http://www.gamepartisan.com Enabling better gamers since 02/02/02 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:25:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en With 10 out of 14 editorial staff members injured and/or ill in the past month, it has been a rough stretch for GamePartisan. No longer, as Phil Stortzum brings us swinging back into form with this review. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/hot-shots-golf-out-of-bounds/ The first feature of its kind for GamePartisan, herein lies Bennett White's video review of Soul Calibur IV. Just how much ground will we break this year? Who knows. The year's still young. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/soul-calibur-iv-video-review/ Thanks to Griffin Queen's offering (the third in our staff-wide series of political endorsement articles) the vote finally shifts slightly away from Obama. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/executive-decision-08-griffin-queen/ In the second part of our staff-wide election series, Gavin Greene picks up where Jeremy Bennett left off. Will the trend continue? Will Obama really receive the overall endorsement of GamePartisan? ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/executive-decision-08-gavin-greene/ Kicking off our political series on the 2008 Presidential race is columnist Jeremy Bennett, lively and entertaining as always. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/executive-decision-08-jeremy-bennett/ Gavin Greene made the journey to the San Diego Convention Center, and the content herein consists of his report on his experience(s) at Comic Con 2008. Feature ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/comic-con-2008-a-few-impressions/ "Find a moral in this and I'll kill you."  - Gavin Greene introduces his inaugural work on GamePartisan in style. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/the-fro-fragmented-inspirations/ "...Ninja Gaiden 2 is an improvement on its predecessors in almost every way." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/ninja-gaiden-ii/ This is the intro article by editorial staff newcomer, Bennett "the Sage" White. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/a-game-reviewers-history-an-introduction-to-bennett-the-sage-white/ EA, you ought to be terribly familiar with the score given this year's game: it's like deja vu all over again! Just think back to November 2004. Yes, the bell's gotta be ringing by now. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/ncaa-football-09/ Will this once-hallowed FPS series make a comeback with this release? The ever-polarizing honesty of senior editor Michael Rausch reveals all. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/turok/ This feature, on pre-relaunch GamePartisan, marked the beginning of what would become our "progressive editorial policy"...read this markedly divergent feature and you will understand completely. Sex, drugs, video games and...Richard Nixon. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/gonzo-gaming/ Columnist Jeremy Bennett puts on his reviewin' boots for the very first time and takes this party game for a spin. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock-2/ A missed opportunity to have a banner year for the franchise...pun very much intended. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/the-incredible-hulk/ ZING! Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/sony-ceo-dismisses-wii-as-expensive-niche-in-spite-of-ps3s-continued-third-place-position/ Rumors that Sony would counter the recent pricepoint moves by rival Microsoft have been quickly stamped out. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/sony-will-not-counter-microsoft-price-cuts/ This move is anticipated to give Microsoft's console a boost in its currently neck-and-neck race with the PlayStation 3. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/microsoft-to-discontinue-20gb-xbox-360-introduce-60gb-model/ The best letters we received in June and the first half of July 2008. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/mailbag/june-july-2008-mailbag/ http://www.gamepartisan.com/qotd/the-ultimate-inspiration-is-the-deadline-nolan-bushnell-founder-of-atari/ "Crime: homicide. Victim: Insecticide. Culprit: Joseph G. Catalanotto." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/insecticide/ Mercenaries get paid in gold bars. Fighting the Russians in the near future. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/battlefield-bad-company/ The chains that bind. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/ Happy Independence Day! Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/metal-gear-solid-4-guns-of-the-patriots/ Not just good, but ____! Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/crosswords-ds/ Rock my world. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/the-world-ends-with-you/ Veddy veddy intevesting. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/the-game-audio-network-launches-global-social-network/ Always good to hear the folks at VGL moving forward. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/nvidias-nvision-08-event-to-feature-video-games-live/ "Only in America baby!" Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/don-king-presents-prizefighter/ "Everything you love about the carnival except the fun." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/carnival-games/ Royal and DeViney go at it again over a plethora of topics, most of them controversial. But of course...what else would you expect coming from...well, us? Feature ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/interview-freelance-journalist-lionel-royal-and-gamepartisan-editor-jonny-deviney-part-two/ First came Mark Vincent, then Phil Stortzum...now, Senior Editor Michael Rausch gives us an unprecedented third review of GTA4. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/grand-theft-auto-iv-3/ Maybe that last-day-of-school Halo LAN wasn't such a good idea afterall.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/is-there-a-legal-issue-with-game-tournaments-in-public-environments/ A Japanese take on American culture that deserves, at the very least, a modicum of respect, i.e., a rental by every gamer. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/no-more-heroes/ In case you hadn't caught on yet or are new to the GamePartisan party scene, game name recognition means very little to us: a good game is a good game, an average game is an average game, a bad game is a bad game. Period. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock/ Can we just get back to being removed from reality now?   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/st-john-writes-off-in-game-advertising/ Phil gives us the lowdown on this uncelebrated title from Capcom. