About ten years ago, a two-dimensional happy-go-lucky rapping dog came out of nowhere and gave the fledging music rhythm genre a jump start into the mainstream fast lane. While the genre itself hasn't looked back with such giants as Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, PaRappa the Rapper, its one time poster boy, hasn't aged well as made evident by this port of the original PlayStation game to the PSP.

For those of you unfamiliar with one of the grandfathers of the music game genre, PaRappa the Rapper tells the tale of a young pup's journey to win the heart of Sunny Funny, his sunflower best friend. To do so, he'll have to learn how to fight, drive, peddle wares, bake a cake, and even fight his way to the head of a bathroom line by rapping. If it sounds too outrageous, it's because it is. However, it's delivered with such great humor and charm, you can't help but smile. From PaRappa's irritable bowel to Joe Chin's obliviousness to his own narcissism, there's something for everyone to laugh at.

Surprisingly, the graphics have held up decently too. They were simplistic even by the standards in 1997, but the vibrant colorful palette translates well onto the handheld's screen. What also helps is that a lot of the rough edges were smoothed out, giving both the characters and backgrounds a much cleaner look.

The sticking point of any sort of music rhythm game is the title's soundtrack. It can easily make or break a game. Of course, PaRappa's catchy and original tunes are easily its strongest points and they still hold up well after all this time. The fact that people can say a mere two words – "Kick, punch" – and have someone else finish the line with "it's all in the mind" speaks volumes of how great PaRappa's was and is. Going back through the PSP version brought back a massive wave of nostalgia especially when I realized that I still remembered all of the lyrics and their cadences. That said, you would think that would make the game easier since I have that head start, but that's another story.

Sadly, the gameplay doesn't hold up nearly as well as the rest of the game. It consists of simply pressing the right button at the right time to keep PaRappa's rhymes flowing with the music. Timing is kept track of by a small icon of our titular hero moving across a meter at the top of the screen. When the icon passes over a button icon, that's when you should press the corresponding button. At least, that's how it's supposed to work in theory. In reality, the timing is a bit off and you'll need to press the button just as the PaRappa icon gets to the button. The unforgiving timing is what may be somewhat frustrating. As I said earlier, I remember all of the tracks and what not, so seeing myself fail a line I know I hit perfectly was a common sight that I just could not shake. It's a lot easier to just remember the button sequence, totally ignore the meter, and press the buttons to the beats. In other words, playing the game with an audio focus versus a visual focus may actually serve some of you better.

The game itself is also horribly short. Six stages, six tracks and then you're done. Of course, you could always replay the levels and attempt to maintain a "Cool" rating in order to freestyle a stage. Even then, there really isn't any reward to do so other than full completion, and freestyling isn't all that fun. A sequence you may find interesting and fitting to the music may get graded badly while a mindless repeat of one word will keep you going. No one ever said the AI judges were all that smart.

An addition to the PSP port is a number of downloadable tracks. Unfortunately, they are nothing more than variations of the original six and pale in comparison to the originals. They're bland and uninspired. They felt more like an afterthought to add material to the game so that it wasn't just a straight port. It was also odd seeing six different remixes for the first stage and then one or two for each of the other stages.

Lastly, the $30 price tag seems a little steep for what essentially is port of a ten-year-old PS1 title. While I won't dock points off the game's overall score for that, it is something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase it.

If you played Parappa ten years ago, seeing it in a handheld format is initially mind-blowing. After that, you'll feel some nostalgia, and then after tearing through it in 45 minutes, you'll realize that once is enough. If you never had a chance to play it, then this is a good opportunity to check out a classic. Just beware when shelling out the cash for it as the mileage you'll get out of it will vary.

Unforgiving timing can make what seems like an easy line frustratingly difficult.

Hold up well after a decade. The clean-up of the jaggies helps a lot.

One of the best game soundtracks even if only 6 tracks long. Downloadable remixes disappoint.

Fun for as long (or short) as it lasts, and once you get pass the stubborn timing.

Only six stages long, not much incentive to replay stages. Additional songs are an afterthought

]]> Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:52:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/dirt_demo_on_playstation_3_network http://www.gamebump.com/go/dirt_demo_on_playstation_3_network http://www.gamebump.com/go/dirt_demo_on_playstation_3_network# Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:24:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/insomniac_announces_title_for_new_ratchet__clank_title http://www.gamebump.com/go/insomniac_announces_title_for_new_ratchet__clank_title http://www.gamebump.com/go/insomniac_announces_title_for_new_ratchet__clank_title# Insomniac Games has announced a new title for the next Ratchet & Clank title in the series.

