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Prinny, Can You Really be the Hero? The answer is an Astounding Yes Incredible and original PSP title. Prinny is a hero to hungry PSP gamers. 
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100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
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Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
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As Seen at the World Series...
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 3:09 PM PST
This was passed along to the news e-mail by Kombo Co-Founder and pimpin' PR Director Sean O'Neill. Who knew that Kratos was a Yankees fan?
I wonder if this will be a downloadable skin. They could make the set complete by arming him with a Louisville Slugger and an aluminum bat.
As Seen at the World Series...
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 3:09 PM PST
This was passed along to the news e-mail by Kombo Co-Founder and pimpin' PR Director Sean O'Neill. Who knew that Kratos was a Yankees fan?
I wonder if this will be a downloadable skin. They could make the set complete by arming him with a Louisville Slugger and an aluminum bat.
source: Flickr
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Capcom: The Best Third-Party at Cross-Platform Support?
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:51 PM PST
Sometimes it seems as though some developers and publishers hold a bias for or against certain platforms. But while their offerings may differ from platform to platform, Capcom does not believe they are in the business of playing favorites.
Capcom: The Best Third-Party at Cross-Platform Support?
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:51 PM PST
Sometimes it seems as though some developers and publishers hold a bias for or against certain platforms. But while their offerings may differ from platform to platform, Capcom does not believe they are in the business of playing favorites.
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WWE Superstars Talk SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, Plus the Making of with R-Truth and Cryme Tyme
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While we're working on our review of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (expect the PS3/360 version's early next week, if all goes well; blame late delivery for that one), WWE.com has assembled some of the Superstars from SmackDown and Raw (what? No ECW?) to tell people what they think about the game, and moreso, what it's like to actually be in a game.
WWE Superstars Talk SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, Plus the Making of with R-Truth and Cryme Tyme
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While we're working on our review of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (expect the PS3/360 version's early next week, if all goes well; blame late delivery for that one), WWE.com has assembled some of the Superstars from SmackDown and Raw (what? No ECW?) to tell people what they think about the game, and moreso, what it's like to actually be in a game.
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Katamari Creator Feels Unsuited for Game Development, Feels Many of Today's Games Aren't Fun
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 10:14 AM PST
One would think that Keita Takahashi, the man behind such wonderfully unique and bizarre video games as Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy, would be a natural at performing such a task as designing a theme park. But since announcing his desire to create such an establishment four years ago, it seems that his otherwise creative mind has made little progress towards achieving his goal.
If this is the type of problem he faces, however, then why would he seek to leave gaming in order to pursue it?
Katamari Creator Feels Unsuited for Game Development, Feels Many of Today's Games Aren't Fun
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 10:14 AM PST
One would think that Keita Takahashi, the man behind such wonderfully unique and bizarre video games as Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy, would be a natural at performing such a task as designing a theme park. But since announcing his desire to create such an establishment four years ago, it seems that his otherwise creative mind has made little progress towards achieving his goal.
If this is the type of problem he faces, however, then why would he seek to leave gaming in order to pursue it?
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Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
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What Makes a Game Worth It?
by Brian Langlois | 11/06/09 | 6:30 AM PST
So I'm reading an article today about Dead Space: Extraction not selling very well and everyone is saying "I told you so" because it's an on-rails shooter. Never mind the fact that it has only been out for two weeks as of this writing, but I guess that doesn't matter since this game has been unfairly derided since it was announced. It's no secret that I've been a big proponent of the game and think it offers an amazing experience. Anyway, I'm not really here to talk about Extraction per se, but rather the perception that any on-rails shooter is instantly not worth paying full price for. It's a mentality that could apply to any game genre, and one that I quite frankly do not understand.
What Makes a Game Worth It?
by Brian Langlois | 11/06/09 | 6:30 AM PST
So I'm reading an article today about Dead Space: Extraction not selling very well and everyone is saying "I told you so" because it's an on-rails shooter. Never mind the fact that it has only been out for two weeks as of this writing, but I guess that doesn't matter since this game has been unfairly derided since it was announced. It's no secret that I've been a big proponent of the game and think it offers an amazing experience. Anyway, I'm not really here to talk about Extraction per se, but rather the perception that any on-rails shooter is instantly not worth paying full price for. It's a mentality that could apply to any game genre, and one that I quite frankly do not understand.