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure/ The Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) has released data showing that the alleged economic slide has yet to begin affecting the gaming industry, and that the gaming demographic there continues to broaden. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/gaming-market-continues-to-ignore-economic-social-woes-european-interactive-software-sales-up-25/ Mark Vincent gave it an 8.5 out of 10. Now we get a second opinion. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/grand-theft-auto-iv-2/ While Wii Sports is not the greatest game ever created, it's definitely a worthy pack-in with the Nintendo Wii. It does a fantastic job of really showing off the control capabilities of the Nintendo Wii, which is obviously what it was meant to do. In terms of graphics and ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/wii-sports/ The latest in a series of changes in corporate strategy and public relations, gaming apparel company LXG (LastActionGamer.com) has entered into an alliance with GamePartisan and will sponsor the site's reviews indefinitely. A pairing of companies with equally distinctive visions, the move looks to mutually benefit both parties, with further details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/miscellaneous/lxg-lastactiongamercom-to-sponsor-gamepartisan/ Perhaps we can finally put the Aerosmith edition behind us?   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/guitar-hero-world-tour-revealed/ "Too slow and frustrating to wholeheartedly recommend." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/sonic-riders-zero-gravity/ Ironically, Boom Blox is the blockbuster Wii owners were waiting for from Mr. Spielberg.  Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/boom-blox/ You heard it here. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/hello-kitty-named-japanese-tourism-ambassador/ Columnist Jeremy Bennett returns, short but ever so sweet. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/the-gaymer-how-video-games-may-save-america/ The Mario Kart series is the penultimate cartoon kart racer available...this version very much feels as if it's the most complete. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/mario-kart-wii/ Look out, XBLA and PSN!   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/wiiware-launches/ Find out just what makes their high price tag so special.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/analyst-reveals-the-reason-behind-pricy-360-hds/ Betheseda seals the deal with one of the brightest video game composers around.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/fallout-3-aqcuires-composer-inon-zur/ If you've been biding your time for cheaper Rock Band tracks, here's your chance.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/selected-rock-band-tracks-at-a-discount/ Just when you thought the parent's homework policy wasn't enough.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/indonesia-enforces-video-game-ban-on-students/ GTA IV's controversy continues to soar across America.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/take-two-sues-chicago-transit-over-ads/  Proof that gamers can go outside by choice.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/gta-iv-has-no-effect-on-iron-man-movie-release/ Here's to fan service. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-vegas-2/ An offensive game deserves an offensive review, no? Former senior editor Mark Vincent kicks off his return to GamePartisan with a definitive bang. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/grand-theft-auto-iv/ Different is not always better.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/nintendos-online-service-making-a-difference/ Nintendo franchises still have some catching up to do.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/mega-man-franchise-milked-like-no-other/ Whats more shocking is the previous holder of that title.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/gta-iv-may-be-the-most-expensive-game-ever-made/ More is better.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/blockbuster-broadens-game-service/ Let's blame Nintendo.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/bionic-commando-not-coming-to-vc/ All we wanted was a taste of the cake... was that so hard?   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/portal-rejected-from-xbla/ All things considered, it wasn't on your mind this week anyways.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/dont-hold-your-breath-for-this-weeks-xbla-release/ It may be the sixth title bearing the Ratchet & Clank name in seven years, but the quality is still so consistent that it's yet to become a problem ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/sony/ratchet-and-clank-future-tools-of-destruction/ Perhaps the PS3 won't have the last laugh after all?   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/mark-rein-still-trying-for-360s-ut3-mod-support/ An unfortunate twist condemns an FPS unlike any other. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/condemned-2-bloodshot/ Rock Band to get much more than a little Judas Priest.     ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/rock-bands-first-full-album-download/ “With the release of GTA 4, violent video games step back into the lime light. But this time, a King is on our side.” Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/doc-of-all-trades-controversy-looming/ Phil Stortzum returns with yet another sterling review. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/super-smash-bros-brawl/ Molyneux offers an in-depth insight into problems facing the video game industry and it's future.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/peter-molyneux-wonders-if-there-is-any-new-stuff-to-be-found-in-future-games/ Subscribers prove that nothing is too early for the internet!   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/latest-game-informer-revs-up-new-gears-of-war-2-info/ Having once been thought of as a fad, one relegated to the domain of the acne-riddled nerd, video games continue to come a long way. With the market having surpassed both the motion picture and music industries in finance, few question the validity of the business anymore. The overall socio-political ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/miscellaneous/wheres-the-recession-gamers-gaming-industry-dont-seem-to-know/ According to more than a few members of the video game industry, Epic would be better suited not joining a games division that some label "a sinking ship".   While the cat quickly got out of the bag today pertaining to Yahoo's persistent rejection of Microsoft's takeover bid, gamers continue to maintain ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/miscellaneous/microsofts-gaming-division-a-sinking-ship-epic-would-be-best-not-to-join-some-industry-insiders-say/ The likely merger of MSN and Yahoo!, plus having Epic and Rare in the same development community, would almost certainly have a major impact on Microsoft as we know it. