Toys R Us buy two get one free is upon us and my wallet can’t help but shudder a bit. This also includes games that will be released this week such as Batman: Arkham City or past games such as Gears of War 3. The sale also includes accessories (like Xbox Live points or Gold), guides and apparel.
For those who are thinking about starting their X-mas shopping early or just been holding out for a sale on a video game or three the time is now!
For those who haven’t pre-order Battlefield 3, and didn’t capitalize on the Origin’s birthday deal, Amazon is now offering a digital download of the Battlefield 3 – Limited Edition for $41.99. Amazon’s pre-order of Battlefield 3 – Limited Edition includes the Amazon exclusive, Dog Tag Pack for multiplayer use as well as the Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand expansion pack for free. No telling how long this deal will last, but for those who are interested now is your chance!
Battlefield 3 (commonly abbreviated to BF3) is a first-person shooter action video game, being developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and to be published by Electronic Arts. The game is set to be released on October 25, 2011 on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and EA Mobile confirmed a port for the iOS platform. It will not support versions of Windows prior to Windows Vista. It is a direct sequel to 2005’s Battlefield 2, and the eleventh installment in the Battlefield franchise. The PC release will be exclusive to EA’s Origin platform.
In celebration of her new Dragon Age: Redemption web episode, starting now, you can start a hangout on Google+! When you do, post on Felicia Day’s G+ page with the link, and she’ll potentially stop by and answer questions about the show and can even pose for a photo that you can screencap and post later! She will give preference for larger hangouts so gather up some buddies or make the jump into other people’s hangout!
“Hanging out” is basically Google+ method of socializing through a web chat. To see her new web episode, look no further than to YouTube for the Dragon Age: Redemption episode found below.
Felicia Day is a professional actress who has appeared in many TV shows and movies. Check her IMDB page or Wikipedia page for a full list of credits.
Felicia is most well-known for her acting in web video; in Joss Whedon’s epic internet musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and in her own show that she writes, stars in and co-produces, “The Guild”.
She is also an avid social networking fan, most prominently on Twitter.
For more press, contact information and her blog check out her website http://feliciaday.com.
Netflix and AMC Networks Inc have come to a new licensing agreement that gives Netflix exclusive rights in the United States and Canada to the hit show, “The Walking Dead.” Other nonexclusive rights from AMC also include other programs from its other channels, including Independent Film Channel (IFC) and the Sundance Channel.
Although we already have access to “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” having a nice boost with “The Walking Dead” should help Netflix with some of its woes. Perhaps other AMC shows like “The Whitest Kids U’ Know” and “Anatomy of a Scene” will also make an appearance to help round out the AMC selections.
In the mean time, though not an AMC Network show, I’ll be rediscovering the newly announced streaming of all six season of “The Wonder Years” on Netflix and reflect on how Danica McKellar really hasn’t change throughout the years.
Related Article: My Man Crush on Don Draper
Despite what others may think about Apple (good or bad), you can’t help but take a moment of silence for Steve Jobs who passed away today.
The following message can be found at Apple.com
Steve Jobs
1955-2011
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com
Pepsi and Activision are teaming up together to promote Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Cross promotions aren’t a new thing, Coca-Cola has a point redemption system for purchasing their products and Pepsi with World of Warcraft had a promotion for in-game pet. This however, could be a game changer. Now, if you purchase Mountain Dew and/or Doritos, you get a code that can be redeemed for double experience for a set amount of time. Now for fans, this sounds like a win-win situation.
However, I have a sneaking suspicion that parents and consumer groups are going to have a field day with this. I can already hear shouts of kids being obese and that they’re being sedentary for longer hours now. Parents will begin to wonder why their kids are consuming so many Mountain Dews and Doritos all of a sudden. This also brings up the question of buying your way up to “Prestige,” the game equivalent of status and bonuses for playing the game. This can potentially give you a leg up your competition, at the cost of your wallet.