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Activision Scores High in Q3 Financial Results
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 12:42 AM PST
Despite a tough economy, Activision still managed to pull out a strong 3rd quarter, the company announced Thursday. In all, $755 million in sales were brought in, exceeding previously set goals of $700 million.
According to Activision, strong sales of Guitar Hero, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty were the reason for sales upturn. While the first two - with four different Guitar Hero releases so far this year and the juggernaut that is WoW - are no surprise, the lasting power of Call of Duty: World at War is surprising. Then again, it could simple be due to all of those Modern Warfare 2 pre-orders.
Activision Scores High in Q3 Financial Results
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 12:42 AM PST
Despite a tough economy, Activision still managed to pull out a strong 3rd quarter, the company announced Thursday. In all, $755 million in sales were brought in, exceeding previously set goals of $700 million.
According to Activision, strong sales of Guitar Hero, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty were the reason for sales upturn. While the first two - with four different Guitar Hero releases so far this year and the juggernaut that is WoW - are no surprise, the lasting power of Call of Duty: World at War is surprising. Then again, it could simple be due to all of those Modern Warfare 2 pre-orders.
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Kmart's Black Friday Video Game Deals Revealed
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 5:00 PM PST
If you are a resident of the United States and have just finished taking down your Halloween decorations, you've no doubt noticed an ominous chill in the air, a foreboding cloud on the horizon that can only mean that time of year is soon approaching...
Black. Friday.
It is a day in which people lose all sense of their humanity as they line up at storefronts in sometimes ungodly conditions and at hours no ordinary, sane person would ever dare dream of being out. And they do it all for one reason, and one reason only.
To save money.
Kmart's Black Friday Video Game Deals Revealed
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 5:00 PM PST
If you are a resident of the United States and have just finished taking down your Halloween decorations, you've no doubt noticed an ominous chill in the air, a foreboding cloud on the horizon that can only mean that time of year is soon approaching...
Black. Friday.
It is a day in which people lose all sense of their humanity as they line up at storefronts in sometimes ungodly conditions and at hours no ordinary, sane person would ever dare dream of being out. And they do it all for one reason, and one reason only.
To save money.
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Media Molecule Says LittleBigPlanet Sequel Would Be "Counterproductive"
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 4:43 PM PST
When a game is successful these days, a sequel is often the inevitable order of the day. But even though they are working on a PlayStation Portable version of LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule doesn't feel that following the path of ever-increasing numbers to a full-blown sequel would serve them well.
Media Molecule Says LittleBigPlanet Sequel Would Be "Counterproductive"
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 4:43 PM PST
When a game is successful these days, a sequel is often the inevitable order of the day. But even though they are working on a PlayStation Portable version of LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule doesn't feel that following the path of ever-increasing numbers to a full-blown sequel would serve them well.
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Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Creator Jordan Mechner Discuss the Prince of Persia Movie
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 2:20 PM PST
The official trailer for the Jerry Bruckheimer's Prince of Persia movie is out, and there has been quite a bit of subsequent buzz, with lots of interviews going around and offering plenty of new information.
What follows is a round-up of interesting tidbits from various interviews with the game's creator, Jordan Mechner, and Bruckheimer, the movie's Producer.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Creator Jordan Mechner Discuss the Prince of Persia Movie
by Kombo Staff | 11/05/09 | 2:20 PM PST
The official trailer for the Jerry Bruckheimer's Prince of Persia movie is out, and there has been quite a bit of subsequent buzz, with lots of interviews going around and offering plenty of new information.
What follows is a round-up of interesting tidbits from various interviews with the game's creator, Jordan Mechner, and Bruckheimer, the movie's Producer.