The game will be entitled, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Brian Allgeier, design director said, "The name Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction works on many levels. It signals a new era for the franchise, ties into the game's story, and includes one of our signature subtitle double entendres."

The game will feature Gamecube combat and not require the use of the Wii motion-controller. Already announced is the feature of a handful of playable characters including Pit from Kid Icarus, Solid Snake from Metal Gear, Zero Suit Samus from Metroid, Metaknight from Kirby and Wario. A handful of characters have been confirmed to be in the title as well including Mario, Kirby, Pikachu and Link.

One other thing to note about Brawl is that it will be fully online compatible and include a full multiplayer mode too. Although previously thought to be a launch title, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is now scheduled to release in 2007.

Plenty of other classic titles have made their way over to the Nintendo DS after being largely successful on the original consoles. So itÂ’s no surprise that the classic city builder SimCity has made its way to the Nintendo handheld too. Although it features the same addictive gameplay all the previous versions do, the experience isnÂ’t quite the same with SimCity DS.

First and foremost, Electronic Arts didnÂ’t mess with the formula that makes the game successful, allowing players to take on the role of mayor and giving you the opportunity to build a city as you see fit. Just like in every other version, players are responsible for building residential, commercial and industrial properties and keeping everything in perfect harmony. Of course itÂ’s much more detailed than that as you must build roads, power lines, water towers, hospitals, schools, police, fire stations and much more. Accomplishing that feat and keeping the city vibrant while still balancing the budget and making your citizens happy is what makes the game addictive and thankfully EA didnÂ’t mess with that formula.

In addition, the game features an extensive tutorial in case you arenÂ’t familiar with the city building experience. SimCity DS features 15 lessons that break down everything you need to know before getting to work. It was a solid inclusion as the game can overwhelm some players if jumped into too quickly.

Finally, there are some unique minigames thrown in to make things a little more interesting. These include blowing into the microphone to put fires out, using the stylus to do fireworks and more. One final item of note is the mail system, which enables you to communicate with other mayors. ItÂ’s a nice touch, although not utilized much.

Although SimCity does bring the city building experience to your handheld, there are a lot of issues that werenÂ’t quite dealt with. The biggest is the controls which utilize the touch screen for a majority of the game. Players can move with the d-pad, but selecting items and building the city requires the point and click interface. It seems like itÂ’d work well, but the grid is so small that you often find yourself building in the wrong area. It is a nuisance and very frustrating. Thankfully EA at least put in an undo button to fix any mistakes you may make although if you demolish something it is gone; there is no do over.

The controls arenÂ’t the only issue though as the graphics for SimCity are poor. The character design of your citizens and advisor are simplistic and then the actual city looks like a dump. There are some details in buildings, but more often the textures and color scheme make most of the environment uninteresting. This is particularly frustrating when you consider the impressive graphics in other games on the handheld.

Meanwhile, the sound isnÂ’t much better, but at least thatÂ’s understandable. There are some sound effects that are ok and the music isnÂ’t irritating, but itÂ’s hardly interesting either.

Finally, itÂ’s hard to see who this game is actually geared towards. ItÂ’s too complex for younger children, but it is on the Nintendo DS and still is SimCity. Not exactly the game most children are lighting up to play.

Although thereÂ’s a lot of potential here, Electronic Arts didnÂ’t quite hit the mark with SimCity DS. The game brings the popular city builder experience to the Nintendo handheld, but it comes at a cost. The controls are much less desirable as are the graphics and sound. Simply put, SimCity doesnÂ’t seem to work well on the DS and makes you realize that a good idea can be implemented unsuccessfully.

The gameplay is solid although frequently the stylus is more trouble than a benefit.

The characters and city are unappealing.

The sound effects are mediocre and the music is generic.

The problems hurt the experience, but otherwise it is just as addictive as any other

The one thing is that SimCity DS will keep you busy for a long time.

