The PAX 10 was created to provide the very best independent game developers with a way to get exposure to the gamers, media and industry professionals at PAX Prime. The winners were selected by industry experts looking for the best in gameplay, originality and overall fun-factor.

“Every year the showcase of new indie gems are one of the highlights of the show,” said Robert Khoo of Penny Arcade. “In always chasing the next big blockbuster, too much of our industry is dedicated to making the same game over and over again. The PAX 10 is one way that indies with innovative game concepts can get in front of the community.”

The winning entries are:

• A Flipping Good Time (PC) – Digipen Institute of Technology – Players will have a flipping good time in this fast-paced free-flowing 2D platformer as they flip and fly through an expansive underground world using the fluid nature of gravity to avoid hazardous terrain.

• Antichamber (PC) – Alexander Bruce – Journey through the depths within a non-Euclidean labyrinth where geometry and space follow unfamiliar rules, and many obstacles are a matter of perception. Players must create, destroy and manipulate matter in this mind-bending psychological exploration game.

• Atom Zombie Smasher (PC, Mac, Linux) – Blendo Games – The zombie apocalypse is upon us! Take strategic command of mercenary forces to conduct massive rescue operations using military forces such as snipers, artillery crews, and orbital bombardments to hold back the undead while the civilians escape.

• Fez (XBLA) – Polytron – Guide Gomez, a 2D creature, on a voyage of discovery into the mysterious 3rd dimension. Change his perspective and look at the world in a different way.

• Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony (PC) – Final Form Games – A neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars with a new twist on the genre. There are no shared pools of health or lives; so long as any player survives, the team can be brought back from death.

• Snapshot (PC) – Retro Affect – Pic, a robot camera, can actually absorb objects into photographs, removing them from existence! By pasting pictures back into the world, captured objects – everything from doors, light, even copies of yourself – can be used to solve puzzles.

• Solar 2 (PC) – Murudai – In this open-world, sandbox game set in an infinite abstract universe, players are the planets. Play constructively: grow your system, nurture life and attack enemy life in huge battles. Play destructively: crash into objects and cause chaos, use orbiting objects like wrecking balls and steal planets.

• Splatters (PC) – SpikySnail – You play as a group of semi-suicidal, liquid filled Splatters that get their kicks by igniting in colorful confetti bombs of liquid. Crash into spikes, ride the slides, Air-Strike into bombs or do just any stunt-combo you can think of. With every new maneuver learned, each show becomes more spectacular.

• Vanessa Saint-Pierre Delacroix & Her Nightmare (PC) – Bad Pilcrow – Standing between Vanessa and freedom are platforming mechanics. The twist? Her two-dimensional world lies on the surface of a three-dimensional cube, and players must rotate each face to find clever solutions to a wide variety of problems.

• Word Fighter (iOS & Android) – Feel Every Yummy – A one-on-one word battling game that mixes rules from popular word games like Boggle and Scrabble and wraps them around a competitive fighting environment. Think “Street Fighter” meets “Words with Friends”, or word games mashed together with “Super Puzzle Fighter”.

The PAX 10 website can be found at http://prime.paxsite.com/pax10.php

The pessimism began for me and most other MVC2 players when the MVC3 development team first announced that they wanted the game to be more newbie friendly, for example by simplifying the controls to have only THREE attack buttons. But soon after I got my hands on the game I realized this wasn’t going to be a huge problem, and the addition of the universal launcher certainly makes it easier for novice players to pick the game up.

My most immediate problem with the game at this point (a good week or so) is that it’s too easy to kill your opponent. To start off with, the damage is too high. A standard air combo ending in a Hyper Combo will normally take over half your opponent’s life; on top of that, chip damage from beam/gun Hypers is also higher than it needs to be.

Complicating things even further (for the worse) is the new “X Factor” mode which can be activated at any point in the game to buff all your characters up: they get faster, hit harder, and regenerate their health quicker. All of which is fine, and would actually make for an interesting and strategic addition to the game (especially because the effect is greater the fewer characters you have left) — if not for the fact that X Factor is just as excessive as the aforementioned damage settings. Characters in XF mode simply become much too fast and hit way too hard.

In a way, this isn’t a game-breaking problem because *all* the characters hit too hard, and they *all* get overpowered with XF. So it’s kind of fair. As a result, I’d say this is the first area that MVC3 surpasses MVC3: balance. MVC2 had over 30 characters and 4 or 5 of them were godly compared to the rest of the cast. Seeing how many characters in MVC3 can already do 50% damage if not close to 100% on one combo using a single super meter, there’s not a ton of room to become deadlier. So in the weeks or months to come, when players inevitably discover a bunch of exploitable tactics that make some characters much better than others, I still think that the game will have to be more balanced than MVC2.

While the settings and properties mentioned above may turn players such as myself off by essentially making the game seem too easy, it definitely gives newbies the satisfaction of doing big damage in fast-paced matches.