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/miscellaneous/if-microsoft-acquires-epic-yahoo-any-changes-in-face-strategy-ahead/ A special edition, just for those Aussies.   ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/gtaiv-edited-in-australia/ "Seven past console parties down and Mario still feels the need to party like its 1999 with a few variations here and there." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/mario-party-8/ EA fights Capcom’s one week plan with a 10 year for game success at retail. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/forget-weeks-try-years-for-a-profitable-game-says-ea/ Senior Editor Michael Rausch further explains why he handed out the first 10 (out of 10) in GamePartisan's six-plus year history. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/in-addendum-why-i-gave-mass-effect-a-10/ Beginning on March 27, 2008 in Ogden, Utah, Razer will be a presenting sponsor for each stop of the Video Games Live tour. Razer will be touring with Video Games Live across the country, as well as across its numerous international destinations.  ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/razer-to-sponsor-video-games-live/ Michael Rausch takes a legendary step with this, our second review of Mass Effect. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/mass-effect-2/ Does every publisher have this kind of positive outlook on sales? Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/capcom-says-youve-got-one-week-to-sell/ "Sadly, an all-star compendium of Sega's top efforts couldn't even beat an effort by just Mario and his friends. This isn't a bad game by any means as you can really see the effort Sumo Digital put into this title..." ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/sega-superstars-tennis/ Long story short, folks, Electronic Arts had taken its $2 billion buyout offer directly to the shareholders of Take-Two Interactive, but after today's rejection of said offer by Take Two's board of directors, it appears as though any hostile takeover of the firm will be ever more difficult to accomplish. While ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/take-twos-board-of-directors-rejects-electronic-arts-hostile-takeover-bid/ In the end, All Pro Football 2k8 is very much worth any pigskin fan’s time. However, it is not without a few, avoidable drawbacks.  Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/all-pro-football-2k8/ GameFAQs hero Phil Stortzum makes his GP debut. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/resident-evil-umbrella-chronicles/ David Rogers has formatting issues. We love him anyway. Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/doc-of-all-trades-video-games-live/ Story courtesy of the Associated Press:   WASHINGTON - The Bush administration will "do what it takes" to stabilize chaotic markets and minimize the economic damage, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Sunday after a tumultuous week capped by the government rescue of a teetering investment bank. All eyes now are on Wall Street ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/news/us-treasury-dept-head-paulson-says-government-will-make-every-effort-to-aid-market-stabilization/ Due to the marginal differences between the two versions, this article dually serves as the review of both the PS3 and Xbox 360 editions of the game. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/pro-evolution-soccer-2008/ Screenshots courtesy of Mattplays.com and Sportsgamer.com Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/madden-08/ THIS IS A FEATURE FROM GP BEFORE ITS RELAUNCH, REVIVED TO GIVE YOU ALL AN IDEA OF WHERE WE WANT TO TAKE OUR 'PROGRESSIVE EDITORIAL POLICY': "Before telling you how all of this ranting and raving pertains to our beloved video game industry, I’m going to touch very briefly on ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/his-satanic-majestys-industry-bleak-in-review/ "It's too bad more attention wasn't given to the visuals of Nitrobike, as they could have given help to a suffering game." Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/nitrobike/ What could this mean for the future of competitive gaming?            Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/cpl-is-no-more/ "...just wanted to express solidarity with my fellow writers/British immigrants, and also my admiration for sticking to your guns. I know it's not easy, but you guys rock for this." - Jim Sterling, Destructoid.com. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/mailbag/142/ "Well, I don’t frown upon video games like I do music sometimes. Bad video games aren’t often inflicted upon you at a stoplight the way bad music is." ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/editorials/his-satanic-majestys-industry-parental-advisory/ Quantity over quality. Game Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/frontlines-fuel-of-war/ Not exactly a promising preemptive concern for a film. Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/gta4-set-to-jack-iron-mans-box-office-debut/ Microsoft, the leader in the European home console race, confirms price cuts for its Xbox 360 console on the continent. Sony expected to feel pressure to follow suit. ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/137/ "...Michael Rausch, you're going to Hell."     Feature Details ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/saturday-nights-alright-for-ranting-strike-back/ With the UFL (United Football League) being the latest in a series of spring football leagues to have challenged the dominance of the NFL, this emergence begs the question: who will do the honors of producing a video game based on Mark Cuban's latest brainchild? Of all of the wild items ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/miscellaneous/mark-cubans-united-football-league-to-receive-video-game-honors/ FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German video gamers, long wedded to their personal computers, are switching to games consoles and mobile devices, pushing German games software sales up 21 percent to 1.36 billion euros ($2.1 billion) last year. The German games software association (BIU) said on Friday sales of games for consoles such ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/nintendo/germany-moving-away-from-pc-gaming-console-gaming-in-vogue/ As Toshiba's HD DVD format all but listens to its own swan song, Microsoft appears to be taking swift steps to cash in on the Blu Ray bandwagon. Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer remarked that Microsoft Corporation intends to utilize Sony's Blu Ray format "in ways that make sense". To ... http://www.gamepartisan.com/microsoft/microsoft-to-utilize-blu-ray-in-ways-that-make-sense/