If you are already purchase these products and play the game, it wouldn’t quite matter because it this promotion comes as a bonus. For those who don’t, questions arise whether this is the beginning of a new wave of promotions for games, similar to pre-ordering bonuses? Guess time will tell.
For more information go to http://www.rankupxp.com/Teaser
Blizzard’s BlizzCon 2011 is coming around the corner, it’s on October 21-22, 2011, and we decided to help post a guide and photos for new visitors or veterans of the convention. For those who want to skip to the gallery, make the jump.
Easier said than done, since the event has been sold out since tickets were available this year. Generally, in order to go to this event, it does require you to queue in a electronic line and purchase your tickets online. However, for those who couldn’t purchase their tickets in time, there is always the Virtual Ticket (online streaming of the event). If streaming doesn’t sound appealing, there are also other means such as Craigslist and Ebay, but always exercise caution with those two options. If the price is at an unbelievable price, chances are it’s too good to be true.
This usually goes without saying, but sometimes we get a little excited for an event like this! Get plenty of rest, it’s going to be a long two days and you’ll want to be on your best form when pwning faces in StarCraft II or striking up an interesting conversation about why the Alliance is better than the Horde with another person. You may be on your feet for an extended amount of time either waiting in line to purchase merchandise, to try a game, and/or a booth offering free prizes. Get some breakfast before heading on down to the Anaheim Convention Center, stay hydrated, and get some coffee if needed. There are seats at panels for you to rest, if your legs get tired. Remember about hygiene too, you don’t want to scare somebody with your bad BO!
Usually people who attend this are already true fans of the series, but sometimes significant others or new people do visit. Knowing what certain things, mean can help bridge the gap of confusion if this is new to you.
People who dress up may not always be professional models, but may be huge fans of series they represent. Always ask to take their photos, most will be glad to pose for the shots unless they are in a hurry. Don’t take it as a sleight against you if they refuse, as sometimes people have places to go or events to get ready for like the Costume Contest. They are on their feet for the entire day practically, so make sure to them thank for their time and hard work!
From the WarCraft series, red colors would signify the Horde and blue colors represent the Alliance. Allegiances run thick within this culture and many times you may hear shouts for each respected side (“For the Horde” and “For the Alliance”). However, don’t be too quick to judge other people just on the basis of preference. Respect each other for what they bring to the table and remember that without the other, the game would be completely boring (goes for all series and life). Everybody is here for the love of the game and variety is the spice of life!
Diablo, in short, is an action role-playing game about stopping the Lord of Terror. StarCraft is a real time strategy game involving three different factions with a rich storyline affecting each other set in space. Check Wikipedia or other wiki sources for more information on Warcraft, Diablo, and the StarCraft series.
When in doubt and you don’t know what to say, yell “For the Horde!”
Plan ahead! This can potentially save you time instead of wandering around aimlessly (though that isn’t a bad thing either). Check the BlizzCon forums for costume meeting times (they usually meet by the fountains) or realm meet up times (Gorgonnash FTW). Blizzard usually posts the schedules online (they are currently tentative at the moment) so plan around them accordingly. Some events may fill up faster than others (especially the popular events or panels). If you have any questions you want to ask a dev team or celebrity, write them advance. There is usually a Q&A session following each panel.
Don’t forget to charge your batteries for your camera, phone and any other electronic devices. Bring spare batteries if needed especially for your camera (and extra memory cards). A handheld game like Nintendo DS or 3DS can be handy when you’re waiting in a long line or waiting for the next panel to begin.
Not everybody needs to dress up in a costume. But for those who do, I salute you! For the veterans, there shouldn’t be any need to mention preparation. For those who are thinking of dressing up, sometimes the simple things are the best things. I remember two years ago, somebody came as a Level 1 Human Warrior and it was a major hit! Find something you enjoy and run with it. Like Mark mentioned in the Anime Expo article, “mashups = fun” and “mobility is inversely related to costume appeal.” Keep in mind that you may be stopped a lot for photo opportunities. A trend we notice last year was a lot of glowing light and stilt related costumes. Whatever you choose to dress up as, be safe with your costume choices (those stilts are crazy)!