Of course, the one thing which newbies and hardcover players will likely love equally has to be the job Capcom has done in bringing all of these characters to life. While I’m a huge fan of Capcom’s 2D art (what old school gamer isn’t?), the shiny new models found here pop with solid polish and personality. It’s particularly cool to see Marvel’s superheroes & villains jump off the comic book pages and onto the TV screens under your control — Magneto’s still badass, Taskmaster’s cocky, Deadpool’s overloaded with jokes & weapons, and on down the line. And the Capcom side with its mix of old favorites and new additions is just as good. Dante is incredibly popular, and I for one love Wesker (and I’m not even a Resident Evil fan).

In the end, MVC3 never really stood a chance of surpassing MVC2 in the hearts & minds of devotees like myself, but it’s a fun, fast-paced game bursting with personality and its sure to build on and surpass the surge of online fighting game fervor that Capcom jump-started with SF4.

Speaking of which, without a doubt the area MVC3 excels in over MVC2 is hands-down online play. Now that we have a up-to-date MVC game, online play has finally caught up with the times with SSF4-style ranked matches, complete with win-streak counters and graphs breaking down your offensive and defensive strengths and weakness.

Being a port of a 10 year old game, and probably a low budget adaption at that, MVC2 could be infuriating when trying to play online matches. You’d get booted from a room or even at the start of a match with high regularity. If I had a dollar for everytime I got “network error”… Probably the only reason this was even acceptable was MVC2 cost like $15.

I wanted this game ever since I saw the trailer. The graphics are very well designed. You know a game is going to be good when you get the feeling that the designers enjoyed their work. Ilomilo is a definite must have for all 360 owners who love indie titles. This game isn’t for everyone, but even the FPS-onry gamers will appreciate it.

My roommate jokes about how I always make the Milo (blue) go to Ilo (red). His exact quotes are: “Always making the guy go to the girl!” so when he makes his own attempt to beat a level he makes Ilo go to Milo instead.

My favorite aspect of the game that I just can’t live without is my absolute love for the music. The soundtrack is just ridiculously addictive. I’m a huge sucker for creativity and the amount of work developers put into the music for the games. I can’t really say anything bad about Ilomilo except that fact that the 360 controller sometimes is a little wonky and it gets possessed by a ghost who seemingly wants to play too. When you want your little guys or gals to move a block to the left, instead of turning towards that direction they end up going up or down. I don’t think that’s any fault the the mechanics of the game.

In conclusion, for 800 MS points I think this game is worth every cent.

I can’t wait to wake up on the 22nd and impatiently wait for my buzzer to go off and open my door to sign for the game. As much as I would like to dedicate my free time to another MMO, I have a feeling this new relationship won’t last as long. I seem to mastered the art of ADD when it comes to gaming as of late. My adult life seems to be conflicting with my utmost desires to procrastinate responsibilities even when it came to writing this article.

I remember the last time I wrote anything about Final Fantasy was my debate whether Square will create a new MMO, which at the time they referred to as Rapture. And here it is and I can’t say I’m extremely excited, but being a fangirl who craves nostalgia I just have to get it. And because of this I think I’m among the ones Square is aiming for.

I’m planning on installing Windows XP or Vista or even Windows 7 on my iMac via Boot Camp. I’m wondering how that will look. Currently I’ve been hearing rumors about Square separating the servers between PS3 and PC. I hope not. I really enjoyed playing cross platform and even worldwide connection. I hope Square doesn’t change this and limit the servers to which country has access to which servers. To me the whole point of an MMO is to play with different people from all over the world not just in the States.

I have the fondest memories of playing FFXI I’m hoping FFXIV will create new memories for me. But new love can never replace the old even with its brightest days and darkest hours. Cheers to SQUARE not messing this one up badly and learning from FFXI’s mistakes.

I hesitated at first only because I wasn’t sure how much time I could fairly commit to another game as I do already have a list of unfinished games and we know how gamers do have, even if we deny it sometimes in our defense, some form of ADD.

Gameplay

The game’s usage of camera angles and cinematic taste is quite exhilarating. Very tasteful and film noir, old school detective feel and the multiple screens make the game more like a movie than an actual game. The transitions are seamless to the point where I would get my ass kicked without even knowing I was back in control of the characters. I had to keep reminding myself that I had to have my controller in my hands the whole time while playing.

What I didn’t enjoy about Heavy Rain was the control of the character when you’re walking around. Holding down R2 button to go forward and the left stick barely work at times, making it quite annoying, especially when the fucking music is making you feel like you’re gonna die any second now but fucking Ethan won’t run or walk any faster and makes you wanna bitch slap him! But then there’s a fight and you totally kicked ass making you forget that earlier you wanted to smack the shit outta him cuz he can’t seem to walk up the stairs without looking delirious.

Story

Heavy Rain’s style was new to me since I never played Indigo Prophecy, but those who did were already exposed to this stylized storytelling. I got my intiation after finishing a complete playthrough of Heavy Rain with all four characters alive. I was actually wondering which four they were talking about since I thought Shelby was the other… but apparently the fourth person you had to keep alive is Shaun to get the trophy.

