A spokesperson for the Washington State Police said that the driver of the Chevy Blazer, Jordyn B. Weichert was taking her sweater off as one of the passenger’s, Samantha R. Bowling held the steering wheel.  Bowling lost control of the vehicle and hit Wood’s Subaru.  Wood and two other male passengers in the Blazer were killed.  Police believe that Weichert, the driver of the Blazer was under the influence of drugs.

Weichert might be facing vehicular homicide and vehicular assualt, while Bowling could face vehicular homicide charges when she is released from the hospital.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Brian R. Wood and his co-workers at Relic Entertainment. 

Seatllepi.com

How can you participate?  It is this simple.  Send an email to siren@gamercide.org with the subject being, “Remember Halo”.  You can talk about the first time you ever played Halo, your online experience, etc…  Make sure to include your gamertag in the message.

The deadline for Remember Halo is September 11, 2010.  Anything received after that day will not be included.  If you have already submitted your memories to the forum, you do not have to re-submit them.

*Quick note: Everybody that participates will be put into a drawing for a personalized ”Remember Halo” prize.

Despite incredibly oddball Japanese games like Katamari Damacy making it over to shores, some Japanese games don’t receive the same following.  Sengoku Basara was released in North America  on October 25, 2005, but with many significant changes.  Whereas the original Japanese game was a fictionalized telling of the Sengoku period in Japan, the localization removed all historical references in favor of a pure fantasy setting, altered various gameplay modes and designs, and renamed the game “Devil Kings”.  This was a misguided effort, as the game failed miserably outside of Japan.  While sequels, spinoffs, and anime have flourished, the series was all but ended overseas…until now.

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be released on October 12 and October 15 in the US and Europe, respectively.

From Capcom’s Press Site:

The producer of Devil May Cry^TM 4, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, brings you the newest installment to the BASARA series, Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes, on the PlayStation^®3 and Wii. A fun, action-packed and accessible title set during a tumultuous period of Japanese history, Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes follows players as they fight their way to the dramatic battle of Sekigahara. Players will take control of more than a dozen samurai heroes, each wielding their own unique weapon, in huge battles against hundreds of opponents that grow ever more challenging. On their journey to the final battle, players will learn how to unleash spectacular BASARA Arts and utilize Hero Time to wipe out as many enemies as possible.

Victory in battle will not only deliver new territories but the natural resources of that region, which can be used to create various accessories that make heroes and their weapons more powerful. Each unique playable character is aided by a supporting general who makes it easier to lead the player’s army. Players will see the battle from the perspective of each hero with the ultimate goal of re-writing history to rule all of 16th century Japan.

In the dynamic new “Heroes’ Story” mode player’s decisions impact history. Based on choices made by the player, friends become enemies and enemies become friends, creating a whole new history. This new strategic element to the game forces players to fight for control of the battlefield and ultimately for the fate of the nation.

In Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes it’s not just samurai heroes you will compete with on the battlefield. Each enemy has other means of attacking, including some gigantic weapons such as The Rising Sun machine, Motochika’s latest devastating weapon that crushes everything in its path and the Death Carriage which uses its blazing fast maneuverability and fire launcher to bring enemies crashing down.

Key features

• Fight your way through hundreds of enemies across many exciting battlefields using cool combos and over-the-top special moves until all heroes have gathered at the decisive battle of Sekigahara.
• Features more than a dozen playable samurai heroes, each with their own unique battle styles.
• Upgradeable weapons allow players to improve or add special abilities.
• Battle against Gigantic enemy weapons such as The Rising Sun, Tiger, Drillatron and Death Carriage.
• Team up with a friend in offline co-op play to crush opponents.
• Dramatic “Heroes’ Story” mode alters history based on the player’s decisions.

No, I am not talking about a real life situation. I am referring to my four year old son playing the map “Storm” during a round of Modern Warfare 2 yesterday. He only managed to get two kills, one of those kills being a headshot.

Before anybody says, “why are you letting your four year old son play a game like that?” let me explain something.  I am not one of those parents who let’s a game babysit their child.  When he plays a video game, either myself or my husband are in the room to supervise his gaming experience.  If either of us see him get angry or we feel like it is too much for him to handle, the game gets turned off and that is the end of it.

