Electronics. Arts. Music. Social Media. Just All Thangs Sticky!

Wishing you and yours a truly happy New Years Eve/New Year and a joyous 2010!

The digital version of Gears of War has been added to the Xbox 360 Marketplace for a mere $19.99!

Scope it!

Mega Man 10 is slated for WiiWare in early 2010 according to Nintendo Power. It is looking to use the same 8-bit style that was used in Mega Man 9.

Konami announced today that Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will be released in North America on May 25th. Not only will it be available for download on the PSPGo, but also on UMD for you PSP owners.

Rumor out of Logitech is that they're in the hunt to develop an adapter that would allow for UMD drives on the PSP Go. Not a lot is known yet, other than the fact that the accessory is looking to make the Go "A bit bulky".

For the first time ever, Exo-Flex products will be on display at CES 2010 Booth #3535 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the iLounge. There will be some free skins, and swag ready to go so if you'll be there stop by and say hello!

Some ridiculous bundles for awesome prices!

Hardware:

- Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle – Includes games Pure, Lego Batman, and the choice of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare or Spider-Man: Web of Shadows for $299.
- PlayStation 3
120GB Holiday Bundle – Includes LittleBigPlanet (Game of the Year Edition) and the God of War Collection for $299.
- Pre-Owned PSPs for $79.99.
- 4GB PSP Memory Stick Pro Duo for $19.99.
- Energizer Xbox 360, PS3, or 2X Wii Controller Chargers for $19.99.
- Pre-Owned DS Lites for $59.99.

Video Games:

- Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) for $39.99.
- Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) for $39.99.
- Forza 3 (Xbox 360) for $39.99.
- Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3) for $29.99.
- Wii Sports Resort with an extra Wii MotionPlus for $49.99.

That's just to name a few! You can find the rest at www.gamestop.com

That's right, the law firm AbingtonIP is looking into a class action suit to get users who were recently banned from Xbox Live for having modded consoles a refund of their subscription fee. Their basis seems to be the fact that Microsoft waited for the ban only so they can capitalize on sales from Halo: ODST.

Forgive me for not shedding a tear for any of those users, but if you break the rules and get caught, you don't get rewarded. Cut your losses, get a new system, and play by the rules.

If you're eager to get your first look at Halo: Reach, you'll get your chance at the Video Game Awards on December 12th at 8 P.M. EST on SpikeTV.

Amid the uproar regarding the rumor that the Russian government had banned Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 due to the "No Russian" level, a level which requires the player to walk through a Russian airport disguised as a terrorist mowing down civilians. An Activision rep stated:
"Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous." He added, "Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 10.".

So there you have it!

A "source" of MCV says that Microsoft's Project Natal is scheduled to ship worldwide in November 2010.

The information was leaked after Microsoft was taken on a private tour of UK publishers and studios.

The mysterious source also states that Microsoft plans to manufacture five million units by the time Project Natal officially hits store shelves, and the camera is expected to sell between £30 and £50, which is about $50 to $80.

Looks like when Nintendo unveils their follow-up to the Wii, they will leave the decision to go HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition) up to the developers, in order to add to consumer flexibility. Miyamoto stated, "For example, we have to ask ourselves if HD is really necessary to develop Wii Fit. Won't HD be better for the games like Pikmin?". He added, "The developers should choose the most appropriate graphical format depending on the software they make. To Nintendo, our theme is how we can prepare the SDK library to cater to the needs of the developers, with which the developers can more easily develop their games,"

Ok, this is getting a bit ridiculous. Bands are starting to take themselves just a bit too seriously. Who cares if a VIDEO GAME portrays you singing another band's song? Activision broke you guys up? Are you kidding me? Forgive me, but last I checked, I don't think a VIDEO GAME had any bearing on real life. Anyway enough of my rant, here's a link to the story (Credit 411mania.com)

http://www.411mania.com/games/news/121181/No-Doubt-Sues-Activision-Over-Band-Hero.htm

.....for Gold members that is. Silver members will get their crack at it sometime next week.

Have a happy and safe Halloween weekend from SMF!

"Gor Gor" by Gwar
"Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
"Astro Zombies" by The Misfits.

The All Hallows Eve Track Pack will set you back 440 Microsoft Points, $5.49 at the Playstation Network Store, and 550 Wii Points. All three songs are also now available as single downloads for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PlayStation 3 for $1.99 and Wii for 200 Wii Points each.

Check it out.

A bit of a buzz was created when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated in an interview with Gizmodo, "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there - you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories.".

Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb later cleared the air in his blog writing, "Steve was referring to Blu-Ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360.".

Looks like the dream was fun for the 5 minutes it lasted. Looks like it's back to HDDVD for me!

"Freeze Frame" -- J. Geils Band
"Show Me The Way (Live)" – Peter Frampton
"Lay It On The Line" -- Triumph

You'll be looking at 440 MS Points, 550 Wii Points and $5.49 on the PlayStation Network. They are also now available as single downloads for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PlayStation 3 for $1.99 and Wii for 200 Wii Points each.

Just in time for the holiday season, Sony announces a 250GB PS3 set to retail at $349.99.

Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA had this to say, "The PS3 platform is poised for a tremendous holiday season." He added, "We kicked things off early with the new price point and sleek form factor and have continued the momentum with this week's launch of the universally acclaimed exclusive, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves."

