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September 29, 2004
Katamari a Surprise Hit
We dug weird Japanese import Katamari Damacy when we first tried it out at E3. Now that the game’s out, we like it even more – after all, what’s not to like about rolling all sorts of things up into a giant ball and launching it into space?
If you have no idea what we’re talking about, you can check out GameGal’s full review below. We predicted the game would be a sleeper hit, and it looks like we were right. GameSpot reports that retails across the country are sold out, and people are clamoring for copies.
GameSpot quotes an anonymous source at a big retailer as saying, “Katamari Damacy is a quality, unique game at a very compelling price. Some retailers may not have anticipated demand."
Link: http://gamegal.com/katmari-ps2-re/index.htm
Link: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/09/28/news_6109142.html
Posted by gamegal at 04:45 PM
Download Half-Life 2
We’ve been saying for years that more games should be available for paid download. If all it takes is a credit card and a fast connection to buy a game at 3:00 in the morning, we can see a lot more impulse purchases being made over retail store purchases.
Valve is putting the theory to the test with Half-Life 2, which will be available for download via their proprietary Steam technology. Just like the boxed version, there are a few “special collector’s edition” options for those who feel the need to spend more than $50 on a game.
You can read all about the different packages available below.
Link: http://www.hlfallout.net/viewnews.php/7470/
Posted by gamegal at 04:43 PM
September 28, 2004
GameGal featured in Microsoft Media Kit
Here's a cool little pop culture bit we were involved with. Microsoft and Edelman (the big PR firm) recently put together a mini magazine about women's gaming (heavy XBox emphasis, of course), and sent it to media outlets around the country.
Who was on the cover -- and featured in a profile inside? None other than GameGal co-founder Libe Goad! Inside, Libe talks about how she got into gaming and what kind of games she likes. Plus, the photo's really cool.
If you don't work at a consumer magazine or website, you probably won't get a chance to see the 16-page magazine, named Gigi, so, here's a scan of the cover.
Posted by gamegal at 03:50 PM
September 26, 2004
CircuitsWatch.com Launches
We're pleased to announce the launch of a new sideproject over here at GameGal World Headquarters. Gal co-founder Dan Ackerman has started a blog called "CircuitsWatch," in which he deconstructs the weekly Circuits section of the New York Times. Yeah, it's kind of insider-ish, but we must just plain have too much time on our hands.
It started to weeks ago as more of a quickie joke than anything else, but has quickly garnered some nice press mentions, including a big plug on popular tech site Gizmodo.com.
Link: http://www.circuitswatch.com
Posted by gamegal at 02:19 PM
September 10, 2004
Morrowind Sequel!
Ok, we’re pretty excited about this. One of our favorite games of all time is Morrowind, the expansive, free-form RPG. It was the only game we’ve ever played that came close to fulfilling the concept of a truly open-ended game world, and was tons of fun, to boot.
Now, at long last, there’s official news of a sequel. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is currently in development for the PC, according to the official Elder Scrolls website. Morrowind was actually the third Elder Scrolls title – although we admit we never played any of the earlier games.
From the Bethesda website: “We are pleased to announce that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is currently in development for PC and future generation consoles. In development since 2002, Oblivion is another leap forward in role-playing with its combination of freeform gameplay and cutting-edge graphics.”
Also look for details in the October issue of Game Informer magazine.
Link: http://www.elderscrolls.com/index.php
Posted by gamegal at 12:56 PM
Beware the Bowling Babes
We’ve seen a few references to this frightening project – a new game called Anime Bowling Babes. Apparently the bowling simulator genre has been crying out for some sexploitation - I guess we didn’t get the memo on that.
It looks like a low-budget version of the Dead or Alive volleyball game, and is being developed for PCs, with a possible console port to follow (we’re not holding our breath). Game features and somewhat lurid screenshots at the link below.
Link: http://www.animebowlingbabes.com/
Posted by gamegal at 12:55 PM
September 08, 2004
What We’re Playing: Part 1
What better way to kick off the new GameGal Newswire than a quick update of what the GGG staff is currently playing? Here’s our current list, with some quick thoughts on each (including what platform we’re playing it on).
City of Heroes (PC): For some reason, we read several laudatory articles about CoH in the same week, prompting us to give the game a shot. We were big fans when we first heard about it at E3 two years ago, but never got on the bandwagon once it was launched. Creating a custom superhero is super fun, and this is the most pick-up-and-play MMO to date, but we kinda miss the more social elements of games like EQ and Star Wars: Galaxies. www.cityofheroes.com
Final Fantasy XI (PS2): It took us the longest time to get into this, and honestly, we’re still pretty much just killing hostile rabbits and the occasional orc (if we’re lucky). But if you can get past the steep learning curve and lack of hand-holding at the beginning, FFXI offers a truly expansive world, filled with enthusiastic players. www.playonline.com
Missing (PC): Creepy but very original game that sadly seems to have gone straight to the bargain bin. Solve puzzles using video clips and real-life websites while tracking a serial killer. Good production values almost rescue the infamous FMV genre. www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/missing/
The Political Machine (PC): Easy-to-play RTS that covers the upcoming Presidential Election. You build Campaign Headquarters instead of bases, and mine contributions instead of ore – you get the idea. Includes lots of real politicos. Pit Condi Rice against Hillary! www.politicalmachine.com
Posted by gamegal at 03:54 PM
GameGal Newswire Back in Action!
After about a month and a half, we’ve finally managed to get the GameGal Newswire up and running again! And with the Holiday season rapidly approaching there’s tons of new games about to hit the streets, from Half-Life to Halo to The Sims.
So, stay tuned to the Newswire for all the latest gaming and tech news of interest to Game Gals everywhere.
Posted by gamegal at 03:38 PM