]]> Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:14:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/resident_evil_5_confirmed http://www.gamebump.com/go/resident_evil_5_confirmed http://www.gamebump.com/go/resident_evil_5_confirmed# Capcom producer, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, confirmed in the latest Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine that they are indeed under development with Resident Evil 5. He states, "We are going to do a Resident Evil 5, of course, but as for exactly what it will be like...that's something we're busy thinking about right now. He also mentions that Resident Evil 4 will be the start of the brand new storyline for RE5.

Not much information has been released, but expect further confirmation around E3 time.

We will have more on this developing story.

Today is the first official day of E3 and we have two major press conferences to attend.

First there's the Nintendo conference at 8am Pacific, then the PlayStation conference at 10:3am Pacific. We'll be liveblogging each.

View our liveblog section here. ]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/e3_07_nfl_tour_announced http://www.gamebump.com/go/e3_07_nfl_tour_announced http://www.gamebump.com/go/e3_07_nfl_tour_announced# "We are extremely excited about our new arcade football game, NFL Tour, which will provide players with a brand new exciting football experience,” said Executive Producer Dale Jackson. "NFL Tour is a fun, action-packed football game that will appeal not only to football enthusiasts, but also to casual gamers.”

The game is scheduled to hit store shelves in January 2008.

• Never Ever (All Saints)
• Barbie Girl (Aqua)
• Love Shack  (B-52Â’s)
• One Week  (Barenaked Ladies)
• Achey Breaky Heart  (Billy Ray Cyrus)
• MMM MMM MMM MMM (Crash Test Dummies)
• I Touch Myself  (Divinyls)
• Unbelievable  (EMF)
• Hey Jealousy  (Gin Blossoms)
• Stay (Lisa Loeb)
• U Can't Touch This (MC Hammer)
• Bitch (Meredith Brooks)
• Movin' On Up (M People)
• Torn (Natalie Imbruglia)
• Step By Step (New Kids On the Block)
• Where the Wild Roses Grow (Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue)
• Unskinny Bop (Poison)
• Creep  (Radiohead)
• Everybody Hurts (REM)
• Only to be with You (Roachford)
• I Want You (Savage Garden)
• Kiss From A Rose (Seal)
• Baby Got Back (Sir Mix A Lot)
• Wannabe (Spice Girls)
• Two Princes (Spin Doctors)
• Pump Up The Jam (Technotronic Feat. Felly)
• Lovefool (The Cardigans)
• Zombie  (The Cranberries)
• Friday I'm In Love (The Cure)
• Love Is All Around (Wet Wet Wet)

The game is a tennis version of the popular golf Sony golf series and is slated to release in Japan September 14th for the PlayStation 2. According to the article, tennis will feature the same art and simple gameplay that is seen in the golf titles by just featuring a two button system of circle to swing and X to lob.

Currently there is no word when and if Hot Shots Tennis will make it's way stateside.

No details have been given on the songs to be included in the game. It is however scheduled to release on June 13th for the PlayStation 2 for $39.99. Hopefully we'll see this also release for download on the Xbox 360 after Guitar Hero II comes out in early April.

"Working with Spike TV is a great opportunity for the WCG to continue to showcase its unique brand of Olympic-style game festivals to a broader consumer audience than any other e-Sports property," Arzt added. "We want to utilize this partnership to create an elevated and immersive experience for the gamers, fans and our partners in the U.S. by further establishing e-Sports as a sports and entertainment genre for a new generation."

Spike TV will be designated as an official media partner at WCG domestic USA events and host broadcaster for the WCG Grand Final to be telecast in November in a one-hour special. The WCG will be featured on Spike TV's original series Game Head for several weeks leading up to the WCG 2007 Grand Final to be held this October at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington.

"Coverage of the World Cyber Games Grand Final is a great addition to our lineup as it appeals to our core demographic," said Spina. "Interest in professional gaming is starting to explode and the World Cyber Games brings together the best gamers in the world for an unmatched competition. The fact the Grand Final is in the United States this year makes this the perfect time to begin covering this world class event."

MTVN's GameTrailers and Xfire will combine forces to deliver coverage of the 2007 WCG through short form video segments.

Activision and Raven Software just sent over updated information and one brand new screenshot of Quake 4 in action on the PC. Check out the new information below.