Steinberg closed by stating, "The new 250GB PS3 provides consumers with another compelling hardware option and speaks to the growing consumer appetite for digital content from the PlayStation Network – particularly high-def content that showcases the power of the PS3 system,".

http://www.411mania.com/games/news/118995/Assassin%5C%5Cs-Creed-3-Set-in-World-War-2?-.htm

Before Assassin's Creed 2 even gets released we get news for AC3. Apparently we're looking at a WW2 setting, and above all, indications are that it won't be the last of the series. We may be looking at a Final Fantasy type series. My personal opinion was that AC was one of the more underrated games in recent memory. Still can't wait for AC2 though. It would be interesting to see what they can incorporate in a WW2 setting though. Imagine a white cloaked assassin blending in with a group of Nazi soldiers....maybe not.

Back from a nice little vacation in time to catch the Tokyo Game Show. And here is, in my opinion, the gem in the world of handhelds. I don't think I've seen anything with graphics this pretty on the PSP.

It's been the talk of the sports world for the past day. Starting Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount landed a right hook to the jaw of Boise States Byron Hout, after getting taunted for some comments he made earlier in the week.



That, and his attempt to go all Ron Artest on some rabid fans will cost him the season as the senior was suspended by the NCAA for the year. Well at least from the looks of things he's got a career in boxing to look forward to.

Not sure how I feel about the techno music, but it still looks pretty sick. Nothing takes out frustration better than shanking a couple of guards at the same time.

http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/microsoft-we-have-no-plans-for-xbox-360-slim/

Personally I don't see the benefit in slimming down the 360, as it's already somewhat affordable, and doesn't take up so much space, so....lighter weight?

Not to mention the Elite just saw a price drop this past week to compete with the new PS3 Slim, so my forecast, don't expect a 360 Slim in this decade.

With GamesCon wrapped up, we got a quick breath and now it's on to Blizzcon 2009!

The 2-day event will be streamed live from Blizzard's website, and should offer some news and updates on World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises.

For a few predictions, and full on preview regarding Blizzcon, check out Gamedibs' podcast at: http://www.gamedibs.com/dibs/featured-articles/dibcast-show-22-blizzcon-kickoff.

Have a fun, safe weekend to all! I'll be at the Summerfest...err...SummerSlam on Sunday!

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1014662p1.html

Just announced early this morning, the PS3 is FINALLY seeing a price drop, and the revelation of the PS3 Slim!

The Slim model is scheduled to be released September 1st retailing at $299.

It features a 120GB HDD so unfortunately STILL no backwards compatibility, but at that price tag I'll take it.

***

UPDATE

Link from Kotaku with updated pics AND specs

http://kotaku.com/5340085/ps3-slims-pics-and-specs/gallery/



Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

Lookin' pretty sleek if I may say so myself!

Here's a quick link to the story: http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/over-200-000-wii-battery-recharging-stations-recalled/1342998

The good news is no one was hurt too bad.

Shark Week is back on the discovery channel this week...well technically starting yesterday. Time to satisfy my blood lust!

Exo-Flex products will be on display, and given away at the Hollywood Platinum Lounge on August 6-7. If you'll be there feel free to stop by and say hello!

On another note the press has been loving us! Check out these reviews on Snake Skin from around the blogosphere:

http://www.gamingbits.com/content/view/6257

http://gamegirl.blogfaction.com/article/109398/exo-flex-customizable-skins-for-electronics-of-all-kinds/

http://gamersroute.com/review-exo-flex-skins-for-gaming-systems

http://www.gamersintuition.com/article.php?t=exoflex

I'm feeling the love!

Effective immediately, a portion of all proceeds from sales on Exo-Flex.com will be donated to the Kids In Need Foundation!

This wonderful organization donates school supplies to impoverished children in order to give them the opportunity to receive the education that they deserve.

No child chooses their living situation, but who's to say they can't get a little help on their way to a better life! I hope you'll join Exo-Flex, and me in supporting this truly worthy cause.

For more information on the Kids In Need Foundation, please visit www.kidsinneed.net.

This probably has as little to do with video games or electronics, but leaking the video of King James getting posterized by a college prospect is like throwing a steak by a hungry wolf.

For years we've heard that the video game industry is recession-proof. I've always whole-heartily agreed with this, as games are somewhat easy to afford, and can always provide that escape from reality that we so desperately need these days. Where else can you live out your dreams of playing on your favorite major league field, or rocking out in front of millions of devoted fans clinging onto your every note?

According to the latest report from NPD, the gaming industry just saw it's biggest decline since the year 2000. At $1.17 billion, total industry sales dropped 31%. At first glance the economy is the easiest to blame here. Times are hard, and I'm absolutely certain that people would rather spend the $50 that it takes to fill up their gas tanks than to spend it on the latest Madden title.

I however, have a much different opinion. If you stack up the last 4 months of releases this time last year to this year, I think you would see where I'm going with this. March of '08 saw Super Smash Bros Brawl, and the sequel to Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. We also got Final Fantasy VII to close out the month. April was certainly no slouch either as we got Assassin's Creed, Mario Kart Wii, and last, but certainly not least Grand Theft Auto IV. The month of May saw Mass Effect, and of course June ushered in Solid Snake's final mission in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

It's a bit hard to challenge such a stacked year of releases. With 2 of the most critically acclaimed games to ever hit the market, any comparison is going to look mediocre at best, especially when you compare it to what we've gotten this year. Sure we've had some decent titles, Resident Evil 5, and Fight Night Round 4 come to mind. But has there been anything that has gotten even near the buzz that Metal Gear, and Grand Theft Auto created? Let's hold out on pressing the panic button just yet. I think I'll go back to leading the Dodgers to another World Series title before I freak out on the future of gaming.

That 'oughta do it for my first blog. This is SMF reminding you to Exo-Flex your mind, and individuality!

Exo-flex.com goes live today July 3, 2009!
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