...will he ever win?

Daily Illuminator: July 31, 2010: Zombie Dice App On Sale Now!

2010-07-31T05:07:50+00:00

The Zombie Dice app for iPhone is now in the App Store! (Download it here!) And it's bargain priced: it's free.

You get the exact same play as in a two-person Zombie Dice game; it's you vs. a computer-controlled zombie, each trying to eat 13 brains and win. The zombie AI is, WE HOPE, not as smart as you. But it will give you a run for your money, and gloat when it rolls well, and heckle you and give you bad advice, and say "Braaaaainnns" a lot.

And if you like the free version, we will happily sell you a 99-cent upgrade that lets you include up to 8 players, by passing around the phone. The full version also has more animations and a setting that makes the zombies smarter. Still not really as smart as you, WE HOPE.

I now have a tiny sense of what it's like to be a "producer" on a digital game. And I know that if we go much farther, I'll have to hire a real, full-time producer. But this has been the most interesting thing I've done recently.

This took more and different talents than a physical game, and some really amazing work went into it. I am not a humble person, but it's humbling to look at this and realize all the talents that went into the digital version of my silly little zombie game . .

Kira Hamilton's code
Justin De Witt's graphic design
Alex Fernandez' art
Will Schoonover's voice and SFX
Tom Smith's music, err, noise. (Honest! He wanted to be credited for "Background Noise.")
And excellent bugfinding by Steven Marsh and Bob Hood!

I hope you like this. Please try it out, tell your friends about it, and send us 99 cents for the full version if you think the freebie is fun! Because I would really, really like to do more of these.

-- Steve Jackson

(Late update! As of 11:10pm Friday night, it's the #11 free dice game in the App Store – apparently, just on word spread via Twitter.)

IGN PC: Alienware M11x Core i7 Hands-On

2010-07-31T00:32:00+00:00

We take a closer look at the new and improved portable gaming laptop.

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-31T00:32:00+00:00

IGN PC: Rhythm Zone Review

2010-07-30T23:42:00+00:00

Rhythm Zone (PC)
The gaming equivalent to an out of tune piano.

IGN DS: Game of the Month: July 2010

2010-07-30T23:32:00+00:00

From Zerg rushes to creepy spiders, there's something for (almost) everyone.

IGN Wii: Game of the Month: July 2010

2010-07-30T23:31:00+00:00

From Zerg rushes to creepy spiders, there's something for (almost) everyone.

IGN Wii: Presented By:

2010-07-30T23:31:00+00:00

IGN PC: Game of the Month: July 2010

2010-07-30T23:30:00+00:00

From Zerg rushes to creepy spiders, there's something for (almost) everyone.

IGN PC: StarCraft II Graphic Settings Comparison

2010-07-30T22:41:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Taking a look at a cut scene from Low to Ultra.

IGN PC: Respawn Speaking At QuakeCon

2010-07-30T21:59:00+00:00

Bethesda outlines panel and presentation list.

IGN PC: Kane and Lynch 2 Videos

2010-07-30T21:45:00+00:00

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (PC)
You think that you can kill me?

IGN PC: AMD Overtakes NVIDIA in GPU Shipments

2010-07-30T21:27:00+00:00

ATI chip maker becomes new market leader.

IGN PC: Shogun II: Total War Trailer

2010-07-30T20:10:00+00:00

Shogun II: Total War (PC)
Take charge of any of the nine major factions of Japanese feudal history.

IGN PC: Rhythm Zone Screens

2010-07-30T19:44:00+00:00

Rhythm Zone (PC)
Unlock the music.

IGN PC: Medal of Honor Comes With Battlefield 3 Beta

2010-07-30T19:38:00+00:00

Medal of Honor (PC)
Also, Battlefield 3 is coming!

IGN PC: Deep Silver Sets Release Date for Lost Horizon, Uncovers Even More Content

2010-07-30T19:25:00+00:00

Lost Horizon (PC)
Head into the unknown in September.

IGN PC: Metro 2033 Ranger Pack Dated

2010-07-30T18:55:00+00:00

Metro 2033 (PC)
More content coming next week.

IGN PC: New MapleStory Dual Blade Skills to Learn and Acquire

2010-07-30T17:50:00+00:00

MapleStory (PC)
Unleash your skills.

IGN PC: Shadows Fall on Soul of the Ultimate Nation (S.U.N)

2010-07-30T17:42:00+00:00

Soul of the Ultimate Nation (PC)
New content for MMORPG includes new "Shadow" character and 180 new quests.

IGN Wii: 'Top Shot Elite' in Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 by Activision

2010-07-30T17:28:00+00:00

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 (Wii)
The top way to shoot animals.

IGN PC: IGN UK Podcast #44

2010-07-30T17:28:00+00:00

Double vision.

IGN DS: 'Top Shot Elite' in Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 by Activision

2010-07-30T17:28:00+00:00

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 (DS)
The top way to shoot animals.

IGN DS: IGN UK Podcast #44

2010-07-30T17:25:00+00:00

Double vision.

IGN Wii: IGN UK Podcast #44

2010-07-30T17:24:00+00:00

Double vision.

IGN DS: Wii Party Reclaims the Top Spot in Japan

2010-07-30T17:10:00+00:00

Nintendo dominates the software charts following slow week for new releases.

IGN Wii: Wii Party Reclaims the Top Spot in Japan

2010-07-30T16:41:00+00:00

Wii Party (Wii)
Nintendo dominates the software charts following slow week for new releases.

IGN DS: Capcom's 3DS Titles May Not Make Launch

2010-07-30T16:39:00+00:00

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (3DS)
Company excludes Resident Evil and Street Fighter IV from sales forecasts.