There story had quite a few inconsistencies. They never really explained why Ethan keeps getting these blackouts at random. One of the obtainable trophies is labeled Agoraphobia which is “an anxiety disorder, traditionally thought to involve a fear of public places and open spaces. However, it is now believed that agoraphobia develops as a complication of panic attacks.” (Thank you, Wiki!) So from this we can deduce that Ethan’s blackouts are caused by panic attacks. That still doesn’t explain how he randomly ends up at the Carnaby Square where John Sheppard died and with the origami in his hand. Someone on a forum mentioned that he had a lot of article clippings in his rundown apt. I only remember reading one and it wasn’t a clipping, it was on the front page of the newspaper he had lying around that I guess he never got a chance to read. Before the game even really started, after spending time with Ethan and talking to his psychiatrist, I admit I was a little concerned that it was going to be another Assassin’s Creed explanation. Thank god it wasn’t, but then the whole confusion thing came into play.

Music

One of the best most haunting yet emotionally heart-wrenching soundtracks for a game so far this year.

Characters

Most characters aren’t too involving, especially Madison and Norman.

And Jayden… “Lt Blake is gonna leave our planet right now!…And return to the realm of shadows. Creature of darkness, I do beseech you to return to the Realm of Shadows and leave our Nathaniel in peace!”

Why is Madison always swaying them hips?? OK, I can see how guys would be attracted to women and their hips but… why on earth are you swaying those hips when someone just tried to kill you? Also, why is that during Madison’s scenes she is always seemingly about to get raped? Is it a British thing or do they view the States as quite possibly the place where every time a woman gets attacked she will most likely be a rape victim? Not saying she got raped, but she’s always using her “sex” to get her way… What happens if you’re a not so attractive girl with a not-so-better than average body, more like below average… does it mean you even you feel compelled to help save the missing boy that you can’t get the warranted evidence without some kind of sex appeal? Madison isn’t a hate-able character, just that the situations she put herself in seems very misplaced and are only there for “sex appeal” and some “scream” time. Hence when the crazy doctor (never trust a doctor who sells drugs btw) tried to kill her and all you can do was press X for scream… her scream wasn’t even that convincing… I would have cursed the shit outta him and his mother’s mother.

Everything about the game is just wonderful what kinda threw me off tho was the fact that none of the characters totally looked mortified. They all seem to have this very generic expression. At times, I just thought they needed to take a piss so I would walk my character to go pee. (And what is up with Ethan making the motion of zipping up his pants when all he have on are his boxer briefs?)

Conclusion

My parting words? Don’t base your decisions on what reviewers or forums tell you. Take everything with a grain of salt. People interact and deal with things differently. Depending on when you choose to play the game it greatly adds to the emotional angst you’ll feel while playing. You should make this a personal experience, enjoy it, love it or hate it on your own accord.

What am I really saying? Get the game already, why are you still reading this? Heavy Rain had inconsistencies but it was really a positive step into gaming’s future and if that future allows games like Heavy Rain to flourish then I welcome it.

Tokyo Game Show also does not particularly cater to foreign attendees, so if you are going to attend in the future make sure you either have a pretty good grasp of the Japanese language, or go with a Japanese friend who can translate for you; otherwise you won’t understand everything and you’ll miss out on a lot. I’m sure some of you reading this are thinking “Duh, you’re in Japan” but you would think with Microsoft having a strong representation and TGS having a reputation as a huge show that there would be more effort in this area.

Internet hype paints Tokyo Game Show as a “can’t-miss” event, which may have given me unrealistic expectations going in. Even so, I did enjoy seeing the trailers of games I’m interested in, including many which may not see the light of day outside of Japan. I’m glad I got the chance to attend TGS for myself, hopefully next year will be better. And for those of you who couldn’t make it this year, here are all the photos I manged to take before they chased me away:

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And with those wise words of Gandalf, my friend Eric and I set off on our very own journey to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan to experience the live performance of Howard Shore’s complete score. Only 2 nights in NYC Oct. 9th and 10th, the movie will be projected while “over more than 300 musicians will bring the music of Middle Earth to life” by the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra, The Collegiate Chorale, and Brooklyn Youth Chorus, conducted by Ludwig Wicki.

After making it to Radio City we got on line to enter the music hall. Hundreds of people joined us in the theater when the bell rang at half past seven indicating that the show was about to begin. In the comfort of our velvet seats, we sat and eagerly waited for the movie to start, while the orchestra started their tuning. The conductor stepped onstage and the magic began. An uproar of cheers and applause echoesd through the music hall. The screen was lit up and subtitles graced the bottom of the screen as we all quietly watched the movie.

After experiencing this I don’t think I can ever watch another film without a whole orchestra performing live. The whole experience was indeed mesmerizing. To be wholly enveloped in the true meaning of what a great score would do for a film is absolutely wondrous.

The only thing I found a little unnerving were the random applause from fans of the movie, for characters’ cameos while the orchestra was playing an astounding piece in accompaniment of said scene. Other than that everything else was sheer awesomeness. The musicians deserved the standing ovation that they received tonight.

And as a special surprise, Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood were there! They came onstage with the conductor and took a bow.

