuating that the exclusives this year will be a boxset of 5 characters using recolors of Classics molds.

   And for the Star Wars fans, Star Wars: TransFormers Mace Windu and a Darth Vader vs. Obi-Wan 2-pack have been revealed.

2. Casting for the new TMNT movie has been announced, courtesy of The Official TMNT Web Site:

   Master Splinter – Mako
   April O’Neil – Sarah Michelle Gellar
   Casey Jones – Chris Evans
   Karai – Ziyi Zhang
   Max Winters – Patrick Stewart
   Greasy Diner Chef – Kevin Smith
   General Aguila – Kevin Michael Richardson
   Leonardo: James Arnold Taylor
   Raphael: Nolan North
   Donatello: Mitchell Whitfield
   Michelangelo: Mikey Kelly

   In addition, word from the site is that the TMNT movie figures have been spotted in Wal-Marts in Canada now, while movie t-shirts are in Wally Worlds stateside.

3. Interested in working on the animated Castlevania feature? This could be your chance:

   If you are a great artist, Castlevania is your favorite video game of all time, and you think you have what it takes to help make our movie great, then send a link to your online portfolio or send a digital copy of your portfolio to belmont@castlevaniadraculascurse.com. Even better, send us your portfolio and really impress us by including some specific Castlevania pieces. Positions are limited. The production is based in Southern California but you do not need to live here or move here for these positions.

4. From over at Press The Buttons comes word that Sony has actually listened and fixed a problem with the PS3, specifically the issue of PS2 games being played on it looking like crap.

   Thanks to a firmware update, you can be cruisin’ with your PS2 library in what I assume to be no time at all…

5. Looks like Archie and Sonic aren’t the only ones getting Free Comic Books (well, obviously) as Marvel will join the fray with a 3-in-1 and a Spider-Man tale.
6. GN brings forth word of new Mario Party 8 screens.
7. Japan’s only now getting Excite Truck, and I still need to grab it.

   I really hope this won’t be one of those “hunting for it when it’s hard to find” things I have to do later.

8. Sounds like Nintendo, with the Virtual Console’s success supposedly at stake, has taken an even more aggressive stance against ROM downloaders.

   Interesting part is, the person’s story linked claims they were downloading the Legend of Zelda cartoons. Yeah, see, the problem with that is…

9. Awesome, new pics from Sonic and the Secret Rings, seemingly from the pirate-themed level.

   Still diggin’ this.

10. PS3. Europe. March 27. 1 million units.

    Clearly, they must have a lot more empty shelfspace at the moment in Europe than we do here.

11. If you’re an “awesome programmer and want to live in Kyoto,” then maybe Q-Games is for you. They did make Star Fox Command and the graphics for the PlayStation 3 interface, after all.
12. …nothing from 1up today, because their front-page won’t load…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. What’s this? Masterpiece Megatron in color?

   My, what a beaut. Pity it’ll never see a Stateside release.

   Makes me wonder if it couldn’t be a Canadian exclusive somehow, though…

2. This week, issue 3 of IDW’s TransFormers: Escalation hits comic shop shelves, and you can preview the first few pages right here.
3. Some good news out of Canada regarding TransFormers for a change, as there are reports of new merchandise, including a Star Wars/TransFormers Death Star, as well as Classics Soundwave showing up in computers.
4. Speaking of Soundwave, we mentioned before that there’s going to be a new Soundwave MP3 player, but there’s more on the way in the form of Rumble and Frenzy headphones, and an Optimus-styled iPod dock.
5. As if all this weren’t enough, Takara seems to be planning on some transforming Nike shoes, one Optimus, the other Megatron.
6. You’ve read about it, now see it for yourself as Newsarama presents an 8-page preview of Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness #1!

   All we need now is a movie and a game based on this.

7. In honor of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin, Wild Republic is going to be creating a special line of toys and collectibles based on Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.

   “This toy range has been 18 months in the making and all royalties received by Australia Zoo will go directly to its endangered species programs.”

   Wes Mannion, Director of Australia Zoo said, “Through this range we hope to continue Steve’s mission by engaging and exciting children’s passion for wildlife and the environment. We’ve been working with Wild Republic for the past 18 months to develop this Australia Zoo product range and we’re proud to announce that all royalties received will go directly towards our endangered species programs.”

   I know a lot of people were struck hard by the sudden death of Irwin (and others… well, it’s best not to go there), and I think this is a nice effort to continue his mission and celebrate his life.