QUAKE 4 Updated Info:

Earth is under siege by an alien race. The Strogg are cybernetic warriors--a mechanical frame and decaying body parts stabilized by flesh consumed in a systematic annihilation of other species and civilizations. In a desperate attempt to survive a Strogg attack on Earth, an armada of Earth's finest warriors is sent to take the battle to the Strogg home planet. Earth's initial assault force is nearly annihilated immediately, but one marine manages to infiltrate the base, bring down their planetary defense systems, and kill the Strogg's collective brain and leader--the Makron. Earth assumed the destruction of the Makron would end it all, but it didn't.

That's where QUAKE II leaves off and QUAKE 4 begins

The Strogg are quickly regrouping. However, with the StroggÂ’s planetary defenses still destroyed, Earth's forces can deliver a full and final assault. This time, you're not alone. You are Matthew Kane, an elite member of Rhino Squad, and part of EarthÂ’s next invasion wave. An army of soldiers are fighting with you and an arsenal of weapons and vehicles are at your disposal in this heroic and epic battle between worlds.

Namco Bandai has announced that Soul Calibur IV is being developed for both the 360 and PS3. The latest instalment in the series will feature "new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation." Soul Calibur IV is slated to be released in 2008.

Ubisoft has signed on action/shooter developer Red Storm Entertainment who plans to bring the Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 engine to the game. The title will feature single and multiplayer modes and give players the option to battle it out with a variety of fighters including snipers, rifleman and grenadiers. Meanwhile, the multiplayer will include eight maps for Xbox Live.

No date has been announced yet, although True Soldier is expected to release in September.

Time Ace has a suggested retail price of $29.99 and is rated “E10+” by the ESRB.

The addition of a new friend is guaranteed to enrich the daily lives of your Sims! Not only will players have the opportunity to choose from a variety of existing breeds, and hot designer mixes, but theyÂ’ll also be able to personally design their new friend with the Create-a-Pet feature. The ability to customize gives fans the opportunity to create their ideal pet by choosing their body shape, unique markings, even their petÂ’s personalities! With so many different animals to choose from, thereÂ’s no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur!

Players will also be able to teach their pet new tricks, take them for a romp in the park, outfit them with new pet accessories and even give them a job! As in real life, your SimsÂ’ pet will require care and training. A neglected cat with an urge to scratch might claw up your new couch if you arenÂ’t careful, and leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isnÂ’t wise!

• Sims Have New Friends - Pets! Sims can share their lives with their new pets and add more fun to the Sims experience. From dogs, cats, caged animals and more, your Sims share new friends to experience lifeÂ’s precious moments. With so many different animals to choose from, thereÂ’s no telling what unpredictable experiences could occur!
• Create-A-Pet: Choose from dozens of dog and cat breeds or customize features for a one-of-a-kind pet. You can even modify your petÂ’s body shape by choosing from specific colors and unique markings. DonÂ’t like the way they act? Change their personality – from smart and sweet to silly and sloppy – anyone can create their ideal animal friend in The Sims 2 Pets.
• “Sit, Spike, Sit”: Your Sims can encourage and discipline pets, training them to shake, roll over, play dead, and more. Unruly pets might dig in the yard, claw the sofa, or topple the trash. Thankfully, a little training can go a long way.
• Classic Sims Open-Ended Gameplay: Create and control digital characters over a lifetime, setting their goals in life from popularity and romance, to fortune and family– their stories are in your hands.
• Share unique Pet unlocks: Use special codes to share unlockable pet accessories, fur types or markings with other The Sims 2 Pets players.

• Friends for a Lifetime: Your SimsÂ’ pets are members of the family and share all of lifeÂ’s great moments – whether itÂ’s kids training puppies, teens playing fetch in the park, adults watching TV with their cats, or elders enjoying a sunny day in the park with their long-time companion!
• Create a designer breed: Your Sims pets have genetics, allowing you to create the latest designer pet, including popular hybrid breeds like the Labradoodle, Puggle and Schnoodle! Like what youÂ’ve created? Register them to appear in Create-A-Pet as a unique pedigree!
• Bring Home the Bacon: Sims arenÂ’t the only ones with careers anymore! Skilled pets can earn a living from three career tracks – Show Business, Security, and Service – and work their way up through five job levels.

