Incredible. The past day has been like an explosion as the number of hits to this page has shot through the stratosphere. For the first four months, I managed to pull together 10,000 unique hits to this page, and in the past 24 hours, over 5,000 more.

Needless to say, I’m absolutely thrilled, as at the time of this posting, we’ve received 15,846 unique hits to the site, 5,054 of those yesterday, and 856 today.

To those visiting for the first time, hope there’s enough here to keep you coming back!

1. The Allspark has a bevy of news today, including the launch of the new TransFormers movie trailer, the official site’s redesign, seemingly made to reflect the new version of Cybertron; IDW’s prequel comic for the movie, and the enigmatic Sector Seven website (no clue if there’s any affiliation with Sigma Six).

   That last one is odd, as it made a lot of coded listings of “Megaman,” at least from here.

2. These constant Wii Play delays are driving me crazy. Why couldn’t they just release it at launch, like they did everywhere else?
3. Holy crap.

   ANOTHER PlayStation 3?! And this one could run $2,500?!

   Hotchie motchie…

   According to Evil Avatar, maybe it’s Sony’s exit strategy since it seems the originals aren’t doing so hot.

4. A late congratulations to Mr. Howard Lincoln and Mr. Minoru Arakawa for their Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
5. Ok, so the Burger King games have gone double-platinum, but I dunno, is that really fair?
6. If you can’t find a Wii, Nintendo says that more are on the way; GameCrazy should have more Friday.
7. Joystiq alerts us to expect more Kingdom Hearts in the New Year.
8. $30 well spent for Wii owners.
9. Want to get the kiddies something they’ll never expect? Well then, how about next year’s toys?
10. Regarding that whole “new look” Archie thing?

    Mike Pellerito of Archie Comics has set the record straight on that one.

    Americana lives on.

11. What do you get when you combine six of the most powerful superheroes in the world?

    The Justice League?

    The Avengers?

    The Power Rangers? *ducks*

    Nope, you get the Illuminati, whose first issue went on sale yesterday.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Just got word from Walky that today around noon, the trailer for the new TransFormers movie goes live on Yahoo! Movies.

Don’t miss it!

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Yet more financial damage than Sony wanted to incur, as they now have to pay $1.5 million dollars in damages to California and Texas.

   If you happen to have been victimized by Sony’s rootkit, then you can file a claim here.

2. Word from The Allspark is that Activision is going to make three games based on the upcoming TransFormers movie, two for the DS and one for the Wii, plus word of an XBox 360 offering.
3. This was not the first thing I expected to see this morning, and LJ Community Scans Daily asks the question, “can Archie jump the shark?”

   If anything, it may at least cast a little light on why Archie’s always chasing Veronica and ignoring Betty…

   At any rate, be interesting to see how this goes. Archie’s been known for trying on occassion to “revamp” and “modernize” its image.

   What surprises me most is that it’s happening in the digests, where the story format will change. I always thought those were just reprints of old stories from the regular-styled books.

4. FINALLY, the Wii Opera browser goes online this Friday. A beta version, anyway. Just after the Weather Channel went up yesterday, to boot. All we need now is News and we’re set.
5. What’s this?

   Toys R Us in Times Square puts the screws to people who came and went through the line for a Wii?

   Nothing new. When I get around to my recap of the PMO Wii launch trip, I’ll explain it then.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Sad news today as Joe Barbera, creator of Yogi Bear and one half of the famed Hanna-Barbera animation team, died yesterday at the age of 95.

   Rest well, Mr. Barbera. Your contributions to animation are appreciated, and you’ll be missed. Thanks for the memories, which will always live on.

2. On a lighter note, all I can say here is that it’s about time.

   My contributions have been overlooked for far too long, and I graciously accept this award that I so clearly deserve.

   Thank you, thank you all who have supported me.

3. Oh, and I guess congratulations to all of you, too.
4. Oopsie.

   Seems that two days ago, Rockman/Mega Man celebrated 20 years of Japanese robot-blasting fun.

   Various other celebrations of related note are right around now as well.

   Happy Birthday, Mega Man. May things get better for you.

5. So it’s finally come to this: Class-action lawsuit for the Wii problem Nintendo’s already fixing.

   Dandy.

   And in fairness, I hear that the coffee was hot enough for severe burns to be inflicted. Even if she didn’t spill it, if she tried to drink that, her tongue would have dissolved.

   Anyway, see? It’s not so bad. Just don’t overdo it.

6. Retro Gaming reports the latest additions to the Virtual Console, those being Space Harrier 2, Military Madness, and Tennis.

   …if it makes you feel any better, Mario makes a cameo as the ref in Tennis.

   Speaking of VC, N-Philes has a look at upcoming downloads for the Australian folk.

