Scottish Gamers

Arghh, my favourite game, Forza 2. I've had problems playing this on my console since day one, textures disapearing in the middle of races, screen freezing and nearly everytime getting the "Disk Unreadable" message. It has gotten so bad now that the game refuses to load past the Turn10 intro screen. After taking the disk out the console to give it a wipe I noticed there is a circle scratch on it. This is the console scratching the disk not me, I take very good care of my games, and Forza 2 has barely left my console since i bought it. Microsoft want nothing to do with this error they wont replace it and my console isnt under warrenty anymore so off to Gamestation i go to try get my game disk cleaned professionaly.

Nintendo may be slow to get a Wii version of Pilotwings off the ground, but those looking to get ready for that inevitability may want to pick up the latest Wiicessory from PEGO, which will turn your humble Wiimote and nunchuck into a makeshift flight stick. Of course, there aren't exactly a whole lot of games at the moment that'll let you take full advantage of the setup, but it will only set you back $13, and it would seem to offer some potential for those looking for some new uses for their Wiimote on their PC.
From Engadget.com

The BBC’s smash hit TV show Doctor Who will receive its own videogame this year, according to Gallifreyone.com.

We’ll let you know as soon as we have additional details.
From www.360gamer.com

Putting an end to much speculation, Rockstar has revealed it is working on a Wii version of last year's Xbox 360 hit, Table Tennis.

Table Tennis on Wii is due this autumn.

Germany’s USK board has implied that a demo of Bioshock is due very soon. The actual demo itself has been rated as an 18 although the USK website doesn’t specify exactly when the demo will be available on the marketplace. With the Official release date of the retail version set for August 24th, the demo shouldn’t be too far away from now.

Set to be released in America, you and a friend can take control of an American troop and experience the battlefield for $0.50

Are you the ultimate PAC-MAN fan? Envy PAC-MAN for his dot chomping ability? Show your love by donning the PAC-MAN Plush-Head!

Buy here !

Metal Gear Online was officially announced at the Metal Gear 20th Anniversary Party, where they also revealed some details on the game. It will offer 16-player online teamplay experience, letting two teams battle it out. The game will feature environments set within the Metal Gear universe; the first area has been revealed to be that of the battlefield from MGS4. The game will also include a new team function called SOKKU, enabling players to access data of allies and use various abilities like looking through walls to track enemies.

A beta will be held soon, and they are looking for up to 3,000 participants. If you’re interested in checking the game out, you have until August 6 to sign up for the beta. No release date or any other details were announced, save for some screenshots which can be found after the jump.

Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony - Titans of the videogame industry and sworn enemies on the console battlefield. But which of gaming's Big Three is winning the war in 2007 so far? Well, using the monthly US hardware sales figures released by market researchers NPD Group, we've tallied up the past six months worth of numbers (Jan-June) to find out how consoles and handhelds have fared in the States during the first half of 2007. Here are the results:

Top ten games January-June 2007
01 - Pokemon Diamond (DS)
02 - Wii Play w/ Remote (Wii)
03 - Pokemon Pearl (DS)
04 - God of War II (PS2)
05 - Guitar Hero 2 w/ Guitar (PS2)
06 - Guitar Hero 2 w/ Guitar (360)
07 - Mario Party 8 (Wii)
08 - Crackdown (360)
09 - Diddy Kong Racing (DS)
10 - Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess (Wii)
From Gamesrader.com

Microsoft has released its financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full-year ended June 30, and while revenue is up, the company still hasn't managed to make a dime off the Xbox 360. Tellingly, Microsoft says the "success of videogame consoles is determined by console innovation and quality, the portfolio of videogame content for the console, online offerings, and the market share of the console" -- not, apparently, by the console's financial earnings.

With the cost the Xbox 360 warranty extension out of the way and a promising fall lineup of games (Halo 3, Grand Theft Auto 4, and Madden NFL 08, to name a few), Microsoft could be reporting its first profit from the console this time next year.
From IGN.com

It's a turnaround for Sony and PSP - while here in the UK we had wait TILL LAST to get the handheld, we're to receive the new redesigned version BEFORE Japan.

The new-shape PSP is lighter, slimmer, features improved battery life, faster loading times and can be plugged into a TV for big-screen play.

Martha Stewart has managed to bag a front cover appearance on Wired, a publication which somehow has convinced Martha to "geek out." Translation: Martha baked a cake in the shape of a Wii, and wanted to show it off. Although this example may not be in the same league as our birthday cake competition -- she ain't winnin' no Alienware with that thing -- we'll give Martha a respectable grade for her first effort: we wish her better luck next time with the "geeking out."
From Engadget.com

If Nintendo's unveiling of the Wii Zapper at the recent E3 Media & Business summit wasn't enough to get your trigger finger a-twitching, then perhaps you might like to consider a more streamlined alternative from a third party instead. The Rifle Gun Prop from DealExtreme offers exactly the same functionality as the Wii Zapper, but also ensures you'll look even more like a professional bounty hunter at the same time.