Now I understand that not all parents are like that.  Some parents turn a video game on and walk out of the room, not knowing what game their child is playing or what their child is saying back to someone during an online match.  They even let their youngsters have their game console in their bedrooms behind closed doors.  To these parents, I give you The Dumbass Award.

If you have ever visited the Parents and Family Gaming forum on xbox.com you know what I am about to say.  An angry gamer comes into the forum.  Makes a typical, “Why do you let your kids play” thread, never to reply again.  Those threads are the reason I tend to stay away from parent gamer forums, because there are only so many times I can call someone stupid before I sound like a broken record.

So where am I going with this?  It is this simple.  Speaking on behalf of gamer parents everywhere, if you let your kid play, know what they are playing, who they are playing with, and get the consoles out of their bedrooms.  We are tired of taking the blame for your dumbassness.  No matter what your kid says he or she is playing, chances are they not playing it.  Instead they are playing an M rated game online, (Gasp!) shouting a word that begins with an F and rhymes with duck, stuck, and buck.  They are talking about boobs, calling people homophobic terms, and spouting off racist words like they are pros.  This is the child who you are letting a game babysit while you go make dinner or bang the head boards against the wall in your bedroom.  This is the same child who you take into a video game store and begs you to buy them Gears of War or Halo.  The employee behinds the counter tries to warn you, but you don’t listen, because you “know” what the game is about and you also “know” how the online experience is.  How about you buy the game, sit down and play it first or even read the ESRB rating that desribes what you are about to buy for your minor.

So for those reasons I am giving you, the “pretending to be knowledgeable non gaming parent”, The Dumbass Award.  Enjoy the slow round of applause knowing that you truly worked hard to deserve this one.

*The opinions of Siren are not the opinions of Gamercide or the staff.  Siren is just a crazy, sarcastic blonde who needs to have duct tape over her mouth 24/7.  Seriously…..

G4tv

Ever wanted to know what some of the world’s most popular artists sound like speaking “Simlish”, the native tongue for the PC’s mega successful life simulator, The Sims 3?  You are about to find out when The Sims 3 releases on your favorite consoles in Fall 2010 and when The Sims Late Night expansion for The Sims 3 releases on the PC.

Music tracks for the PS3, 360, and Wii include:

22-20’s – “Latest Heartbreak”
3oh!3 – “Double Vision”
Aceyalone and RJD2 – “Ever Seen This”
Aeroplane – “We Can’t Fly”
Alpha Rev – “Phoenix Burn”
Cody Simpson – “IY IY IY”
Crash Kings – “You Got Me”
deadmau5 – “Some Chords”
Flo Rida featuring Jovi – “Fresh I Stay”
Free Energy – “Free Energy”
Hot Chip – “We Have Love”
Innerpartysystem – “American Trash”
Jasmine V – “All of These Boys”
Jessica Mauboy – “Saturday Night”
John Butler Trio – “Gonna Be a Long Time”
Kidz in the Hall – “Flickin’”
Lazee featuring Apollo Drive – “Calling Out”
Mickey Factz – “Dreamland”
Ozomatli – “Are you Ready?”
School Of Seven Bells – “Dust Devil”
The Dirty Heads – “Stand Tall”

Music tracks for The Sims Late Night expansion for the PC:

3oh!3 – “Double Vision”
Bryan Rice – “There for You”
Chiddy Bang – “Here We Go”
Electrolightz – “Miss Outta Control”
Eliza Doolittle – “Rollerblades”
Foxy Shazam – “Unstoppable”
Hadag Nahash – “Lo Maspik”
Hadouken! – “M.A.D.”
Jessica Mauboy – “Saturday Night”
Junkie XL – “Live Wired”
Kelis – “Brave”
Kelly Rowland – “Rose Colored Glasses”
King Fantastic – “All Black Ying Yang (The Party Song)”
My Chemical Romance – “Na Na Na”
Nikki & Rich – “Next Best Thing”
The Ready Set – “More Than Alive”
Soulja Boy – “Speakers Going Hammer”
Travie McCoy – “Need You”

You can view the full press release below.