   Give me Super Castlevania IV and Contra III: The Alien Wars (Super Contra was the second title, people!), then I’ll be good as gold going into the New Year.

7. Where Nintendo is blind, Datel sees a market, as they work on a new FreeLoader to allow gamers to play import titles on their Wii without the need for modification.
8. And so the rumor spreads…

   Evil Avatar seems to found some word from Konami on the matter.

9. In Florida, word is that a rabbit and a duck made a wrong turn at Albuquerque and wound up in GameStop.

   Clearly, the duck liked what he saw and made off with a bunch of XBox 360′s. The rabbit was pretty indifferent.

   Meanwhile, the FBI has brought in an expert to tackle the case, Mr. E. J. Fudd, millionaire. He says he owns a mansion and a yacht. He believes he can catch the perps, but only if everyone is “vewy, vewy quiet.”

   More as it develops.

10. Oh, yay. Friend codes on Wii games.

    Well, the dream was nice…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

As you all may know, I seldom deal in rumors, unless they’re of a special kind of interest to me.

And this one qualifies.

Matrix Prime at The Allspark found a story on a website called “Noooz” that says that Metal Gear Solid 4 could be going to XBox 360, effectively taking away another of their big exclusive third-party titles.

Interestingly, someone a day or two ago (before that story was posted) had said something to me about this same thing, and I just wrote it off, since nothing had been, nor has been, reported on any major sites.

All the same, I felt it was interesting enough to warrant a small update.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. In an instance of “an ounce of prevention,” Nintendo has chosen to recall its Japanese DS chargers, due to the fact that they can evidently get rather hot and potentially burn unknowing gamers.No injuries have yet been reported.

   In addition, Nintendo has finally stepped up to replace the thin Wii remote straps that the early systems came with. Just go to the site, fill in your info, and you’ll be testing the new pieces’ limits in no time.

   Contrary to other reports on the net, however, there isn’t a recall.

   All this, and even the US Safety Commission is in on it.

2. Looks like Deputy Long isn’t in the clear yet.
3. Three strikes, and Resident Evil’s movies are out?
4. Hope no one jumped in to grab Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children too soon, as Sony is now poised to release Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector’s Set).
5. Speaking of Final Fantasy, if you liked Crystal Chronicles and own a Nintendo DS, then there’s some good news for you.
6. If you’re a geek like me (and if you’re not, I wonder why you’re here) and appreciate soundtracks more than typical “real” music (what the hell is “fake” music?), then you may be interested to know that iTunes is carrying soundtracks for Ultimate Avengers, Ultimate Avengers 2, and Invincible Iron Man, animated movies all based on Marvel Comics characters.
7. You know the Fantastic Four, right? The stretchy Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing.At least, that’s how it used to be.

   It seems that Marvel’s First Family is feeling the impact of Civil War as much as anyone, as today a new team was revealed.

   One has to wonder where Sue is, though, as she and her brother left the Baxter Building together…

8. Onslaught has been Reborn, and is selling out everywhere. And for that, the creators would like to thank everyone who helped make it possible.
9. When it rains, it pours. One more piece of Marvel news: Marvel Zombies to see a third printing, and take on Army of Darkness’ Ash in 2007.Groovy. And now it has me thinking that we should see a new take on Marvel vs. Capcom with the MZ’s in Raccoon City…
10. Yo Europe, you’ve got Virtual Console games coming your way….I must be the only person who ever liked Urban Champion. Well, screw the rest of you!

    Oh, and you guys have dates for Wario Ware and Excite Truck.

    …wait, you didn’t get Excite Truck for launch? AHAHAHAHAHA! Well, I guess we’re even, then.

11. Stephen Colbert is cool. Colbert on guitar is no doubt cooler.But Colbert in a guitar battle? That’s gotta be the coolest.
12. XBox has updated their 360 backwards compatibility, now including Indigo Prophecy, Conker: Live & Reloaded, Dead or Alive Ultimate, and Soul Calibur 2.I’m down with Conker and DOA, but I’ll stick to GameCube/Wii for my Soul Calibur 2 fix.
13. Tune Raider? Warner invests in SCi and Eidos, who now get rights to make games based on Bugs Bunny and pals.
14. Oh, son of a…Great. Thanks to those who couldn’t hold their controllers, now we’ll have even more safety warnings to sit through.

    YOU HAPPY NOW?!

15. Looks like Sony is looking further into motion-sensitive technology patents.
16. Finally, maybe we can put this failed Sony advertising behind us…
17. …then again, what’s the rush?
18. Metal Slug Anthology for the Wii shipped yesterday, with other versions to follow in the coming weeks.As a fan of Contra and Gunstar Heroes, I’ve been told this would be worth my attention.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Yahoo! reports that the controversial video game Left Behind: Eternal Forces is becoming the focus of the ire of Christian groups…

   …who evidently had no problem with a series of books about the aftermath of the Rapture, but as soon as it’s told in pixels, it’s evil.