Like the Zapper, the Wii Remote slots snugly onto the top of the gun, whilst the Nunchuck hides away in the handle. Its features include a lock and load system for quick bullet switching between rounds; an ergonomically balanced and weighted Blaster control system; and a design that allows for either single banded trigger grip or, for more intense action, a dual-handed barrel grasp.

Admittedly it doesn't look as robust as Nintendo's official shooty-shooty peripheral, but if you're really squeezed for cash, the Rifle Prop Gun costs $16.58 USD, a whole $3.42 USD less than its rival (which will retail at $20.00 USD, maths fans).

There's probably going to be a hundred and one Wii Zapper-alikes arriving in the coming months, but as the first to attempt it, albeit with a design that looks suspiciously similar to the prototype Zapper Nintendo first displayed at E3 2006, the Rifle Gun Prop looks to offer a viable alternative.

Those graphics look stunning


Developed by Guerilla Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Killzone 2 is the highly anticipated first-person shooter created exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system. Following events and action from the original Killzone for PlayStation 2, Killzone 2 brings players into a highly detailed, ultra-realistic “theater of war” that truly leverages the processing power of the PS3.

* Experience realistic, highly atmospheric environments that respond dynamically to the violent conditions on the planet Helghan.
* Witness the devastating effects of Helghan’s climate as it forces you and your enemies to adapt to new tactics.
* Control an arsenal of new and unique weapons and vehicles, in addition to trusty Killzone classics like the M82-G and the StA-52 LA.
* Face off against fearsome enemies who have learned to wield the hostility of Helghan itself against their opponents.
* Between Killzone 2’s unique visual style, the power of PS3, the use of EDGE tools, and the proprietary technology developed by Guerrilla, the game promises to impress players with its benchmark visuals, smooth character animation, detailed, effect-laden environments, and realtime cutscenes.
* Experience a beautifully lit world brought to life by deferred rendering technology. Multiple shadows casting light sources bring out the highly detailed environments and character animations.
* With true next-gen audio the player is further immersed in the world, supporting 7.1 surround and location-specific audio with wave tracing. Players will not only notice the difference between indoor and outdoor but also experience sound and music that are dynamic and contextual.
* Studio grade special effects will provide unprecedented visual fidelity. With full screen anti-aliasing, motion blur, internal lens reflections, and depth-based color grading, players will experience a picture that is sharp, smooth, and full of detail.

While filming a commercial for the upcoming Project Gotham Racing 4, a Ferrari F430 drifted too wide out the corner and bumped into a concrete barrier. Did a massive explosion ensue? Screams of concerned mothers from the crowd echo in our ears? Well ... not really. Very little damage was done to the car, but considering that repairing the vehicle probably costs more than we make in a year, it kind of puts things in perspective.

Showing a little love for the home crowd, Sony announced today that in addition to the three "basic" colors of black, silver, and white, Japanese PSP fans will also be getting the PSP lite in three metallic pastel shades: Rose Pink, Lavender Purple, and, um, Blue. No word on if we'll ever see these officially make it Stateside, but seeing as the original PSP was unlocked, you can bet some eager graymarketer is getting ready to cash in.

PS. You know Sony should've given the new model an official name when even PSP Fanboy is calling it the "PSP lite."
From Engadget.com

Saitek, the creator of quite a few sexy PC peripherals, has apparently unveiled a duo of new PC accessories that take styling cues from console counterparts. While hardcore FPS gamers have long yearned for a mouse / keyboard combo for their disadvantaged consoles, Saitek could be hoping that the same mantra will prove true in reverse, and has introduced the Cyborg Rumble Gamepad and Cyborg Headset in order to give PC gamers a solid alternative to the age-old WASD method. The standout feature on the gamepad is its Precision Control mode that reportedly "allows gamers to select the sticks and buttons on the controller that, when the mode is activated, are desensitized so as to allow for the most precision." As for the headset (shown after the break), it boasts a "5.1 surround setup" and includes a trio of drivers in each ear, and while we wish pricing and availability details were already disclosed, it looks like we'll all be playing the wait-and-see game on Saitek's latest pair.

From Engadget.com

I must say Polyphony have done an amazing job with the graphics, the cars look extreamly realistic, i hope the same amount of effort has gone into the physics engine.

It was confirmed at E3 last week that GT 5: Prologue, which will be downloadable via PSN, will feature online play and according to reports Polyphony plans to include several cars that will be unveiled at this year's Tokyo Motor Show in October.

Sony has also announced Disgaea 3 for PS3, a new PS3 title from the creator of Katamari Damacy and a LocoRoco game for the console at an event in Japan today, IGN reports.
From Computerandvideogames.com

And it looks pretty dam bad ass!