If you are in NYC, I hope you find the opportunity to go see it on the 10th. If not, you can always wait until next year and the following year to see the next two. It’s an experience you’ll never want to miss out on. Thanks Eric for inviting me.

[Gallery not found]
Photos courtesy of Eric Cockhill.

website: Battle for Middle Earth with the Fellowship at Radio City in NYC!

Just because I sometimes find myself going through game withdrawal after completing one, or experiencing the occasional restlessness when games I want aren’t out soon enough, that doesn’t necessarily make me a fangirl, does it? I’m sure we’ve all looked up info on new games, and gone to the official websites and listened to the background music there over and over continuously for hours on end, and nonchalantly asked our friends to create ringtones out of our favorite videogame theme songs (or battle music), haven’t we? You all know what I’m talking about!

Okay, so maybe I am a bit of a fangirl. But who isn’t?

Anyway, I was working on Sony’s Press Kit for our TGS09 gallery (coming soon!) and, as if I was destined to see it, there it was sitting in my folder on my desktop — the limited edition FFXIII PS3 slim *cue heavenly glow with that “ahhh” sfx* Holy crap!

The sexy streamlined curves of the newly redesigned PS3 slim with Lightning printed subtly on the clean ceramic white matte finish. And packing a 250GB hard drive to satisfy all my downloadable desires! I was in looove!

My inner fangirl definitely just got a lot geekier! Who said you can’t fall in love with a machine, tell that to Helo or Gaius! I don’t usually go crazy over these limited edition consoles, but this one made me scream like a schoolgirl. I didn’t even know I could scream that high!

But then I realized something’s a bit off. The pink.

Ok I’m a female gamer, but pink? Pink is definitely not my color. I wish it was the usual Final Fantasy blue or even the pastel green, but I guess the reason they chose pink was because of Lightning’s hair color and not because they think the pink will move the new PS3 slim for the casual female demographic. Or so I hope.

But pink was the least of my worries. I was ambushed by the bundle’s price tag. 41,600yen?? You’re kidding right? Oh well, I hate pink anyways…

Of course, if any of you guys feel generous enough and want to see my unrequited love fulfilled, the bundle goes on sale in Japan on December 17, 2009, the same day as FFXIII game release!

PAX09 marks the first game convention I’ve ever been to. Not knowing if I would actually be able to adjust my full-time job work schedule to attend PAX, I applied for a last minute press pass right before the deadline. And when I say last minute, I mean I didn’t book my ticket to Seattle until the night before!

I bought my ticket Friday night and took the morning flight out of JFK to SEA on Saturday. I couldn’t fall asleep so I ended up watching Star Trek (Chris Pine, I <3 you!) and bits and pieces of My Life in Ruins. As I got off the plane, I couldn’t help thinking that this must be the craziest thing I’ve done in a long while, flying out to my first game convention by myself at the last minute. (I know that’s not even that crazy, but hey, what’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done lately?)

I took a taxi down to the Grand Hyatt hotel to pick up my press pass. Little did I know I was in for a big surprise. All hotels are completely booked! PAX is HUGE, and I mean HUGE for Seattle. Sort of like Comicon in San Diego. It seems that anyone who loves games was at PAX! I didn’t really know what to expect going in… but I was just a little bit taken aback at the massive amount of attendees. I guess when people think of a videogame convention they imagine a sea of Simpsons’ comic book store guy clones, but I was pleasantly surprised by the casual atmosphere and the friendly vibe of all the attendees.

I can’t wait for PAX East (in Boston) in late March, 2010. I’m hoping to get some of the PCS crew to go with me this time! (So what if you’re on the West Coast, Shola — that’s no excuse!)

Click here to view all my PAX09 photos!

After a long delay, Level-5 decided to kick it back old school by completely revamping the battle system from what was suppose to be an action-RPG to turn-based RPG. As a DQ fangirl, I’m glad they made the right choice by switching it to the turn-based system.

Dragon Quest IX is set to go on sale on the 11th of July in Japan. I’ve already called a couple stores here in NYC and I have my fingers crossed that they will be receiving an early shipment on Friday.

I will admit that when the game was announced I was a little bit skeptical. I was expecting the new Dragon Quest to be made for the PS3 or 360. Dragon Quest VIII had such a massive and expressive world to explore, and the DS is so tiny that I’m a little wary of being disappointed by this attempt on the DS. I want it to live up to it’s predecessors. I know they managed to port over DQ4 & DQ5, which is a good sign, but even so I don’t want to get my expectations up too high. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, unbelieveable things do come in small packages (of all people I should know this!).

Also, let’s see if Dragon Quest IX will convince me to upgrade my DS for a DSi or not.

For now, here’s a couple clips of DQ9 — please stay tuned for my first impressions of the game once I get my hands on it!