2. So, the guys at All I Want for Xmas is a PSP decided to come clean, and admit the entire thing was a sham.

   But at least they’ll still be updating it.

   Frankly, when I first saw it (and before it was exposed), I didn’t even bother reporting on it, nor watching all the way through, because of how bad it was.

   Pity others didn’t follow suite, or even lead as such. As a result, it seems that the campaign has worked in some capacity, unless you believe that there is a such thing as bad publicity.

   Still, most of Sony’s ads are just awful, and it seems I’m not alone in that assertion.

   Next-Gen was able to get a few questions about the site answered by Sony brass.

3. Some tidbits have surfaced regarding the next possible 007 movie, based on the Ian Fleming short story Risico.
4. There’s also some talk about the new costumes for the Batman Begins sequel, The Dark Knight.

   BoF’s insider added, “It’s not going to be a suit that is tailored for him, but more something he acquired. I mean, what tailor would actually make a suit for The Joker?”

   Knowing the Joker? Just about anyone he tells to.

5. Just a note for those looking to get a Wii at Best Buy. Go Nintendo reports that you may have to wait until the 17th to get one.

   Oh, and you can scratch GameStop (and likely EB Games) off your list, too.

6. Go Nintendo reports that the answer to your Wii remote battery problems is here.
7. Wait, what? Capcom… listening to feedback… BEFORE a game’s release?

   Will wonders never cease? Maybe if we tell them we want more Mega Man Classic, X, and Legends, they’ll listen to that, too.

   …naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

8. I’ve said often enough that one of the biggest draws for the PlayStation 3, to me, is the backwards compatibility, as I lack a PS2 to call my own.

   Well, scratch that. Besides issues with playing some games, it has been documented that no matter what you do, playing PS2 games on a PS3 make them look worse.

   From the sounds of things, Sony’s taking the “we know best” attitude towards what consumers want (not that they’re the only ones). And it seems a fix isn’t in the cards yet, either.

9. If you happen to own Loco Roco for the PSP, then it may interest you to know that a special holiday level is now available.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. The Allspark reports that a new TransFormers movie trailer will appear online come December 20th… one week from today.
2. SEGA has set some Virtual Console release dates, including Space Harrier II next Monday, and the cult classic Toejam and Earl on Christmas Day.
3. In a recent turn of events, it seems that the Deputy who was charged with the fatal shooting of a suspected PS3 thief in NC has had the charges against him dismissed.

   Frankly, this entire story reeks of incompetence.

4. Hey, you remember the Ghostbusters, right? Guys with a funky car and traps and went around catching ghosts and had a big monkey…

   …big monkey?

   Yep, you read right. Before the big-screen sensation and its “real” cartoon follow-up, there was another cartoon back in the 70′s with a group of ghoul-grabbers who bore the same moniker.

   And now, their antics are coming to DVD in February.

5. If you’ve bought the Superman 14-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition DVD set, it is highly recommended that you read this.
6. Details and questions have arisen surrounding the upcoming ninth installment of the Dragon Quest series, coming to the Nintendo DS. There is also a video of gameplay footage.
7. For whatever reason, the UK version of Dragon Ball Z on Wii is getting extras. But with all that’s already in the game as it is, I’ll need more details before I know how much I really care.
8. Man floored by $700 PS3 transaction.
9. Sounds like the next pip in the XBox 360 backwards-compatibility list will be Psychonauts.

   Works for me, I’ve never played it but have heard nothing but good about it despite lacking sales.

10. Wondering just how bad the XBox 360 is doing in Japan?

    The PS3 has outsold them already.

    That’s bad.

11. The difference between the US Army and Israel’s?

    The US Army uses games to train people.

    Israel’s thinks you need a shrink if you even play D&D.

12. GameStop/EB Games to offer imports?

    The best part of this is, the prices seem to be reasonable.

13. Huh, is it really that easy to part fools and their money?

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Slow day today. Good news for me, so I can catch up quickly.

1. Here’s an interesting tidbit to kick things off.

   Over at FUS – Fans United for SatAM, a fansite for the old DiC Saturday morning Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon, they have word regarding the bonuses that will be included on the DVD release of the series, including the following:

   1. Way Past Cool! A Conversation with Sonic Writer Ben Hurst
   2. The Fastest Thing Alive: A Conversation with Jaleel White
   3. Printable Heads or Tails Pilot Script
   4. Storyboard-to-Screen: The Doomsday Project – The complete episode shown with the animated storyboards
   5. Original Storyboards for an Unproduced Opening Title Sequence
   6. Original DiC Concept Art Galleries
   7. Easter Eggs Galore!
   8. Packaging Designed COMPLETELY by The Fans!