We're not sure what to make of React's claims that current Guitar Hero controllers are "basic" and "uninspiring," since we can think of plenty of rockers who wielded those classic Gibson shapes, but even still, React's new Reaper Guitar Hero axe looks pretty sweet. The wireless PS2 controller features a J-Bass-on-steroids body shape, glossy black neck and some wild skull graphics guaranteed to intimidate your challengers. No word on price, but React tells us they'll be popping up in Best Buy later this month. Check the read link for some more pics.

Reports are suggesting that a PC version of Epic's Xbox 360 shooter Gears of War will finally be announced at E3 next week, following the appearance of an E3 montage gameplay trailer that's leaked onto the internet purportedly showing the game on PC.

It's now expected that Microsoft will announce Gears of War under its Games for Windows live brand at its E3 press conference next Tuesday. Let's wait and see.

Finally...

Microsoft is to take a record charge after deciding to extend the Xbox 360's warranty to three years.

Oh, those transistors again. Has nobody told Microsoft? Transistors don't fail. It's big hardware that fails. We'll have more next week - and in the next few days - but the fact is that the motherboard seems to warp when it gets warm.

From - Guardian Gamer blog

Still no news on a launch date for the UK. As usual we have to wait untill everyone else has a chance to buy it, then of course pay the most. I'm not too happy with Microsoft, my Xbox 360 has been playing up lately and I'm fed up with the UK getting made to pay the most for XBOX LIVE and getting the least content. It's not as if we are a small nation, I'm sure we are in the top 3 countrys for xbox 360 users, not that Microsoft care. The console has been out since 2005 and still no changes.

Xbox 360 Elite will be releasing in Japan on October 11, Microsoft has confirmed.

And you can expect it to cost nearer to £300 when it finally makes it to UK shores (bummer, isn't it), although when that will be is yet to be confirmed. We'll let you know the second it is, of course.
From - Computervideogames.com

Managed to not entirely forget that Sony owes us all a rumbling SIXAXIS or two? If so, you may actually be delighted to hear that the end result could be quite the device if whispers stemming from the latest issue of PSM France are to be believed. Reportedly, the forthcoming controller will not only sport a vanilla rumble, but it will also boast a "touch sense" feature that allows rumbles to emanate from specific locales on the device. Additionally, the shakin' is said to be "more powerful and more intense" than prior renditions on the PS2, which means that the 90-pound wusses in the crowd best get to the weight room, and programmers are purportedly working to enable shorter bursts of sensation to make even the most subtle of movements ones you can feel. Now, how's about a release date?
From - Engadget.com

Good news for DS fans, looks like Nintendo are launching a camera that inserts into the GBA slot.

Ever since the original DS was launched, there's been speculation that its GBA slot could be used to host a camera. Now, all that is set to come true in Face Training, a collaboration between Intelligent Systems and beauty expert Fumiko Inudo.

Seriously, we're not even joking. Nintendo is releasing a game that teaches people (mainly women we imagine) to exercise their face by moving certain muscles. The bundled camera displays a real-time video of your face on the bottom screen so you know you're moving the right muscles.

Not a lot is known about the camera at the moment, apart from the fact it's white and it slots inside the dual-screen handheld's GBA cart. There may be some bad news for original DS owners though: the size of the camera - and the way it pokes out the bottom of the slot - implies it's only for use on DS Lite.

Otona No DS Kao Training launches in Japan on August 2 and we're already twitching our faces in anticipation.

I've always been a Mortal Kombat fan so it is good news to see the first screens released for the Nintendo DS.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 on DS is extra exciting because it'll boast online multiplayer, which should be sweet. And it's about time the DS got a decent 2D fighting game, too - where the hell is Street Fighter, Capcom?
Thanks :- computerandvideogames.com

The fail rate of Microsoft's Xbox 360 could be as high as 33%, Daily Tech reports. Nevertheless, it has been the most successful gaming console in recent years.

An anonymous Best Buy rep also confirmed the high failure rate, claiming that one quarter to one third of all Xbox 360s died. Microsoft has increased the warranty from 90 days (reminiscent of the old Macs of the 1980s) to 12 months. But does this signal a more reliable product?

It looks like (legally) downloadable PSP games could maybe, possibly be getting ever so slightly closer to reality, as a Sony-made ISO loader has reportedly been discovered in the latest firmware update for the handheld. The current speculation is that the loader, discovered by the prolific Dark_Alex, gives the handheld the ability to load encrypted ISO images off a memory stick, not just the demos and PS1 games the handheld's currently capable of playing. That would, of course, open up the possibility of Sony selling games sans-UMD, which has long been near the top of the wishlist for PSP owners and would-be PSP owners alike. Then again, it could be something entirely less exciting, so we'll just have to wait for Sony to play its hand.
From Engadget.com