8. Evil Avatar has the scoop on the upcoming Q1 Wii releases, including a Virtual Console title I’ve been eagerly awaiting, Mario Kart 64. Perhaps my favorite of the series, and it arrives next week.

   For a first-quarter schedule, it’s not too shabby, with the likes of Sonic, TMNT, Wii Play, Prince of Persia, and more, with Super Paper Mario close behind in April.

   Unfortunately, though, it seems Mario Party 8 has been pushed back into Q2 as well.

9. Over at IGN, Paul W.S. Anderson updates us on the progress of the Castlevania movie.
10. Meanwhile, Dylan Baker drops some hints about the Lizard in upcoming Spider-Man movies.
11. “We screwed up” says one Bungie employee about Halo 2.

    Wow, whether you know it to be true or not, that’s still one hell of a thing to say.

12. onNintendo has some videos demonstrating how to play Mortal Kombat: Armageddon with the Wii controllers, as conducted by series co-creator Ed Boon himself.

    Seeing it in action? I’m sold, I want to try this myself now.

13. Chris Kohler at Game|Life says he’s got the first video of Prince of Persia for Wii.

    He doesn’t sound too confident in it, however.

14. So, Joystiq has it that Bloodrayne is up for six awards…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Yesterday, I got my hands on the new issue of Nintendo Power, and it’s fairly early for once. Some good tidbits inside, here are my highlights.

(more…)

News has been relatively sparse lately, so I figured I’d trim away the Weekend Wrap-Up for the time being and just lump it in with Monday’s(early a.m. Tuesday, really) reports.

This cool? Or do you like having something to read on Monday morning? Speak out!

1. The Allspark has a bevy of new TransFormers news going, chiefly related to… what else? Merchandise. (Hey, it DID start as a toyline, after all.)

   The first item of note is the new “Minor” Optimus, a Bump n’ Go movie Optimus who does a dandy Professor X impersonation when in robot mode.

   Additionally, the prototype movie Starscream toy has been bought, and turned into a gallery for your perusal, complete with a version of what the face should look like without the paint splotch.

   In addition to all that, we have a double-helping here as we get to see not only movie Ratchet in packaging, but a new role-play toy as well, known as “the Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster.” It is made of win.

2. In non-movie TransFormers news, new TF Classics are showing up at US retailers, including the eagerly-awaited “Battle for Autobot City” two-pack featuring Ultra Magnus and Skywarp, recolors of Classics Optimus Prime and Starscream, respectively.

   For more Classics fun, you can check out the Constructicon giant Devastator, as well as some new Mini-Cons.

3. And of course, I had to save the best for last.

   We know about “Classics” Soundwave, a reissue of the original with Laserbeak and Ravage, and the Titanium version which has met with lukewarm fan reaction.

   Now, we have the ultimate modern incarnation of Soundwave, a TRUE Robot In Disguise, as this “Masterpiece” Soundwave transforms into a fully-functional MP3 player!

   “Soundwave is available in two colors, the traditional blue color scheme and also an all white color scheme in honor of the iPod. Soundwave’s cassette door opens to reveal a Mini SD card reader (Mini SD card is not included).

   The MP3 player will function in both cassette mode and robot mode. We expect this figure to be slightly smaller than the G1 Soundwave so it can fit comfortably in your pocket.”

   For $99.99, it doesn’t sound like too bad a deal, though one has to wonder if it can store any songs out-of-the-box.

4. Hey, remember Brian Augustyn, the writer of the Mega Man comic book by Dreamwave?

   If you’ve been at all curious what he’s doing these days, it seems he’s become Editor-In-Chief of Markosia Publishing.

5. Whups, back over to TransFormers for just a tick: if you get TV-tropolis in Canada, then it may interest you to know that Ben Yee, creator of BWTF.com creator and frequent TF-creator consultant, will be on Fanatical on January 30th.
6. Yesterday proved to be a good day for Nintendo’s Virtual Console, as The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past joins Nintendo’s legacy lineup.

   Between this, the original, Twilight Princess, and the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it feels like Link is establishing an immediate dominance on Nintendo’s latest.

7. Press The Buttons reports that IGN has had a little hands-on time with Sonic and the Secret Rings, including new videos.
8. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything about Mortal Kombat: Armageddon for the Wii. Fortunately, GameSpot and Ed Boon have reunited to tell us how things are going.
9. Going to GDC? If not, a number of you are probably going to wish you were once you see who’s going to be there…

   …this isn’t open to the public by any chance, is it?

   Also, thanks to onNintendo, we’ve got a link to the 1999 address by the same individual here.