Japanese CM for Dragon Quest IX featuring SMAP

See also:

• Slow, Shambling, Flesh-Craving News Day?
• inFAMOUS 2 Quest For Power Trailer
• Video Round-Up For Jan. 9th, 2010
• A ComicBook Orange is Back!
• I’ve Got The Glow

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/dragon-quest-ix-is-finally-released/51434/feed/ 0 http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:30:48 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=48861
A month shy of a year after the release of the iPhone 3G, Apple has decided to update their hardware yet again along with the new iPhone OS 3.0. There isn’t much of a difference between the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S, except for a couple features. This is not a comparison between the two phones; this is just my personal opinion on the features of the new software update, since I’m not hardcore enough to wait outside in the rain to buy the new iPhone 3G S (and no it’s not because I’m not upgrade eligible…no nothing like that all! /cry!!!).

I’ve waited patiently to try out some of the new features, and now that I have, I’m loving some of them — others, not so much:

• Copy/Cut/Paste is useful — when it actually works! It activates easily enough by tapping and holding in SMS or on websites, however this can be a problem when all you meant to do was edit your text message (activate the magnifying glass). Most frustrating for me personally is the fact that I can’t get Copy/Cut/Paste to work at all on one of my favorite sites, Flickr.com!
• Voice Memos — I’ve downloaded several apps which do the same thing, but the sound quality is much better with Voice Memos. You can trim clips and then send them via email or MMS (once the service is available). Only downside is that the clips are saved in m4a format.
• Silent Mode – When you activate Silent Mode, games and apps (not counting iPod and Youtube) are now silent — but since Apple didn’t mention this change, users might first think their audio has stopped working. For me, when I activate Silent Mode, I just want my phone not to ring.
• Spotlight Search — This is a pretty handy new feature. Now I don’t have to open every individual app to find something, I can just use Spotlight Search. Plus, you can go into Settings and customize your search to limit where you want it to search.
• Recent Calls — This list now has a lot of additional info which makes it easier to see who called. Each contact’s name has a small label underneath it indicating if it’s a mobile or home phone; a small icon indicates an outgoing call while names of missed callers are in red. Additionally, you can now see the duration of each call, not just the time it was made.
• Landscape Keyboard — This is one feature I’m not a huge fan of. When using the iPhone, I’m a one-hand typist so I’d never willingly choose this option, but sometimes an unintentional slight tilt of the phone will bring it up and this aggravates me! In fact, I don’t even like it when I’m surfing the web and it goes to landscape! You should have the option in Settings to turn this feature off for Messages, Mail/Contacts/Calendars, iPod and anywhere else. I might prefer this option in Safari, but I don’t like it in my SMS, etc.
• Settings — Under Settings there is a subcategory for Messages, and you can finally turn off “repeat alert”! With this deactivated, your phone won’t keep vibrating to notify you that you have yet to read the new message you just received instead of thinking someone is stalking you with multiple text messages (we wish we were all that popular, but who are we kidding?). Now, when you hear the alert it really does mean that you have a new message not an old one that keeps nagging at you.
• SMS — Did you know, you can double tap on the space bar for a period? I’m easily amused and I know it’s a minor detail, but it’s very useful! Instead of being lazy and not using proper punctuation because switching modes is too much of a hassle you can do it without having to think twice. Proper punctuation is always a good habit.
• iTunes — Download movies and music without having to connect to iTunes on your computer. This is so much more convenient, especially for busy people on the go (or lazy people on the couch).
• Skype — I know this is not a new iPhone feature, but hear me out! Skype actually works without having to turn off 3G or activating airplane mode. As long as you’re connected to a wireless connection you can make Skype calls just like a regular phone call. Yay!
• Email — You’re now able to search within your Inbox, Sent Messages, etc. This makes life easier so you don’t have to scroll down through hundreds of emails trying to find an email in a hurry, for example your e-ticket, which I had to do the other day.
• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) — This is so early 2000! I never understood why Apple never implemented this feature, but I guess better late than never. Of course, we have to wait until AT&T unlocks the feature at the end of summer. Let’s see if they will charge us an arm and leg to use it.
• Internet Tethering — I’m interested in this feature, I guess, but I have a feeling that AT&T may charge a lot to use it.

“My momma told me to be proud of what I have!”
…but even she would be interested in some of the 3G S features. Here are the ones I wish I had on my 3G:

• Camera – 3.0 megapixels. Who says size doesn’t matter!?! The higher the resolution the better! I know this is probably Apple’s prototype of what the iPhone camera is capable of doing in the future, and I’m sure by the time I’m upgrade eligible they will be close to perfecting it. The camera on the 3G is not quite the best cellphone camera out there, but I’m pretty sure it’s better than the G1′s (sorry, Google). The cool thing about the 3G S camera is that it has auto-focus. Since this is a cellphone camera you probably don’t have much expectations, but you can touch anywhere on the 3G S screen and the camera will shift the focus to the spot you’ve touched and adjust the exposure and white balance.
• Video — Also, you can take videos on the 3G S. Again, I don’t know why this feature was never introduced in the first generation of iPhones since most cellphones have video capability (even if it’s not the greatest quality). But the cool thing about Apple’s video, you can trim within the iPhone itself, just like the Voice Memos. Very cool.
• GPS/Compass — I am a map fiend and this is probably one of my most favorite features to have on a phone. It’s very convenient, especially in cities like NY where your cab driver may not know where they’re going and you actually have to tell them which direction to go! The compass on the 3G S indicates the direction you’re facing, taking the guesswork out. Life is simpler with the new compass. If you’re a tourist and you have an iPhone you have NO excuse to get lost, just make sure you look left and right before crossing!
• Faster Internet — You can never have a fast enough net connection. The most desirable updated feature would be quicker load times on Safari, but again, this is probably not something Apple can have complete control over since it depends on the speed of your internet provider and phone services.

