This week marks the first video game related podcast on The Chanticleer Web site. Matt McRae and myself aim to discuss games on all platforms. The first episode features the Wii, and how the party game has shaped it's lineup in a big way. We also touch on some of the games you will be playing the first half of this year including Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Wii Fit. Be sure to check it out here .
GTApril
Rockstar Games announced this week that Grand Theft Auto 4 will be released on April 29, 2008. April 29th just happens to be the last day of final exams at our great university. A heck of a way to open up the summer vacation I must say.
Several sites were given the opportunity to play an upgraded version of the game last week. Many people walked away impressed as it seems Rockstar has done their job of fixing the big issues that were present when the press last got a whirl at the game in October. GTA4 is set to be the biggest multi-platform game of the year, and the coming months should be exciting as we see the final product take shape.
Help Wanted
I am currently in the process of writing a story about MMORPGs and their impact on college students. If you or somebody that you know is addicted to World of Warcraft or any other MMO game, I would love to discuss it with you. The goal of this story is not to single out or embarrass anyone. I simply want to show the effects of the games, and how we can help people that dedicate their lives to playing them. Send me an e-mail and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I was hoping to begin the year talking about the many games I had played over the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, my 360 became victim to the Red Ring of Death curse that has become a nationwide problem. I wrote up a small description for gamers who are unaware of what exactly I am talking about for The Anniston Star's technology blog, Pushing Buttons. I have included it below, and I hope that next week I can share some impressions of the games I missed.
If you’re like me, coming home to your favorite video game console can be one of the best ways to relieve the stress of a long day at work/school. For many Xbox 360 owners, however, starting up that system only adds to the stress. A console malfunction dubbed the “Red Ring of Death” has taken the life of thousands of Xbox 360 consoles with no end in sight.
Many 360 gamers have experienced the dreaded “Red Ring of Death” while booting Microsoft’s latest console. The problem, which is indicated by three flashing red lights on the system’s “Ring of Light,” is the result of the Xbox 360 unit overheating. At this point the console is essentially dead and must be exchanged at the store of purchase(barring warranty life), or sent off to Microsoft for repairs.
Microsoft initially stated the problem was a rare one, but changed their stance last July by extending the limited warranty on the console to 3 years. This extended warranty applies only to Xbox 360 systems that suffer the “Red Ring of Death.” Microsoft claims that repairing the consoles will cost them over $1 billion.
Many retailers, such as the popular video game store GameStop, will only offer refurbished units in exchange for a faulty Xbox 360 under store warranty. These stores simply cannot afford to replace broken 360 consoles with brand new systems.
The “Red Ring of Death” has become quite the phenomenon in the video game world. YouTube is filled with videos regarding the problem, with the majority featuring a humorous take on an otherwise disappointing situation. One of the more popular videos features a band by the name of Distended Warranty. Their song, “Red Ring of Death,” is a hilarious look at the process of sending the unit to Microsoft.
Successfully starting the Xbox 360 can be a game of its own. Be sure to take a big breath before you press that power button the next time.