• Stroll the Central Town Park: Take your Sims and their pet for a romp at any of the nearby park areas, or head to the Central Town Park which is a favorite of pet owners.  While there, watch your pet play well with others while your Sim can meet others and socialize with fellow animal lovers.
• Shop ‘til you drop: Visit the adjoining Town Center, a great gathering spot for Sims that evolves over time. Once youÂ’ve seen the latest styles and decided on a purchase, deck your pet out in the latest clothing and accessories around. From geek to chic and cool to casual, your Sim can customize their petÂ’s look with one stop in the Town Center. ItÂ’s sure to be the coolest pet in town!

• Manage a Pet Care Center: Pamper, preen, and nurse all the neighborhood pets at your new Pet Care Center that you create and customize.
• How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? In a pet store that you own and operate, you can help other Sims pick out the perfect pet. Earn extra Simoleans by selling the pet products that include the latest pet fashions and accessories!

• Give Your Sim a Career in Pet Care: Take care of the townÂ’s pets by being a veterinarian, a world-class pet trainer and more. Players can even choose from a variety of cat and dogs to adopt as their very own. Whether they are healing pets or just taking them for a stroll, there is always something to do in the pet-friendly town of Barkersville.
• Toys, treats and tricks!: Sims can teach their pets cool and amazing tricks and then compete in the World Championships to be the best in show! 

According to Eurogamer, Prince of Persia Classic will be released on June 13 on Xbox Live Arcade.  Previously announced by Ubisoft, the game "features the same intricate level design, exciting swordplay, puzzle solving, and storyline from the original."  Details regarding the pricing is unknown at this time.

In addition, the company revealed that the title which originally was made for the PC will be coming to the next-generation although they haven't confirmed which systems yet, it's believed to be for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Staying mostly quiet on any other details, the company claims the latest Fallout will, "reinvent" the RPG.

In addition to the news that it's ready for release, Microsoft also made it clear there will be a U.S. demo coming to the Xbox 360 in the near future. Tenchu Z features a new stealth kill system along with new shadow detection and plenty of character customization options. The game features online capabilities for up to four players and includes co-operative play.

Gaming Horizon will be following this story as it develops. E3 2006 will surely have more information.

“With Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway, Gearbox is investing everything to take next-generation gaming to an entirely new level,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “For Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway, the Unreal Engine 3 powers real next-generation graphics and the most intense, action-oriented recreation of true history ever offered as interactive entertainment.”

“Since the series was introduced last year, Brothers In Arms has consistently excelled at delivering a new style of tactical shooter wrapped up in an authentic WWII setting,” said Francesca Reyes, editor-in-chief at Official Xbox Magazine (OXM). “As fans of the Brothers In Arms series, OXM is incredibly excited to be the first to reveal to readers the world-exclusive first-look at Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway.” The issue is available on newsstands since April 11, 2006.

The game is scheduled for a holiday 2006 release. This title has not yet been concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

• All-New, Original Action Title – Built from the ground-up specifically for next-generation consoles, Dark Sector offers an original storyline that absorbs players in one of the most cinematic and emotionally-gripping 3rd person action game to date.
• Evolution Powers – After being exposed to a failed cold-war experiment, Hayden will physically evolve specialized superpowers that become more lethal and sophisticated over time.  
• The Glaive –– A bladed disc that grows out of HaydenÂ’s infected hand, this weapon will be one of the key elements throughout the game.  The strength and versatility of this weapon make it truly unique and compelling.  
• It can be thrown at enemies with brutal results,
• Collect elements from the environment such as fire and electricity to use on enemies and interact with the world.  
• Contains a light source to be used in dark areas; can be used in conjunction with conventional weapons.  
• No HUD – Dark Sector removes traditional on-screen elements such as health bars and ammo meters, instead using the character himself as the HUD.  As the character takes damage he will begin to physically show it, ammunition levels will be displayed on guns, available weapons and inventory will be displayed on the character – all serving to keep the player focused on the character and the gameplay.
• Intuitive controls – Simplified and intuitive controls keep players immersed in the action freeing them to utilize their skills in targeting and eliminating enemies.
• Dynamic Camera – Dark Sector employs an over-the-shoulder 3rd person perspective giving the player a full view of the world around him, while also showing full visual of Hayden allowing for the player to make a connection with the character.
• Upgradeable Conventional Weapons – Beyond the evolution powers, Hayden will have an arsenal of conventional weapons at his disposal that can all be upgraded and made more powerful throughout the game.
• Intelligent AI – Players will employ special tactics while encountering new and different enemy combat tactics as the evolving AI communicate amongst themselves, take cover and offer realistic responses to player actions.  
• Compelling Main Character – Hayden Tenno is a cold-blooded, ruthless character who has superhero type powers and responsibility thrust upon him – a true anti-hero who makes no excuses for his actions.  Through the storyline, players will witness HaydenÂ’s transformation into something more than he was, his fight against the powers taking over his body and the effects it has on his psyche.
• Innovative Multiplayer Component – Details to be revealed at a later date.