 

To Upgrade, or Not To Upgrade?
I think at this point it’s a matter of wanting rather than needing. With the software upgdate, there is no immediate need to upgrade to a newer model. I have a feeling (just a hunch) that in 2010 there will be a new iPhone coming out and some of the new features that are on the 3G S are mainly just prototypes. The first version probably has its fair share of bugs and unforseen issues, making it hard to justify spending another $200-$600 (depending on your contract eligibility to upgrade or not). I rather spend that $200+ on videogames and food, but that’s just me.

See also:

• One Day Only: Mirror’s Edge Free For iOS
• Katamari Amore Rolling Out For iOS
• Introducing the All-New Manga Recon!
• Tribe, LL, Luda, Run DMC and more Confirmed for Def Jam Rapstar
• Sony Unveils ‘PSP2′ As Codename: Next Generation Portable

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/iphone-30-software-update-impressions/48861/feed/ 1 http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:56:14 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=47036 I’m wondering if anyone remembers Furonda Brasfield from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 6. She’s the one who greatly entertained the judges during their traditional Thai dance with her quirky ways.

Anyways, I saw a McDonald’s commercial recently and wondering if that’s her eating the burger. Anyone else seem to catch this? Or maybe I’m just delirious…don’t mind me…Jon told me to post it :P (ok he didn’t!)

See also:

• Slow, Shambling, Flesh-Craving News Day?
• Funny Ish: Hide ya kids, hide ya wife
• Has Anyone Seen My Skin | Val Verde Ep 3
• I’ve Got The Glow
• Bruce Lee versus Iron Man

]]> http://www.popcultureshock.com/furonda-brasfield-in-a-commercial/47036/feed/ 1 http://www.popcultureshock.com/tokyo-game-show-2009-square-enix/51666/ http://www.popcultureshock.com/tokyo-game-show-2009-square-enix/51666/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:56:59 +0000 Tally Chan http://www.popcultureshock.com/?p=51666

0 Day Attack On Earth

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by GULTI
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Multiplay, Co-op Play & Online Rankings
Genre: Shooter
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

In 0 day Attack on Earth, you are the pilot of a heavily armed aircraft, and Earth’ s last hope against alien invasion.

Battle gigantic UFOs above cities modeled from real satellite imagery!
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The 3rd Birthday

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Character Design: Tetsuya Nomura
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: Cinematic Action RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

The stunning CG and unique backdrop that captivated audiences in Parasite Eve evolve onto the PSP with an all-new system for Aya’s next adventure.
click here for gallery

Cross Treasures

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by syn Sophia, Inc.
Illustration by Shinya Suzuki.
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: December 3, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 4,980 JPY (tax-inclusive: 5,229 JPY)
Network Features: Online Multiplayer (2 to 4 players)
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (Kids’ Corner) & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.crotre.com/

Create your own avatar and embark on a breathtaking adventure! With action-packed battles and a multiplayer mode for up to 4 players, the fun never stops!
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Crystal Defenders

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 29, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 900 yen (tax-inclusive)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Defensive Strategy (Tower Defense)
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Experience the simple, yet engaging strategic gameplay of Crystal Defenders, soon to be available on the PlayStation Portable!
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Death By Cube

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Multiplay, Co-op Play & Online Rankings
Genre: Action
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Shoot your robot’s lasers, sprint to disorient enemies, and use your shield to reflect incoming shots.

Complete each stage’s objective, or else suffer certain DEATH BY CUBE!
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Dissidia Universal Tuning

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: November 1, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Ad-Hoc
Genre: Dramatic Progressive Action
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

All-new features and fine-tuned gameplay are just some of the surprises awaiting players in this latest edition of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY.
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Dragon Quest Motto Fushigi no Dungeon

Copyrights: ©2006, 2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: September 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 500 Points/month (525 JPY)
Free Trial Version Available Now
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth only) & Promotional Trailer

The latest installment in the Dragon Quest Fushigi no Dungeon series is here!

Explore an endless variety of randomly generated labyrinths. As the hero you’ll have vocations, skills, and an assortment of other new tricks to help you spelunk the deadliest of dungeons.
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Dragon Quest Wars

Copyrights: ©2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Developed by INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
Japanese Release Date: Currently Available (Japan)
Suggested Retail Price: 500 DSi Points
Network Features: DS Wireless Play, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Genre: Simple Battle
Platform: Nintendo DSi
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (Kids’ Corner)

Fight it out with your favorite Dragon Quest monsters in this intuitive simulation game that takes place on a battlefield of monstrous proportions.
click here for gallery

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie

Copyrights: ©ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/ARTEPIAZZA/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo (Regular Booth, Kids’ Corner)

After 14 years, the third installment in the Zenithia Trilogy comes back to life on the Nintendo DS. Travel between two wondrous worlds on a magical and mystifying quest as this tale is told anew.
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Dragon Quest III

Copyrights: ©1988-2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/CHUNSOFT/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: Fall 2009
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth), Promotional Trailer (Square Enix booth & DoCoMo booth)

The Erdrick Trilogy comes to a dramatic finish…on the mobile platform!

