DS and DSi: Head to Head for Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching it’s probably time to stop thinking about the presents that you’re going to buy for your kids. The Nintendo DS handheld games console has been one of the best Sellers for the past couple of years and it’s no wonder as this console he’s the ideal choice four games players at home or on the move.

When it comes to choosing the colour of the DS kids can be incredibly picky. One of the best-selling colours in this range of handheld consoles is the pink Nintendo DS mainly because it’s a firm favourite with girls. But the DS’s doesn’t just stop or playing games it’s also a fantastic learning tool; just take a look at some of the offerings such as Nintendo’s Brain Training or Sodoku but, two B fair, the main reason people by this handheld is for the pure entertainment factor. There are a huge selection of games available, ranging from playing games right through two to player shoot ‘em ups where players connect their DS’s consoles via a cable that allows them to play head to head.

More recently, we’ve seen the release of the Nintendo DSi; a major upgrade to the existing DS console. The DSi features a range of new editions including a web cam, built in the audio player, the Nintendos shop (by games and features online) and a whole host of other goodies that makes this a worthy successor to the DS.

Now there’s no denying that the DSi is is he more than capable replacement for the existing DS that many kids (and adults) still want to get their hands on the tried and tested DS’s. Why? It’s mainly because of the relatively low price combined with a huge range of games that are available for the DS. Also, the DS’s is probably the best known of Nintendos handheld consoles hence its huge popularity.

Let me just give you an idea of exactly how popular the DS is: since the launch of this Nintendo handheld console it has sold over 107,000,000 units around the world-a pretty impressive figure no matter how you look at it. In fact, this figure he’s more than the combined sales of the Wii, PS and XBox. The Nintendo DSi, since its launch, has sold around 6.7 million units.

Now we have an idea of exactly how popular the DS’s is which one do you think centre will be dropping into your stocking this year? We know it’s not one of our normal tech type posts but, as gaming fans, we’re always on the lookout for your views.

Popularity: 13% [?]

BBFC dropped as PEGI videogame ratings given government approval

Following the wake Byron Report into how children use the Internet and videogames, the government-backed Digital Britain report has finally put an end to the speculation over the BBFC and PEGI age classifications on software packages.
Extensive consultation with industry experts and consumers led to the UK government adoption of the PEGI system as the sole method of classification for videogames. This has means that legally-binding age certificates used by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) will be dropped.

Outlined in the Digital Britain report is the statement “PEGI will give consumers a single set of clear logos for video games that will apply across most of Europe, providing an international solution for game content regulation. It has the flexibility required to adapt to the challenge of rapidly-evolving technology in the games sector and will be highly effective in the online world”.
The PEGI system is self-regulatory and not governed by an independent body, but by the videogame publishing industry itself. The parental guidance it provides is clearly through a series of symbols and advisories that highlight age recommendations and game play details.

According to the report’s findings, PEGI offers the “best elements of a pan-European self-regulatory system” that takes into account “the views of the British public.”

Governmental support of PEGI hasn’t gone down well with the BBFC, which maintains that its long-serving classification system, used to classify movies, DVD and Blu-ray releases, is the more effective solution because the organisation is separate from the industry.

In a statement, the BBFC said that, while it supports PEGI and will co-operate completely with the legislative changes, the UK classification system “must be independent in substance as well as appearance, reaching its decisions and providing information on the basis of its own detailed assessments.”

Although the Digital Britain report and the government’s final decision in favour of PEGI do not reflect all recommendations in the report it apparently “meets all the key criteria” laid down by the Byron Report and will also make it illegal for retailers to sell 12+ computer and videogames to underage children.

Popularity: 17% [?]

According to EA

Changing positions…again!

Electronic Arts understands how an illegally downloaded copy is not necessarily a lost sale. The corporate communications department of EA, said that “Stepping aside from the whole issue of DRM, people need to recognize that every BitTorrent download doesn’t represent a successful copy of a game, let alone a lost sale”. Understanding this, the company is shifting its approach so that it rewards the customer rather than punishing them for the acts of pirates.

At launch, Spore had an installation limit of three installs and also a limit of only one account per game copy owned. If you wanted more, you had to call Electronic Arts and if you wanted more accounts, you had to buy more copies of the game.

Gamers set in motion a backlash, which included masses of Amazon one star reviews and anti-DRM creatures on Sporepedia. Electronic Arts resorted to the usual hard line, threatening to ban people talking about DRM on their forums, but on the other hand the company saw that most of the complaints were reasonable so they raised the installation limit and improved the methodology of the DRM. They also stated that subsequent patches would include a feature which allows for more screen names per game copy.

Electronic Arts emphasize the social and downloadable aspect of the game in order to fight piracy. Pirated copies can’t access the Sporepedia and can’t get creatures from other people in their games. So by controlling content and emphasising this aspect of the game, it will encourage more people to buy.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Behold the Sony PS3 - It took a long time to come to market and when it did the price was outrageous! There were many rumours circulating that suggested Sony had produced a white elephant but this didn’t deter games fans who threw their lot in with the PS3 (or, for want of a cheaper console, simply bought the Xbox). Now you’d think that being the mature games console that the PS3 is and considering its strong market share that Sony would be ready to cut the price ready for Santa to pop one in your stocking. Yeah, that’s what you’d think but it ain’t going to happen. Sony has ruled out a price cut by insisting that the PS3 is better value than rivals half its price. Err, I’m not sure how you answer that!