The developer is working on a game in the series entitled Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars by Sniper Studios. The driving title is expected to include online capabilities and release this summer. 

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" picks up where the record-breaking 2006 smash hit left off, with our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' locker. With the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, and its commander Davy Jones under the control of the East India Trading Company, there is havoc on the Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, the heroic trio must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final titanic battle - as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving pirate way hangs in the balance. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski from a screenplay written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, our beloved cast sets sail again on a fresh new adventure in May 2007.

Long ago, the world was filled with Remnants — mysterious artifacts from an ancient civilization. But as time passed, the powers of the Remnants began to shift the world's balance. As the rift widened between those who ruled and those who were ruled over, a new era dawned: one of countless frays brought upon the world by those enslaved by their own lust for power.

A thousand years later, the journey of one young man begins...

“Double Dragon” is the story of Billy and Jimmy Lee, twin brothers who learned to fight on the cold, tough streets of their city. Their expert knowledge of the ancient martial art of Sou-Setsu-Ken, combined with their streetwise outlook, means that they’re two of the most formidable combatants ever to walk the streets. Billy and Jimmy will use their feet, fists, elbows and whatever weapons come to hand to defeat the gang that kidnapped Billy’s girlfriend.

• Two-player co-op multiplayer locally or over Xbox LIVE
• Special extras such as a look at the original Japanese and U.S. “Double Dragon” sales fliers
• Gameplay with either the original graphics or with new high-definition graphics
• All new music
• Hints and tips for newcomers
• Three leaderboards
• Customizable button configurations
• Ability to earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Featuring all the characters, levels and songs from the original, PaRappa The Rapper increases the franchiseÂ’s social appeal by offering a host of new PSP exclusive features, including the ability for up to four PSP systems to go head-to-head in ad-hoc battles; wirelessly share a demo level through Game Share; and use the PSP Infrastructure Mode to download eight additional playable remixes for players to rap along to.

Parappa The Rapper for the PSP system stays true to its stylish flattened animation technique and gameplay, combining fun and vibrant characters with hip music and a humorous storyline. Masaya MatsuuraÂ’s infectious music and lyrics accompany PaRappa as he attempts to rap his way into the heart of his dreamy love interest, Sunny Funny, through various musical adventures. Using a rhythm, timing and coordination-based gameplay mechanic, players will bob their heads along with PaRappa and a cast of vibrant characters as they master its addictive gameplay. Players will first have to harmoniously press a designated controller button to help Parappa mimic the actions and lyrics of the Masters. As the playerÂ’s skill level progresses, they will be able to break free into a one-of-a-kind freestyle session, giving them the freedom to create a new experience with each play.

Transforming the traditional Sims gameplay for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms, MySims moves the player to a delightful but disorganized town where – thanks to the easy and unique controls – they can re-shape everything and make it their own. The town is rundown, but the player can make it much more dynamic. Using a selection of building blocks, unique patterns and engaging creativity tools, players can design furniture and appliances, architect new homes and businesses, and re-define the entire MySims landscape!

As players explore and build up the town, they will get to know dedicated, long-time residents like the always-busy Mayor Rosalyn P. Marshall and Buddy – the mostly-lazy hotel Bellhop. Once things start to look up, they’ll meet and choose from a variety of colorful, would-be residents. Will they build a restaurant for Gino Delicioso the Italian Chef, or will they help Ocean Breeze set up his Yoga studio instead?

Design is everyoneÂ’s domain in MySims. From building a new Pizza Oven for Gino to putting the finishing touches on a new roof for BuddyÂ’s busy hotel, each completed task will help the town grow. As it expands to new areas, players will receive special building blocks, decorations and patterns which help customize their unique creations. From furniture and buildings to the town as a whole, every choice informs how residents and visitors feel and behave.