If you are dressing up in costume, try to get some rest, as those last minute fixes and/or touchups can be quite stressful. Try to knock out your costume beforehand so you won’t be as stressed (easier said than done). You have until October 10th to register for the Dance and Costume Contest, if that is something you’re interested in.
If you already have your ticket (including virtual ticket holders), you can purchase from the Blizzard Store online on the BlizzCon page. The reason why is those lines for the Blizzard merchandise stores can be quite long! If you do purchase the day of, try to go when there is a big event where a lot of people may go. Lines usually thin out around the end of day and on the last day as well, but so does item stocks. Signs should be posted when items sell out.
Save up and know what item you want to get beforehand. Some vendors have exclusives for BlizzCon only so be on the lookout for that.
Despite that there are plenty of food and drink options that Anaheim Convention Center can provide, don’t forget to take a look at Google maps to see what’s outside the convention. The convention itself, does provide an cash bar (over 21 and older of course). If you drink, please be careful and have a designated driver! For more food options, there is a shuttle nearby that takes you to Downtown Disney as well.
Regardless of what you may be doing, there are tons of things for you to do at the event. In the past there was booth games to win prizes, treasure hunting, caricature drawings (be warned those lines can go long too), and more! For those visiting Anaheim or the Los Angeles area there’s always other tourist-y things, like Disneyland, California Adventure and Universal Studio Hollywood.
Take a look down below for photos from last year BlizzCon 2010! This may lean a bit heavier towards Lady Blaumeux in the beginning (a good friend of mine I bumped into last year).
BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo universes. The sixth BlizzCon will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2011. For more information visit www.blizzcon.com
Didn’t think it was possible but somehow Sesame Street has captured the essence of Fox’s hit TV show, Glee.
“G,” a spoof of the television show Glee and Journey’s song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” To prepare for G-gionals, the G Club members sing a song about the letter “G” and the two sounds it makes. That’s right, G-gionals for the G Club. Despite the silliness, it does convey the proper aspects of the letter “G.”
Of course there are a couple other choice words that can come from the letter “G,” but this is meant for the kids!
Sesame Street’s 42nd season begins September 26th, 2011.
Ahoy mateys! September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, ye land lubber. We figure instead of just talking like a pirate, we help find other ways to help celebrate!
Instead of just talking like one, why not dress up like one! There are plenty of ways to dress up like a pirate, some can even be found from Halloween stores. Other ways is finding your own gear and making do with what you got. Askmen.com has a handy guide to assist those who want to make your own costume! For those near Southern California or Orlando, FL, you can always pick up a sword, eyepatch, and a captain’s hat (ala Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean series) from Disneyland or Downtown Disney (maybe even Disney stores outside of Disneyland). Remember there are other cultural pirates out there, so you don’t have to limit your look to specifically one culture. Who says Halloween is the only time to get dressed.
Okay, so, maybe this idea may actually take a while (depends on how willing your parrot can pick up words), but imagine walking around with a parrot perched on your shoulder talking like a pirate.
Build or convert a boat with a pirate themeOkay this isn’t easy either, but perhaps you own a small boat or craft or even floatation device (not recommended, but maybe you can hijack your CEO yacht). Add some sorta flag (or even a paper print out) and set sails on the water (or pool side) and claim your treasure! If this is too much, perhaps an origami boat or Lego boat with a small pirate flag on a tooth pick or Lego piece respectively.
Geocaching is an outdoor sporting activity where participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers or caches anywhere in the world. What better way to seek hidden treasure then by searching for it! You may want to be careful though, as sometimes you may appear suspicious to others (even more so with a mysterious container). There are plenty of applications for phones, that can serve as a potential GPS receiver. There are also many sites with lists of hidden booty and their GPS coordinates.