10. Sounds like the possibility of a fourth Spider-Man movie has just been increased significantly.

    But will the new script, by the same writer of the original film and the upcoming Indiana Jones 4, be enough to woo Tobey, Raimi, and Kirsten back?

11. Speaking of Indy 4, looks like Sean Connery is considering it.
12. Remember when we reported on that guy who lost the Lose Weight Exercise with Wii Sports workouts?

    Seems he’s keen on becoming Nintendo’s version of Jared.

13. GameDaily says that Hideo Kojima is strongly interested in the XBox 360, as well as developing for the PC and Wii, but didn’t mention porting Metal Gear Solid 4 to Microsoft’s console.
14. Is the end of $60 next-gen gaming nigh? According to the general manager of EA in Australia, yes.

    Thank God, if so.

15. PS3 price reductions?

    “Nuh-uh,” says SCEA chief Jack Tretton.

    “I think the consumers that get their hands on a PlayStation 3 clearly see the value and not only want to buy one for $599, in some instances they’re willing to pay ridiculous prices to buy one on eBay,” Tretton said.

    “O rly?” sez Joystiq.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Opening on a sad note tonight, as it has been reported that pro wrestler Scott “Bam Bam” Bigelow has passed away.

   He was a former ECW World Champion, among other accomplishments in the ring, including his match against football star Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania XI in 1995.

   Plus, some gamers may recognize him as having been a part of several WWF video games, including Midway/Acclaim’s WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game.

   RIP, Bam Bam.

2. Now that the New Avengers have been revealed, what does the future hold for The World’s Mightiest Heroes? Newsarama asks writer Brian Bendis, and get a special series surprise in the process.

   Also, New Avengers HQ? GREATEST. HIDEOUT. EVER. But beware, it’s kinda spoilerish.

3. April 3rd, 2007: Volume 2 of She-Ra comes to DVD!
4. Ok, bear with me for a second. Here’s a thought for the RIAA and record labels: if they just beam the music straight into our heads, then no one else can hear it, and then they don’t have to screw around in ways like this.

   I wonder if they have these secret raids on night clubs that play their music as well…

5. I could’ve sworn word got out about this earlier, but whatever. Dead Rising/Lost Planet/Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune is making an unnamed new game for Wii.
6. Evil Avatar says that some guy, somewhere, reported that Microsoft has raised the roof for the size of Live Arcade downloads, from 50MB to 250MB, or even 450MB with approval.

   Looks like Symphony of the Night is no longer the exception, but the rule.

7. EA considers putting games on Virtual Console.

   PMO considers if it really gives a damn.

   Seriously, I’m trying to think of anything they released that wasn’t Madden or some other sports title before the PS2 generation. Anyone know of anything good?

8. Now, thanks to Go Nintendo, we have word on the “Wee for a Wii” lawsuit.
9. ESRB has rated some new games for Wii/VC, including Jewel Quest II and Sproink, two non-legacy titles on the VC.
10. Sounds like World of Warcraft may take some cues from Animal Crossing.

    But wouldn’t it suck if your house got burned down after you finally paid off… well, whoever?

11. Just in case you haven’t heard, GameStop is offering you the chance to trade in your old GameCube for $50 off a Wii purchase.

    You can also trade in a GBA SP for $50 off a new or used DS.

12. Wow, the God of War figures are looking good.

    Wonder if we can look forward to a Twisted Toyfare Theater with them sometime…

13. 1up’s John Davison has previewed the upcoming curiousity/potential hit Hotel Dusk: Room 215.
14. Hoping it’s not too late for this, but Cheap Ass Gamer reports the following:

    CAG hxhawkeye confirms (receipt scan) what many CAGs have predicted/hoped for after learning that GameStop had aquired Rhino. Since GameStop does not keep classic games in inventory, former Rhino Video Game’s locations are clearancing out NES, SNES, N64 and Genesis games.

    hxhawkeye writes,
    “I went to my local newly-Gamestopped Rhino today, and all of the old-school games that Gamestop no longer sells have become generic-SKU’d. What this means is:
    All NES games – $1.99
    All SNES games – $1.99
    All Genesis games – $1.99
    All N64 games – $2.99
    NO exceptions. PS1 games were listed on the same memo as $2.99, but at this time they were scanning in at their title-specific prices, so this may not be in effect just yet.
    I scored big here. Go check it out!”

    Wish I could take advantage of this, I’d love to do a little “legacy” shopping, for less than the price of a VC download…

    …granted, playing on the Wii tends to be more convenient, but what are you going to do?

–LBD “Nytetrayn”