Dragon Quest III, originally released in 1988 as the final installment of the Erdrick Trilogy, lived up to its legacy and became an RPG legend. Now it is available with new graphics, music, and other features made possible by the latest mobile technology.
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Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road II

Copyrights: © 2008, 2009 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX
Japanese Release Date: Available Now (Chapter 5 coming on September 11)
Suggested Retail Price: 100 yen/play (One monster card per play. Cards also available for sale.)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Card Game
Platform: Arcade Machine

Fearsome battles between the menacing monsters of the Dragon Quest series play out in this exciting card game. Chapter 5 introduces new compatibility with Dragon Quest IX. When certain ferocious foes from past games appear and Chance Encounter Communication is active,
they’ll make a special appearance on your Nintendo DS as well!
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Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Character Design: Toshiyuki Itahana
Japanese Release Date: Monday, November 12, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 6,990 JPY (tax-inclusive: 7,340 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo
Website: http://www.crystalbearers.jp/

His body imbued with the power of crystals
He controls magics beyond our knowledge
He possesses abilities greater than ours
And powers that can cause us grievous harm
Is he a savior, or is he damned…?
He is…a crystal bearer
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Final Fantasy IV

Copyrights: ©1991, 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 800 Points (840 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo (DoCoMo booth) & Promotional Trailer

The original FINAL FANTASY IV – now on your phone!
The classic tale remains just as you remember it, with in-game graphics now optimized for the mobile platform.
This latest edition of FINAL FANTASY IV includes a fully original, post-game extra dungeon exclusive to the mobile phone release.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: July 21, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 800 Wii Points (Additional episodes: 300 to 800 Wii Points)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

A New Moon Leads to a New Destiny

What destiny awaits Cecil, Kain, and Ceodore? See for yourself in the WiiWare version of FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS!

The final chapter, The Crystals, will be available for download in Japan on September 29.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy XI

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 5,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 6,090 JPY)
Network Features: Internet Connection Required
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox360, Windows®
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

FINAL FANTASY XI, the first online title in one of the best selling video game series of all time, comes to you in this new all-in-one value pack boasting the original award-winning game plus all expansions and add-on scenarios to date!
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Final Fantasy Agito XIII

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

Ours is not to decide when or where we begin—only that which is to follow. The chronicle unfolds as a squad of elite cadets forge their paths through the chaos of a war-torn world. Choose from a variety of characters and experience multiplayer gameplay only a handheld can deliver.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation® 3
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

Features a modern setting and an action-packed combat system where every move counts. In a kingdom ruled by swords and sorcery, a battle over the final Crystal is about to begin.
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy XIII

Copyrights: © 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Japanese Release Date: December 17, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 8,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 9,240 JPY)
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation® 3
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/ff13/

The latest entry in the FINAL FANTASY series arrives on PlayStation 3!
Experience the title’s radically evolved battle system, spectacular Eidolons and more on the show floor!
click here for gallery

Final Fantasy XIV

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Internet Connection Required
Genre: MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game)
Platform: PlayStation 3 / Windows PCs
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer
Website: Japanese English

The second online epic in the groundbreaking FINAL FANTASY series is coming soon! The vast realm of Eorzea beckons to adventurers the world ’round. Answer the call, and claim your glory as the saga unfolds.
click here for gallery

Front Mission Evolved

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Spring 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Third-person Shooter
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 / Xbox 360 / Windows PC
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo

In the year 2171, the lines between nations have been redrawn. The newest installment of the FRONT MISSION series takes you down to ground level, letting you control both wanzers and pilots from a visceral third-person view. Experience intense battles around the globe as you unravel an intricate and insidious conspiracy.
click here for gallery

Fullmetal Alchemist: Daughter of the Dusk

Copyrights: ©Hiromu Arakawa / Fullmetal Alchemist Production Committee, MBS © 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: December 10, 2009 (Japan)
Suggested Retail Price: 5,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 6,090 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Adventure
Platform: Wii
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/haganefa2/

Two brothers find themselves at odds in the wake of a series of bomb attacks and the mysterious disappearance of Prince Claudio. Where conflicting motives intersect, events will take unexpected turns as the story reaches its climactic end…
click here for gallery

Guin Saga Mobile

Copyrights: ©Kaoru Kurimoto / Tenro Productions / Project Guin ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 500 Points (525 JPY) Per Story
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer

The hit anime series comes to life on your mobile phone!
Fates intertwine in this epic, sweeping tale of adventure based upon
the bestselling series of fantasy novels.
click here for gallery