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Konami Predicts Profit Drop of 82%
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Compared to what Konami made in the six-month period ending September 30th, 2008, it appears that the company has taken a tremendous blow for the same period this year.
The Japanese publisher has released a forecast which predicts a profit drop of 82 percent, though revenue as a while will only be down by 22.5 percent (JPY 114 billion/USD 1.26 billion), which is still nothing to sneeze at. Meanwhile, net income will drop from last year's JPY 12 billion (USD 132.8 million) to JPY 2.2 billion (USD 24.3 million).
Konami Predicts Profit Drop of 82%
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Compared to what Konami made in the six-month period ending September 30th, 2008, it appears that the company has taken a tremendous blow for the same period this year.
The Japanese publisher has released a forecast which predicts a profit drop of 82 percent, though revenue as a while will only be down by 22.5 percent (JPY 114 billion/USD 1.26 billion), which is still nothing to sneeze at. Meanwhile, net income will drop from last year's JPY 12 billion (USD 132.8 million) to JPY 2.2 billion (USD 24.3 million).
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Develop on the Unreal 3 Engine For Free
by Daniel Sims | 11/05/09 | 10:13 AM PST
Epic Games today announced the release of a free tool kit for developing on the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is mainly intended for various noncommercial uses.
The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) is available now for anyone who has the interest and ability to create content with the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is advertised towards students, hobbyists, researchers, digital filmmakers, and others.
The UDK gives users access to a fully updated version of the Unreal 3 Engine that even includes features not yet seen in Unreal 3 Engine games. Epic will continually upgrade the UDK for free.
Game developers can also make deals with Epic for commercial uses of the UDK as well. Epic's commercial teams intend to use UDK to make it easier financially for developers both independent and professional to use the Unreal 3 engine.
Right now the UDK only supports the PC, but Epic is considering console support.
Develop on the Unreal 3 Engine For Free
by Daniel Sims | 11/05/09 | 10:13 AM PST
Epic Games today announced the release of a free tool kit for developing on the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is mainly intended for various noncommercial uses.
The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) is available now for anyone who has the interest and ability to create content with the Unreal 3 Engine. The free kit is advertised towards students, hobbyists, researchers, digital filmmakers, and others.
The UDK gives users access to a fully updated version of the Unreal 3 Engine that even includes features not yet seen in Unreal 3 Engine games. Epic will continually upgrade the UDK for free.
Game developers can also make deals with Epic for commercial uses of the UDK as well. Epic's commercial teams intend to use UDK to make it easier financially for developers both independent and professional to use the Unreal 3 engine.
Right now the UDK only supports the PC, but Epic is considering console support.
source: videogamer.com
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Video Game Consoles Make Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" List
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 9:34 AM PST
Despite taking up its own aisles, corners, and cases of Toys R Us and KayBee Toys for the last two decades, there are those who might dispute the validity of the claim that video games are toys. Nonetheless, when assembling their list of "The Best Toys of All Time," Good Housekeeping had no qualms about including two video game platforms among their ranks.
The first is kind of obvious. Organized by decade from the 1920s on, the Cabbage Patch Kids are joined by the Nintendo Entertainment System as one of the best toys to represent the 80's. "More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years," the article notes, "and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today like the Wii and Nintendo DS Lite."
The other platform to join the NES on the list is both predictable, in a way, and yet still surprising.
Video Game Consoles Make Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" List
by David Oxford | 11/05/09 | 9:34 AM PST
Despite taking up its own aisles, corners, and cases of Toys R Us and KayBee Toys for the last two decades, there are those who might dispute the validity of the claim that video games are toys. Nonetheless, when assembling their list of "The Best Toys of All Time," Good Housekeeping had no qualms about including two video game platforms among their ranks.
The first is kind of obvious. Organized by decade from the 1920s on, the Cabbage Patch Kids are joined by the Nintendo Entertainment System as one of the best toys to represent the 80's. "More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years," the article notes, "and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today like the Wii and Nintendo DS Lite."
The other platform to join the NES on the list is both predictable, in a way, and yet still surprising.
November 6, 2009