I think of The Simpsons, when Troy McLure starred in the musical of Planet of the Apes. When the apes find out he can talk, they all gasp “he can talk… he can talk…” and McLure responds, “I can sing!” You too can learn to sing pirate songs! It may be a little hard to find some songs off the top of your heads, but you can always learn the jingles from Pirates of the Caribbean or Google some songs and impress your fellow pirates!
This one can get a little tricky as knowing the lyrics would help. You can then readjust the current lyrics to the Pirate style and attempt to sing it in a karaoke bar or in front of your computer and upload it to YouTube! Be sure to comment with your video if you do go forward with that!
This can take some time, but if you can gather up a couple friends (or go solo with variety of voices), this can turn into an entertaining night as you redub any movie with your own pirate lines. Record it as well and share with others (may be a little tricky with copyrights but we’re still interested in seeing it).
At the bottom of your Facebook page, next to the copyright, you’ll find a language option, from there select English (US), or whichever your respected language is, and select English (Pirate). With you can see a wide arrange of pirate language display for you to enjoy, like “Satarrrday, Septembarrr” and “Captain’s Log.”
For users of Meebo, a browser based IM client, you can turn on a pirate mode by typing in “pirateon” within an IM conversation. Now your conversations should now look like an appropriate corsair would use. This should help any fellow pirates if they can’t find the appropriate word. To re-enable normal text, type “pirateoff” and you’ll be back to landlubber mode.
Swiftkey has help provide a special edition Pirate-talking keyboard application. It works just like their normal predictive text staple, but it suggests pirate lingo as well. Information courtesy of Droid-Life
Last year, Zynga was a bit late on the drop with their version of Words with Friends in pirate style. Unfortunately, this was only available for a limited time last year for iUsers but perhaps this year we will see a release to Android as well.
What are you some of your thoughts and suggestions on what else other people can do for International Talk Like a Pirate Day?
Get your free Portal from Steam, from now until September 20th! This has been brought to us all thanks to education! Yeah, that felt weird to say, but Valve has teamed up with educators, to help find ways to incorporate Portal and Portal 2 into their classrooms. One of the biggest challenges in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math is capturing the students’ imaginations long enough for them to see all of the possibilities that lie ahead. Using interactive tools like the Portal series to draw them in makes physics, math, logic, spatial reasoning, probability, and problem-solving interesting, cool, and fun which gets us one step closer to our goal—engaged, thoughtful kids.
This is a first person perspective game so for those who get a little nauseous (like me), be warned! If you can get past it and haven’t played this, here’s your chance!
Portal is a single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay. The game is designed to change the way players approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in a given environment; similar to how Half-Life® 2′s Gravity Gun innovated new ways to leverage an object in any given situation. Players must solve physical puzzles and challenges by opening portals to maneuvering objects, and themselves, through space.
Remember, the cake is a lie…
Source: Learn with Portals
Steam Link: http://store.steampowered.com/app/400/
Reviews reflect a 90/100 from Metacritic
Nintendo has just released a treasure trove of dates for North America for a lot of their games! The launch dates include Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition, and Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. See below for each respected release date and some videos to boot!
Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS has been given a launch date of November 13, 2011!
A new trailer has been released for Super Mario 3D Land, highlighting some of the game-play aspect (courtesy of Gametrailers.com).
Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS doesn’t follow too far behind the holiday season, releasing on December 4, 2011!
See the latest trailer for Mario Kart 7, showing off many of the game-play (also courtesy of Gametrailers.com).
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series, Nintendo will also be releasing The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (for DSi and 3DS users) for free, starting on September 28, 2011 until Febuary 20, 2012.
Finally, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches November 20, 2011 for the Wii.
Start saving up folks, its going to be an interesting holiday season for sure!