Hikari no Yon-Senshi: Final Fantasy Gaiden

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Suggested Retail Price:5,695 JPY (tax-inclusive: 5,980 JPY)
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: Nintendo DS
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/hikarino4sensi/

In this new yet nostalgic adventure coming soon to the Nintendo DS,
join four spirited youths as they embark on an epic journey led by the will of the crystal.
click here for gallery

Kingdom Hearts Coded

Copyrights: ©Disney
Developed by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: Currently Available
Suggested Retail Price: Episode 1: 300 points (315 JPY), from Episode 2 onward: 500 points (525 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: Mobile Phones
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer

KINGDOM HEARTS coded

A mysterious message found in Jiminy’s Journal leads Sora on another fantastic adventure in the latest addition to the series, available from KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE.
click here for gallery

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Copyrights: ©Disney
Developed by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
*All the information on this document applies only to the Japanese version of the games listed.
Japanese Release Date: January 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: TBD
Genre: RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation:Playable Demo & Promotional Trailer
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/bbs/

Turn back the pages of time and join three all-new characters in this
earliest chapter of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga. Playable on the show floor, where you can choose between Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.
click here for gallery

Kuni Yaburete Sanga Ari

Copyrights: ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Epic Strategy
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Seize the lands of rival nations and rise to the top of the realm in this real-time battle strategy game for the iPhone.
click here for gallery

Lord of Vermilion II

Copyrights: © 2007-2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 27, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: Price Varies With Establishment
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Online Fantasy Trading Card RPG
Platform: Arcade
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer

The second installment in the Lord of Vermillion franchise is coming soon! Engage in thrilling battles in this arcade-based fantasy card game that blends classic RPG elements with online multiplayer combat. A number of favorite Square Enix characters will be jumping into the fray to lend their strength as well!
click here for gallery

NieR Gestalt

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by cavia inc.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Downloadable Content Planned
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer (Playable demo available at the Microsoft booth)
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/nier/

In a world crawling with mysterious, dark creatures, a bloody struggle is about to begin. Prepare for a gripping blend of high-speed action and innovative game mechanics.
click here for gallery

NieR Replicant

Copyrights: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Developed by cavia inc.
Japanese Release Date: 2010
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Downloadable Content Planned
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: Xbox 360
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer (Playable demo available at the Microsoft booth)
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/nier/

In a world crawling with mysterious, dark creatures, a bloody struggle is about to begin. Prepare for a gripping blend of high-speed action and
innovative game mechanics.
click here for gallery

Seiken Densetsu 2

Copyrights: ©1993, 2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: Mobile (DoCoMo)
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Another remake of Secret of Mana 2 on the cellphone.
click here for gallery

Sliding Heroes

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD
Japanese Release Date: September 24, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 600 JPY(tax-inclusive)
Network Features: None
Genre: Real-time Tilting Strategy
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Sliding Heroes is an innovative real-time strategy game for the iPhone. Deploy warriors, mages, clerics and lancers. Tilt the battlefield to make your heroes slide, collide, divide and conquer!
click here for gallery

Song of the Summoner: The Unsung Heroes – Encore

Japanese Release Date: TBD
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: iPhone / iPod touch
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

Save the day by summoning Tune Troopers created from the music on your iPhone.
click here for gallery

Star Ocean: The Last Hope (International)

Developed by tri-Ace Inc.
Copyrights: ©2009, 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: February 4, 2010
Suggested Retail Price: 7,800 JPY (tax-inclusive: 8,190 JPY)
Network Features: Offline
Genre: RPG
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Booth Presentation: Promotional Trailer & Playable Demo
Website: http://www.eternalsphere.com/so4/

The latest installment of the STAR OCEAN series blasts off on the PLAYSTATION 3, unearthing the origins of man’s journey into the great unknown.
click here for gallery

Thexder Neo

Copyrights: ©2009 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Japanese Release Date: October 1, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: 1,000 JPY (tax-inclusive)
Network Features: Online Multiplayer
Genre: Action
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Booth Presentation: Playable Demo

The classic THEXDER, restored and ready for action.Transform between mech and cruiser modes to infiltrate the planetoid Nedium and destroy the ultramagnetic-field generator.
click here for gallery

I tried googling this earlier after receiving a random text from a friend that works in Manhattan, but nothing came on the searches until I went to ny1.com.

Here’s the article: RIP: Heath Ledger. Just wow…He was found dead today at around 3:30PM EST in his downtown NYC apartment…I’m just shocked…

Ok, enough about Rock Band, this is a post about Weezer. They have their sixth album coming out in April 2008! I’m excited. I haven’t bought a CD since their last album, which came out in 2005 (can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I bought anything related to music for myself…).

I guess I was a little disappointed with their fifth album. Hopefully, they don’t disappoint us with this one.

I still support you Weezer!

Ok, enough about Rock Band, this is a post about Weezer. They have their sixth album coming out in April 2008! I’m excited. I haven’t bought a CD since their last album, which came out in 2005 (can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I bought anything related to music for myself…).

I guess I was a little disappointed with their fifth album. Hopefully, they don’t disappoint us with this one.

I still support you Weezer!