Flo Rida, My Chemical Romance, Travie McCoy, 3oh!3, and More Partner with EA on the Uber Popular Life Simulator Series The Sims

More Than Three Dozen Global Artists Re-record Their Current Hits or Upcoming Singles in ‘Simlish’ for The Sims 3 for Consoles and The Sims 3 Late Night

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sul sul zeedab nas! The Sims fans will turn up the volume on their HD and PC hardware this fall and rock out while playing The Sims™ 3 game on their PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and Wii™ or when firing up The Sims™ 3 Late Night Expansion Pack* for the PC or MAC. The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today the robust music line-up for The Sims 3 for console platforms and The Sims 3 Late Night PC/MAC that includes music from a variety of genres such as hip-hop, alternative, pop, rock, electronic, and more. Artists from around the world including Travie McCoy, 3oh!3, Flo Rida featuring Jovi, Kelly Rowland, Kelis, and more recorded current or upcoming hit singles from their latest albums in an entirely new language, ‘Simlish,’ which is the official language of The Sims franchise.

“I’ve always been a fan of The Sims games and could never figure out what the characters were saying in the game. I’m not sure if Simlish can be translated, but it’s darn fun to speak!”

“The Sims may be one of the biggest and best-known brands in popular culture today and for a major artist to be asked to re-record their music in ‘Simlish’ has become one of the most unique and exclusive opportunities in the world of entertainment,” explained Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive, Music and Music Marketing, EA. “Over the past decade, hundreds of artists – including superstars as diverse as Katy Perry, Lady Antebellum, Flaming Lips, Damien Marley, Depeche Mode, Nelly Furtado, Matt And Kim, and so many more – have all become a part of this global phenomenon. For more than a hundred million The Sims players and fans every day, we are truly providing the soundtrack to their lives.”

“I’m always trying to find new ways to reach different audiences with my music and The Sims 3 was a perfect way,” explained Flo Rida who laid down his lyrics from “Fresh I Stay” in Simlish with Jovi.

The experience is unlike any other for some of the artists and can even prove to be challenging. “We couldn’t stop laughing while re-recording `Double Vision’ in Simlish because it just sounds super bizarre,” 3oh!3’s Sean Foreman commented during their recording session. “I’ve always been a fan of The Sims games and could never figure out what the characters were saying in the game. I’m not sure if Simlish can be translated, but it’s darn fun to speak!”
“Singing in Simlish was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was a blast!” said Travie McCoy who sang his upcoming single “Need You” in the game’s one-of-a-kind language. Kelly Rowland added, “I have to say it was quite challenging to sing `Rose Colored Glasses’ in Simlish, but also incredibly fun!”

Global artists and Simlish re-recorded songs featured in The Sims 3 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii include:

22-20’s – “Latest Heartbreak”
3oh!3 – “Double Vision”
Aceyalone and RJD2 – “Ever Seen This”
Aeroplane – “We Can’t Fly”
Alpha Rev – “Phoenix Burn”
Cody Simpson – “IY IY IY”
Crash Kings – “You Got Me”
deadmau5 – “Some Chords”
Flo Rida featuring Jovi – “Fresh I Stay”
Free Energy – “Free Energy”
Hot Chip – “We Have Love”
Innerpartysystem – “American Trash”
Jasmine V – “All of These Boys”
Jessica Mauboy – “Saturday Night”
John Butler Trio – “Gonna Be a Long Time”
Kidz in the Hall – “Flickin’”
Lazee featuring Apollo Drive – “Calling Out”
Mickey Factz – “Dreamland”
Ozomatli – “Are you Ready?”
School Of Seven Bells – “Dust Devil”
The Dirty Heads – “Stand Tall”

As the world’s greatest life simulation on console, The Sims 3 combines the freedom of open world life simulation where players can create Sims – the unique characters found in The Sims games – with distinct personalities, fulfill their desires…or not, and control their lives with the guided gameplay of an all-new achievement system. As players complete challenges and collect dozens of achievements they will earn Karma points – all the while deciding the destinies of their Sims. Karma points can be used to unlock and unleash all-new Karma Powers to the grand benefit or wicked detriment of their Sims making it easier than ever to play with life. Players can help their Sim “get lucky,” bless them with “instant beauty” or be deviant and curse them with an “epic fail.” But players should use these powers wisely—they may have unexpected results and karma may come back to bite. The game will also be connected to the worldwide community through a seamlessly integrated creation exchange on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360**. Players can design, build, and share creations, or download content from other players around the world – and for the first time ever – without ever leaving the game.

