No Next-Gen Consoles Until 2012? I Think I am OK With That

Gamespot recently wrote an interesting article about the future of next-gen consoles, with some top industry heads chiming in on the subject. Epic Games pres Mike Capps believes we won’t see new next-gen consoles till 2012 at the earliest. It got me thinking about the current state of the next-gen console and where we are since the release of the 360. The reality is our current crop of consoles does more than satisfy our needs. I don’t think I could handle another new console, I still haven’t tried the Wii or the PS3 yet. The PS3 has come along way since it’s release and let’s face it the whole concept of the Wii is catching on with all ages. I remember when the PS2 came out, everybody was anxious for its release and could hardly wait for it. It gave us our first glimpse at what an next-gen console might be like. As a society we will always want something more, but for now I am satisfied with my 360, and I’m OK with no new consoles till 2012.

A Look Into The Future

Man some people really have no time on their hands.  Apparently someone modded an XBOX 360 and was able to install the new fall update.  No doubt it looks on point but is it really worth it?  I’m sure all of the features don’t work yet and you know Microsoft is going to be pissed when they see this vid.

10 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Cop Bionic Commando

(This was my first post from konsolekingz.com, read the preview then check out the jump for the rest)

Its no secret Bionic Commando was one of the hottest games back in the day. The popular franchise has been around since 1988 and to be honest I was beginning to lose hope that we would ever see a sequel for the next-gen console. That was until it was announced in October that Bionic Commando would be released for XBOX 360, PS3 and Windows. So you already know we’ve been following it closely and can’t wait to get our hands on it. If your a fan of the franchise you won’t need to be convinced, but just in case you are having doubts read on and you’ll see why we are so hyped about it.

1. The Gameplay

Don’t get twisted we all love the old 2D arcade versions of the game, they were plenty fun for the time, but the thought of swinging around in open world 3D environment with the Bionic Arm has to get you hyped. In the old versions Nathan “Rad” Spencer was unable to jump, he could only use his arm to get from place to place. Now you will be wrecking havoc in vertical and horizontal environments. Lets just say the dude has been upgraded in a major way and now there are barely any limits on what you can do.

Read the rest of the list over at the Konsole Kingz.

The Konsole Kingz Get Skinned

Finally some skins worth getting.  The Konsole Kingz have announced that they will be droppin their very own line of skins in the fall.  The skins will be released for the XBOX 360 and PS3 consoles and the Guitar Hero guitar.   Currently they are going through some design ideas and need help on the feedback.  The “I Got Money” skin is an all black skin with shiny silver dollar signs and KKZ crowns on it.

The Candace Cabrera Ninja skin, yea that’s right she’s “black” from The Flavor of Love 3, features Candace as a ninja, oh you didn’t know they get down like that?  Be sure to peep all the details here and let them know which skins you are feelin.

Caught In The Act: Who’s Selling Games to Minors

Bmore’s own ABC-2 TV station recently went undercover to find out who’s selling mature games to minors. Their findings shouldn’t surprise many, the fact is ESRB ratings are not strictly enforced and it’s getting easier for kids to get their hands on the mature titles. Gamespot should feel good about themselves as they passed the test but the same can’t be said for Target and Wal-Mart. Check out the video to see the full the report.

Via ABC-2 News

Say Hello To The New Prince of Persia

When I saw the new Prince of Persia video demo at this years E3 I have to admit I was blown away. The new gameplay style and graphic design are just what this series needed to take it to next level. Also the new sandbox, open world environment has me intrigued, this game will no doubt be the Prince of Persia we’ve all been waiting for.

Quick Hits
New Character: Elika (The Prince’s new partner, wherever you go Elkia goes. If you should fall or are about to get killed Elika will save you. She has a large part in the game and will help you in many ways)

Release Date: Q4 2008

This game will be using a modified version of the Scimitar Engine, which was used in Assassin’s Creed

Try Your Hand at Creating Games, You Could Earn Some Money

Future game designers have been hard at work ever since the release of XBOX LIVE Community Games on XNA game studio. That hard work just might pay off as Microsoft has recently announced that they will offer game creators 70 percent of their total sales. Games will sell on three different levels between 200 and 800 Microsoft points. Currently XBOX LIVE Community Games is in the beta version but you can expect it to go live later on this year, just in time to earn a little dough for the holidays. On top of that XNA is also offering free 4 month premium memberships to those members who submit at least one game to the 2008 Dream-Build-Play contest. The winner of the event, which runs through September 23rd, will receive $40,000 and an official XBOX LIVE publishing contract. Maybe it’s time I try my hand a creating a game, I’ve always wanted to unleash my HALO vs. Call of Duty first person shooter.

Head on over to XNA Creators Club for more info.

Gears of War 2 Limited Edition: The Juicy Details

Back in February Gears fans got another surprise as Microsoft announced the upcoming Gears of War 2 would include a limited edition version.  At this years E3, as expected, Gears 2 was one of the hottest topics and some new details on the limited edition were released.  Some items you can expect in the pack are a 48 page hardback book called “Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look of Gears of War 2,” a DVD full of interactive content, and special code that allows you to unlock the gold plated Lancer in multiplayer mode.  Also, don’t forget the portrait of Dom and Maria, which is a little strange if you ask me, but a nice touch.  All this will come in an over sized DVD case with a giant sized Lancer rifle on the front.  You can expect the limited edition to be released on November 7, and the package will cost you $70.

Fore more Gears of War 2 details head over to gearsofwar.com

Netflix on XBOX LIVE Sneak Peak

There has been a lot of excitement from Netflix subscribers since the announcement of Netflix on XBOX LIVE. This announcement has also caused some sites likes roku.com to come out of the woodwork an claim they have a better deal. Let’s see, pay $99 for the roku system or have it free with LIVE?

So You Don’t Like The New Dashboard

Some of us just don’t like change, we get comfortable with the way things are and we want to keep it that way.  Well if your that type of person you’ll be happy to know that when the new update changes the dashboard, you’ll have an option to keep it the same.  This also goes for the new avatar system, like the new dashboard the avatars will be optional.  Options are a good thing, the more the better and this will certainly please all those gamers who like the dashboard the way it is.  For me personally I am excited about these new features and the potential of the new dashboard.  Besides just look at all the shiny picture previews, how can you not be appealed by them.

Check out more details in Major Nelson’s newest podcast.