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Competition is usually healthy for the videogame industry, but this is more like annihilation. In a shocker of an agreement, EA has gained exclusive rights for all NFL teams, stadiums, and players. The biggest casualty, at least in my eyes, is Sega, as this means no more ESPN, at least for the next five years. The deal covers consoles, PC, and handheld systems, as well as console online features. You can blame the NFL, since they were the ones that decided to have a bid for their exclusivity. The deal does not affect other games available on the Internet or on wireless devices including cell phones. I'm guessing this came about because of the way Midway wanted to use the license to portray their Blitz game series in a more controversial light.Read More
| IGN
Gallery: EA Reaches Exclusive NFL Licensing Agreement
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The lines have been forming outside the Japan stores for some time now. Eager gamers are finally starting to get their hands on the system with all kinds of impressions starting to emerge on the internet. This clip from a Japanase show gives us a good glimpse at what the system looks like in broad daylight, if you can put up with the silliness. Gamestop has also begun taking pre-orders for the US launch, expected to be in March 2005. I've actually plunked down my own $50 this past week, though there are reports that EB is taking pre-orders for less than that. In case you've missed it, there is an entire PSP thread with additional media for both games and hardware at our Video Games Board.
Gallery: PSP Goes Live in Japan
Yahoo! Games released the results of its recent holiday poll, asking site visitors to vote for the games they anticipate playing the most throughout the holidays. Here are the Top 10:1. Halo 2 (Microsoft) - XBox
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Rockstar) - PS2
3. Half-Life 2 (VU Games) - PC
4. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (LucasArts) - XBox
5. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Konami) - PS2
6. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (Nintendo) - GameCube
7. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (Ubisoft) - GameCube, PS2, XBox
8. The Sims 2 (EA Games) - PC
9. World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment) - PC
10. Need for Speed Underground 2 (Electronic Arts) - GameCube, PS2, XBox
I don't think it's a surprise that Halo 2 came out on top, as the game is almost worth the price of admission for its multiplayer mode alone. As for Nintendo, good to see them on the list, but for their main holiday season game, Metroid should have been higher up. I guess that's what you get when you don't advertise your titles.
Read More
| Yahoo! Games
Gallery: Yahoo! Games Lists Must Have Holiday Titles
You gotta love it a kid that just doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Apparently, he decided to try out a game while waiting for Mommy to finish shopping. I guess she took a little longer than he expected, so he pulled up a chair...er...shopping cart and figured he would just play to his hearts content. I implore each and every one of you to go to your nearest Wal-Mart, Target, or any other major chain that has shopping carts. Regardless of your size, hop in and start playing a game. Hell, if you snap a picture and send it to us you may even score some free gear. God Bless America.
(Thanks illwon!)
Gallery: Cart Gaming: Wal-Mart’s Latest Trend
Electronic Arts recently spoke out on the topic of next generation gaming. The picture above is what EA says is a possibility with the next Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo consoles - football players that show emotions as individuals with stunning graphics. EA also expects that each console will have some sort of integrated wireless technology, stating "in every living room, we'll have a wireless hub". Interesting quote, as most know that EA is the biggest videogame publisher out there. They are probably privy to more inside info than most, which leads me to believe that all three major console developers do have plans to integrate wireless chips into their next-gen machines.
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| 1Up
Gallery: EA Speaks Out On Next Gen Gaming
Ahhh, it's that time of year once again. Time to scour your hard drive to see where you stored that crazy Elf Bowl game you played last Christmas. What's that...oh, you can't find it? Not to fear. The folks at FreeChristmasScreenSavers got you covered. I also found the direct link to the zipped file here. Hmm, it looks like they even have a new 3D version out now. Enjoy, and happy holidays from all of us at Gear Live.
Gallery: Free ElfBowl Game
Wired reports that the recently released World of Warcraft is turning out to be one of the more pleasant experiences in MMORPG combat. There's plenty of easy adventuring to be had right from the onset, the environments and your character models are a joy to look at, and the servers even help you level-up your character when you're not playing, so that you can easily catch up with other hardcore players. The game was released last week, and has already shattered records with over 240,000 units sold on its first day. Personally I'm still staying away, since I already have enough time-consuming but enjoyable things on my list.
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| Wired News
Gallery: Some “Pleasant” World of Warcraft Impressions
If you have ever wanted to step into the shoes of Lee Harvey Oswald, now you can. JFK Reloaded has just stolen all the controversy that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was enjoying just a week ago. In the game, your goal is to recreate the shot fired by Mr. Oswald, assassinating John F. Kennedy while he is riding in his motorcade. Most disturbing? You can win up to $100,000.00 USD if you can accurately kill Kennedy in the same way concluded in the Warren Commission report. Thankfully, this game is only available on PC - we won't be seeing this on the any home consoles or in stores. It has recently been condemned by the Kennedy Family.
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| JFK Reloaded
Gallery: JFK Reloaded Lets You Kill Kennedy All Over Again
Click to continue reading Nintendo DS Blowout!
Gallery: Nintendo DS Blowout!
We love our games as much as we love our gear, and this year has the makings of being the best one for gamers ever. There's been a huge focus on producing triple-A quality software across all platforms, and a touch of creativity in the handheld arena as well. Some standout 2004 titles: ESPN2K5, Burnout 3, Halo 2, NBA Live 2005, Doom 3, GTA: San Andreas, GT4, Prince of Persia 2, Unreal 2004, Metroid Prime 2, and Ratchet & Clank 3. On a limited budget, many gamers will have to spread the love into next year, when prices are lowered after the holiday rush. But then in early 2005 we'll have the PSP to deal with. D'oh!
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Gallery: Best Gaming Year Ever?
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