The Sims 3 Late Night includes:
3oh!3 – “Double Vision”
Bryan Rice – “There for You”
Chiddy Bang – “Here We Go”
Electrolightz – “Miss Outta Control”
Eliza Doolittle – “Rollerblades”
Foxy Shazam – “Unstoppable”
Hadag Nahash – “Lo Maspik”
Hadouken! – “M.A.D.”
Jessica Mauboy – “Saturday Night”
Junkie XL – “Live Wired”
Kelis – “Brave”
Kelly Rowland – “Rose Colored Glasses”
King Fantastic – “All Black Ying Yang (The Party Song)”
My Chemical Romance – “Na Na Na”
Nikki & Rich – “Next Best Thing”
The Ready Set – “More Than Alive”
Soulja Boy – “Speakers Going Hammer”
Travie McCoy – “Need You”

The Sims 3 Late Night gives players all-access and lets them loose on a vibrant, active downtown scene where they’ll rub elbows with celebrities at the hottest parties, hit the local bar after work, tour the scene with their Sims’ band, kick back in a plush hot tub, and discover what’s lurking in the thick of the night. Players will be able to take their Sims into the bustling urban setting where they’ll be able to become a celebrity, member of a music band, mixologist, director, and more. To gain entrance into the most elite clubs in town, players need to keep their attitude in check otherwise they’ll be given the cold shoulder by tough bouncers or find another way onto the list. If chilling is the player’s forte, their Sims can lounge at a chic club or dive bar. If they like to live on the edge, they can be initiated into the dark life of a vampire. Whether embarking on a new career, painting the town red, or throwing a party on the rooftop of a penthouse, it’s always up to the player to tell their unique stories with The Sims 3. What will happen when the lights go out and Sims get all-access?

For more information about The Sims 3 games or The Sims Late Night, please visit www.TheSims3.com. To download artwork, please visit www.info.ea.com.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.

**INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED, Conditions and restrictions apply. See back of pack for details.

Partial Proceeds to Benefit Five Worthy Causes

SAN RAFAEL, CA – September 3, 2010 – Telltale Games, the leading independent digital publisher and developer of episodic interactive entertainment, today announced the release of The Great Adventure Bundle 2010, a collection of six current and classic PC adventure games assembled into a single bundle for one low price of $19.95.  Beginning September 3 and available for one week only, players can purchase The Great Adventure Bundle 2010 which includes: Hothead’s Penny Arcade Adventures, Episode 1, Daedalic’s The Whispered World, Activision’s King’s Quest Collection, Deck 13’s Jack Keane; plus Telltale Games’ own Puzzle Agent and Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space.

In addition, Telltale announced that 25 percent of each purchase of The Great Adventure Bundle 2010 will be set aside for five charitable causes, including: Childs Play, Electronics Frontier Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Nyota e.V.

As an incentive to participate, Telltale’s will build in bonus games that will “unlock” and become available for play as soon as certain unit-goals have been met.

States Dan Connors, CEO of Telltale Games:  “The release of The Great Adventure Bundle signals the launch of our third-party publishing program, and is not only a great value for our fans, but also a great way to support five great causes.”

The Great Adventure Bundle is available from September 3 through September 10 for $19.95 at http://www.telltalegames.com/adventurebundle/gab2010

That’s right folks.  Like everyone in the world is reporting, DUKE NUKEM IS BACK!!  2K Games and Gearbox are bringing Duke Nukem Forever to market, FINALLY, in 2011 to PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.  After a few days of heavy hinting, Randy Pitchford from Gearbox has made it official at PAX. The game is actually playable as well.