There is method in their madness. Figures show that around half of all video game sales are made in the build up to Christmas and Sony is betting that consumers will plump for fat goose that is the PS3. If Sony pull this off it will be a master stroke however they shouldn’t be too complacent. Yes, fans of games consoles always manage to find that little extra to get the best games on the market but that doesn’t they’ll pay through the nose for a console. The Nintendo Wii is a fantastic console and, on top of some really addictive games, it’s less than half the price of the PS3. Even the entry level Xbox 360 is cheaper than the PS3!

Interestingly, Sony has decided that, rather than dropping the price, they will instead offer more for your cash. The main model now being sold comes with 80Gb disk and a bundled game. Sony are hoping that features like this and the inclusion of ‘Home’ (the Sony online community) will draw in more buyers.

Sony are gambling a hell of a lot on the turn of an economic dice - if this tactic fails they’re going to suffer - badly.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Goolge has had their beady little eye on the gaming market for some time now - paying $23 million for an in-game advertising platform sort of gives the game away. But things have been quiet since the acquisition until today, that is. Behold, Adsense for Games.

The technology is still in BETA but the announcement shows that Google knows where the money is (well, a lot of the money). In-game ads have been around for some time now but they’re not very popular - a News.com poll  found that the ‘I hate in-game ads’ clan currently lead the track. Amazingly, 5% of respondents stated that ‘I like them because it’s more realistic to have them.’ - hey, it’s Armageddon, have a Coke!

The announcement comes at a logical point; the world economy is in meltdown (I’ll have that Coke now!) and companies will either pull their advertising or looks for more ways to reach the masses. Google are ensuring they has many avenues covered.

Google are expected to concentrate on casual and online games but this is likely to expand to all areas once they get a taste for gamers hard earned cash.

The New York Times has also suggested that Google will be launching more ad products in the near future. A bit too much you may think - not in Googles eyes; 40% of their $40 billion annual revenue comes from advertising so expect to have your eyes pummeled with more and more ads in future.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Yes, you read right…

According to The Inquirer, Google is close to acquiring Valve for an undisclosed sum! But why? What plans does the search behemoth have for a games platform? Maybe they’re simply branching out into markets offering healthy revenue (and gaming has to be one of the healthiest).

Based on ease of use, Steam is an ideal platform for many users. Currently, there are around 15 million active users, downloading over 440 games — now that’s a seriously lucractive market and a feat that’s unrivaled in the sector. Can you see the dollar signs appearing Googles eyes?

Next question - how long after an acquisition will we start to see adverts from Google? Or maybe Google sees Steam as yet another method of distributing content…for a fee, of course.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Bad news for gamers.

A new Trojan is spreading fast in World of Warcraft. The malware, which originated in Asia, is slowly spreading through the gaming world with the main activity being in China and Taiwan.

The malware attempts to steal log-in details from YouXiChaYuan and Perfect World, two online games popular in China and some other Asian countries.

The Trojan, ‘W32/OnlineGames!tr’, appears to be limited to specific language versions of Windows or the World of Warcraft client - for now. Hackers tend to rewrite malware code to target new sectors and attempt to bypass security mechanisms so expect to see this Trojan heading you way. As yet, the method of infection is unknown.

“With the online gaming market thriving with consumers, malicious activity will very likely continue for some time in this emerging sector as it forms a viable target,” said Derek Manky of Fortinet.

Unhappy times ahead; make sure you’re protected with the latest anti-malware updates and signatures.

Popularity: 36% [?]

The masters of the PC role playing game are back. Developed by Bioware (of Baldurs Gate fame) and published by EA and Microsoft studios, Mass Effect is an epic, visually spectacular Sci-Fi game set in the late 22nd Century. The player takes on the role of Commander Shepard and soon takes command of the starship Normandy.

Classic Sci-Fi

Mass Effect is a classic Space Opera with themes involving exploration, combat, intrigue and over the top heroic figures. The game play takes place mostly on the Normandy and on a giant space station that acts as a kind of central seat of government. The player gets to visit many other planets and moons along the way.

There’s a plot!

The game’s plot is huge and is as complex and interwoven as Bioware’s previous offerings with a great storyline and memorable characters. The player can assume either a male of female role and professional voice acting is provided for both. In addition, there are several other notable characters all voiced by actors familiar to fans of both TV and gaming.

Game Play

The game features free flowing and real time combat but the action can be paused at any time. As with most computer RPGs, the player will be able to enter into dialog with many characters from and the player’s responses, choices and general approach will have an affect on how the story runs later on.

System requirements

The game runs on a modified Unreal 3 engine so to fully appreciate the stunning visuals, a decent modern gaming PC is needed. Settings can be tweaked to allow gameplay on a fairly wide range of specs so don’t go and upgrade the PC yet!

Popularity: 27% [?]

Even though the Aliens movie is over twenty years old, it still looks brilliant and the idea of playing one of those Pulse Rifle toting marines in a first person shooter is as irresistible as ever.

Team or solo play

As is the trend with some of the latest releases, the game will feature a full co-op multi player mode where players can all take part in the campaign. Players will control a squad of four marines who are part of a unit sent to investigate the loss of the USS Sulaco (from the Aliens movie). Gameplay will revolve around tactical squad based combat with an intelligent AI able to flank and encircle the players.

Your gun’s bigger than mine

The squad will consist of four distinct types of marine each with special weapons and skills. The weapons we all love from the film are there - the Pulse Rifle, the flamer and the awesome Smart Gun and players will be able to switch between these characters as the game progresses.

Personally, I always wanted to be Sergeant Apone but he doesn’t seem to be here. Nevertheless, this is going to be great as we all yell our favourite Aliens quotes at each other over the Team Speak channel in an attempt to out do each other!

We’re looking forward to this one and will post more later.

The game runs on the Unreal Engine, will be publsihed by Sega and is due sometime in 2008.

Popularity: 27% [?]