   Of course, this is all still pending approval from SEGA and DiC, and should it make it through, it looks like it’s going to be one hell of a package.

2. Nintendo has updated the Virtual Console catalog to include Ice Hockey for the NES, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine and Gunstar Heroes from the Genesis, and Alien Crush from the TurboGrafx-16.

   As soon as I’m done here, Gunstar Heroes is coming on down.

3. N-Philes reports that the next Zelda game is already “deep in production”.

   On a related note, Phantom Hourglass has been pushed back to late 2007.

4. onNintendo reports that Dragon Quest IX is coming to the Nintendo DS.

   Game|Life has its own thoughts on the development as well.

5. …declining comment.
6. The saga of bricked 360 owners vs. Microsoft continues…
7. In a follow-up to the shooting of the NC man who was suspected of PlayStation 3 theft, the deputy had been charged with second-degree murder.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. If you’re in Germany and are a fan of robots in disguise, it may interest you to know that it seems that TransFormers: Cybertron has begun airing there.

   It’s an overall pretty good toon with a slightly rough start, I think it’s worth seeing through to the end.

2. Good news! There’s an Ocarina of Time Adult Link statue on the way!

   The bad news is, I’m really more into a Twilight Princess Link these days…

   Still, this looks quite awesome, and I’d love to get my hands on one.

3. It seems a company named Interlink has filed a a most curious lawsuit against Nintendo over the Wii remote.

   Seems like an odd time to do it. And is it just about the general shape? Nintendo could probably take Sony to the cleaners if something like that were to go through…

   IGN says that the issue is actually over the “trigger-operated pointing functionality.” Ok, fair enough, but know what? Tough rocks. It’s not like this thing came out under the radar or anything, and for them to say Nintendo should have to take it off the market after its release? I’ve got just two words for them…

   Seriously, all the stuff they want damages and charges for just sounds like gold digging to me. Joystiq seems to think so, too, citing some other differences between the units.

4. Speaking of gold diggers, guess what our friends at the RIAA are up to now?
5. PS3 line cutting. Serious business. Especially if you’re a cop.
6. Wii: One million served, worldwide.
7. Well, that’s nice. Sony says that its manufacturing problems have been resolved.

   Maybe now we can have a real next-gen battle.

8. Is it mean? Yes. Do I care? No.

   I laughed a little when I read this.

9. Hudson’s promising a new Virtual Console title for this Monday. If you guess which it is, you can win a free Fatal Fury hat.

   Seems Splatterhouse and Alien Crush are the two leading candidates. I’m pulling for the former, personally.

10. Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3: Echoes, and more by the end of Spring?
11. Looks like Nintendo is already making good on improved Wii safety straps, as the replacements people have received already are a little thicker than the originals.

    Nice job, Nintendo. Let’s just hope it’s enough.

    President Iwata and Mr. Miyamoto have also made some comments.

12. Looks like Mario’s not the only one stuck in court, as Master Chief has been summoned as well:

    the suit contends that Microsoft is refusing to repair or replace the broken systems unless the users pay ‘up to $140′ to ship it back to the company. The plaintiff is demanding that Microsoft pay at least $5 million in damages for breach of contract to those affected by the Fall Update problems, and an additional amount of at least $5 million in damages for an unfair or deceptive act under the CPA. Should Microsoft argue that it had no agreement to breach with the affected users, then the plaintiff contends Microsoft was negligent, and should be made to pay at least $5 million in damages.”

13. Let the PornStation Portable jokes commence!

    …what a stupid kid. I mean, seriously… unless he really DOES have the coolest mother in the world, and this time she just simply didn’t… I wouldn’t have said a damn thing, unless I had some aversion to porn at that age.

14. …Sigh.

    Is it really a problem for us to do a little better than this over here?

15. Joystiq does some liveblogging of the Spike TV Video Game Awards that I forgot to vote on.

    Damn.

16. The PS3 takes a hip-hop hit from the 360, on TV no less.
17. This is interesting.

    It seems that the very reputation of Sony itself could bear negative impact on how well Blu-Ray does.

18. Ah, Toys R Us, you just love to screw more people than a hooker free-for-all on a Friday night, don’t you? $25 for a $20 Wii points card?

    Screw that noise. I just buy my points directly online.

    In fact, unless it was a gift, I see absolutely no point in using your credit card to purchase one online to pay to have it shipped to you, when you can just go the direct route.

19. NPD has gathered some evidence that indicates there were only 197,000 PlayStation 3s shipped at launch.
20. Preacher is coming to HBO, and Mark Steven Johnson talks a little bit about it.

    Personally, as a fan of the comic, I can’t wait to see it, though my immediate concern would be how I’d see it…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”