Check out the synopsis straight from the game’s fact sheet:

Mark your calendars, forever is nearly here. 2011 marks the launch of Duke Nukem Forever, the most anticipated game of all time.

Put on your sunglasses and prepare to step into the role of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. Now the alien hordes are back and only Duke Nukem can save the world, again. Pig cops, shrink rays and enormous alien bosses won’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, the babes and to be a bad-ass doing it. The King of All Shooters is back with over the top weapons, massive aliens, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. Duke Nukem was and will forever be immortalized in gaming history; this is his legend.

And a picture worthy of being your new background image (Click for the larger version):

Keiji Inafune, one of the creators behind the blue bomber, admits the teaser may have been a bit TOO teasing, so he offers us a minute of gameplay that…seems to just give us more questions than answers.  But the game is definitely showing its roots, as the footage appears to take heavy influence from Mega Man 2, arguably the most critically acclaimed entry in the series, as we are treated to 2.5D renditions of Metal Man’s, Crash Man’s, and Air Man’s stages.  Also, many of the classic baddies from that era show up to hassle our hero, who moves a lot like the Mega Man in “Mega Man: Powered Up!” but with a less chibi design.  And of course, the teaser at the end just continues to heap speculation and wonder.  More info is expected to be given at this year’s Penny Arcade Expo.

Video courtesy of Gamevideos.com

Telltale Games has dropped a few details about the Back to the Future game that was announced in June.  Very little is known about the game currently but below are a few tidbits from the press release and other sources:

• The game will include the likenesses of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd as the characters Marty McFly and Doc Brown (Seen in the concept art above).
• Christopher Lloyd will also provide his voice for the games.
• Other characters from the series will make appearances, although who knows if the actors will provide their likenesses or voices.
• Back to the Future series screenwriter Bob Gale is working on the story.
• 5 Episodes are planned.
• It will be set in the fictional California setting of Hill Valley, and will explore 1985 and additional time periods.

Hopefully we’ll hear more from Telltale soon on a tentative release and more details.  For those that are wondering who Telltale is, they are responsible for the stellar versions of the latest Monkey Island and Sam and Max revival.  Be sure to check out the entire press release after the break and stay tuned for more information as it comes in.

At 88 miles per hour, Back to the Future took millions of spellbound viewers on a high-flying voyage across the space-time continuum in a trio of wildly inventive tales that broke box-office records around the world.  To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Academy Award®-winning cinematic franchise that generated nearly $1 billion worldwide, Telltale Games will release a new game series this winter as part of the milestone soon after the Blu-ray debut and DVD release of the Back to the Future 25th Anniversary Trilogy on October 26, featuring all-new restorations of the classic films.Telltale today announced that the highly anticipated Back to the Future games will feature the likenesses of the original stars that made the characters of Marty McFly and Doc Brown legendary: Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.  Lloyd is voicing Doc Brown for the full game series, which Telltale will deliver in five monthly episodes. The first images showing the game depictions of Marty and Doc are now available at: www.backtothefuturegame.com.  The game series is developed through a licensing agreement with Universal Partnerships & Licensing.

“Creating cinematic adventures true to the source is a top mission for Telltale,” says Telltale CEO Dan Connors.  “Securing Marty and Doc for the games, and presenting the experience that fans know and love, has been top on our list since we initiated development.”

Co-creator and writer Bob Gale’s involvement further strengthens the links to the original series.  Gale is consulting with Telltale on the characterizations and storyline for the game, ensuring it will be true to the spirit and adventure of the films.

Gale elaborates:  “Twenty-five years ago when I wrote Doc Brown’s line about ‘seeing the future,’ little did I realize that I would be traveling with him to work on this game.  Collaborating with Telltale is an amazing opportunity to continue the adventures of Doc and Marty.”

Telltale is also pleased to announce that the games will feature the DeLorean Time Machine, and to celebrate the historic vehicle’s return, it will make a guest appearance at the 2010 Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle Washington September 3 through 5.  Fans attending this increasingly popular gaming and culture event can re-create the iconic pose from the movie posters and capture their photos with this authentic replica of the famous vehicle in the Convention Center’s South Hall.