One only need look at the success of professional gaming leagues to see that, yes, competing in gaming tournaments is starting to become a viable avenue for making a buck playing games all day. The biggest issue with hopping into one of the bigger leagues right now is that you have to mimic pro athletes in other sports, taking your gaming rig on the road to compete in the circuit. Just like other sports, you can land sponsorship deals to keep yourself afloat as you chase prize purses all over the world, but unless you're really freakin' good, it's an uphill battle.

If you've got a decent gaming PC and a solid connection, why shouldn't you be able to game from home? Yes, there are issues with lag and cheating, but those are things that a tournament provider can and should take care of on their end, and could conceivably maintain with just a simple app that you download before jumping in to a game. For whatever reason, though, it hasn't happened -- not until now, at least, with the proper launch of Tournament.com's beta site. Though it's by no means ready for a full roll-out (that won't happen until the kinks are worked out some time later this month), what's there is certainly promising to say the least.

Here's the gist of it: you sign up for a Tournament.com account, and right away $20 is plopped into your account's wallet. This is important, of course, because just entering tourneys is just like a poker game where there is an initial buy-in (though the amount changes per match). Win, and you picket the pool of cash from the players, split according to the pre-set payout (in team games, for instance, you'll split the winnings evenly, while in straight deathmatch games, the first place winner will likely pocket as much as the second and third place finishers combined.

Hey, if it works for online gambling, why can't it work for PC multiplayer games? There are some restrictions on how much you can pull out of your account and how much you can deposit, of course, all of which is available on the official site, but the basic set-up is such that even casual players will be paired up with gamers of similar skill levels, and the anti-cheating measures in place should keep things fair. In short, they seem as concerned with curbing addictive personalities that would blow their entire bank account in matches as they are someone who would cheat just to add a few more bucks to their own coffers.

At a pre-launch event last night in San Francisco (home of GH's new West Coast operations, conveniently enough), we got a chance to run the game through its paces (free of charge, of course), and were surprised by just how lag free the games were -- and how much we suck when playing against real gamers. The winner, Ariel Fradin, managed to pocket $1000 for his efforts, and we couldn't be happier for the family man.

“Last night’s pre-launch celebration gave all the attendees the opportunity to play on Tournament.com and experience the thrill of competition,” recounts Tournament.com co-founder Richard Skelhorn. “Judging by their enthusiastic response, we know that gamers around the world will be just as excited to compete as the service launches later this month.”

The bigger news, however, was what we (and everyone else who joins the service) were playing: Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, which, along with Counter-Strike: Source forms the backbone of Tournament.com's games library. It's important not only because of how popular CS still is these days, but because it marks the start of an exclusive deal with Valve that includes future releases like the soon-to-be addiction that is Team Fortress 2 that will hit alongside Half-Life 2: Episode 2 later this year.“Counter-Strike is the No. 1 online action game in the world, generating over 6 billion player minutes per month,” echoes Marcus Pearcey, one of Tournament.com's other co-founders. “WeÂ’ve worked hard to create a fair and equitable environment for people to compete for money, and offering Counter-Strike: Source and Half-Life 2: Deathmatch completes our attempt to become the worldÂ’s leader in this service.” 

Time will tell if an online poker-style approach to things will actually work out, but given the Norwatch, UK-based company's approach and exclusive deal with Valve (they're talking with other publishers like Activision right now), it seems like they've got the right idea. If you're curious about some of the particulars, make sure you head on over to the official site, and make sure you tell 'em GamingHorizon sentcha! ]]> Tue, 01 May 2007 15:52:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/star_ocean_4_in_the_works http://www.gamebump.com/go/star_ocean_4_in_the_works http://www.gamebump.com/go/star_ocean_4_in_the_works# Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:19:00 -0500 The Gaming Horizon Archive http://www.gamebump.com/go/nis_ships_aedis_eclipse_for_psp http://www.gamebump.com/go/nis_ships_aedis_eclipse_for_psp http://www.gamebump.com/go/nis_ships_aedis_eclipse_for_psp# NIS America has announced that its Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos, developed by Idea Factory, has shipped for the PlayStation Portable.

The title is a strategy-RPG featuring fully customizable battle squads, more than 100 different custom units, a hybrid of grid and free roaming maps, and more than 150 creatable weapons and armor. The game is rated Everyone 10+ and "is every bit as strategic and content-packed as a home console" title. We'll have a review for you shortly. Until then, take a peek at some screenshots below.