IGN DS: O-Games Announces Treasures of Montezuma Coming This September

2010-07-30T16:20:00+00:00

The Treasures of Montezuma (DS)
Set out on a magical journey to uncover the ancient artifacts of Montezuma.

IGN PC: Commander: Conquest of the Americas Now Available

2010-07-30T16:10:00+00:00

Commander: Conquest of the Americas (PC)
Those Americas are going to conquest themselves.

IGN DS: Virtual Play Games Announces Intellivision Lives

2010-07-30T15:51:00+00:00

Intellivision Lives! (DS)
Classic console games for Nintendo DS provide fun for the whole family.

IGN PC: Huge New Update for Distant Worlds

2010-07-30T15:47:00+00:00

Distant Worlds (PC)
A huge list of improvements and changes coming with this capital ship-sized update.

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-30T15:47:00+00:00

IGN Wii: Big John Games Announces Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots & Games for WiiWare

2010-07-30T15:41:00+00:00

Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games (Wii)
Win big on Wii.

IGN Wii: Rock Band Presents a Smattering of Smash Singles, Including Six New Artists

2010-07-30T15:31:00+00:00

Rock Band 2 (Wii)
Blondie, La Roux, The Decemberists, Eagles of Death Metal and more coming to Rock Band next week.

Gamers With Jobs: !i (NotI)

Pyroman[FO] — 2010-07-30T15:26:20+00:00

Sometimes all it takes is a small tweak to an existing game to make it seem completely new again. While we’ve all played variations around the “tank shoots other tanks” theme, the tank-shooting genre hasn’t really changed that much over the past couple of decades.

!i (“Not I”) only makes one tweak to this formula. Black tanks sit on a black landscape against a white background and fire their bullets at other tanks. Except the other tanks are white tanks, sitting on a white landscape against a black background. The black tank’s bullets increase the white landscape, completely obscuring (and destroying) the white tanks in the process. The white tank’s bullets increase the black landscape, doing the same for the black tanks.

It’s a bit of a mind-bender to wrap your head around in text. Fortunately it’s a small download and makes a lot more sense once you actually play the game. You can flip the screen to see either the white or the black landscape right-side up, and the interface text works in both directions, though it’s a little funky and hard to read sometimes.

The one small tweak to the gameplay completely changes the strategy from most tank-shooters. Shooting straight down sometimes makes a lot of sense. You can’t hurt friendly tanks with your bullets; all it does is move the ground under their feet a bit. Most importantly, strategizing while thinking upside down proves more difficult than it sounds, at least to me.

Why You Should Check This Out: !i is a twist on the stalwart tank-shooting genre. The game completely changes the formula with one little change in mechanics. It definitely stretches the mind to contemplate the upside-down combat. !i is a game that can take a simple mechanic and change your perspective on a simple, well-tread genre.

Download Now

(Mac) (Linux)

Daily Illuminator: July 30, 2010: What Are We Doing At Gen Con?

2010-07-30T05:07:16+00:00

Sure, we're going to Gen Con. But what are we planning on doing there?

We're running a bunch of demos. I mean, a metric ton of demos. We have six tables on the exhibit hall floor (booth #1321, right next to Atlas Games, Cthulhiana Corner, and Do Gooder Press), running Zombie Dice, Cthulhu Dice, Revolution!, Munchkin's new booster expansion/demo Marked for Death, and much more. We'll have printer proofs of The Palace and Portal Kombat to play with, and prototypes of Top Secret upcoming games!

Outside the exhibit hall, the MIB will be stationed here, there, and everywhere. They're stocked with a broad selection of our games, and are more than willing to teach any of them. They'll also be running a couple of tournaments of the Munchkin flavor.

There will of course be a slew of meetings with distributors, licensors, creative types, and other publishers who will be in Indianapolis. Business will be done.

(We'll also be hanging out with industry friends we only get to see once a year, but we don't really mention that in front of the business office.)

Hope to see you there!

-- Paul Chapman

IGN DS: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore Screens

2010-07-30T00:26:00+00:00

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (DS)
Meee-yow!

IGN PC: DC Universe Online: Geeking Out

2010-07-30T00:22:00+00:00

DC Universe Online (PC)
Some IGN comic nerds daydream about what they're going to do in Superman's backyard.

IGN PC: StarCraft II Cinematics

2010-07-30T00:12:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
The full length versions of Blizzard's pretty pre-rendered videos.

IGN PC: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Vid

2010-07-30T00:06:00+00:00

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit (PC)
See what the Big Apple thinks of the new racer.

IGN DS: Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Back to School Screens

2010-07-29T23:55:00+00:00

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Back to School (DS)
Because sedimentary rock is formed when layers of sediment are compressed.

IGN DS: Presented By:

2010-07-29T23:55:00+00:00

IGN PC: Bad Company 2: VIP Map Pack 5 Impressions

2010-07-29T23:54:00+00:00

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PC)
It's free, but is it good?

IGN Wii: Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Back to School Screens

2010-07-29T23:52:00+00:00

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Back to School (Wii)
Because sedimentary rock is formed when layers of sediment are compressed.

IGN Wii: Cabela's Dangerous Hunts Gets Deadly

2010-07-29T22:46:00+00:00

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 (Wii)
Grab your gun, it's going to be one hell of a safari this year.

IGN DS: Disney's Tangled Screen

2010-07-29T22:21:00+00:00

Tangled (DS)
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your one screen!

IGN PC: Disney's Tangled Screen

2010-07-29T22:20:00+00:00

Tangled (PC)
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your one screen!

IGN Wii: Disney's Tangled Screen

2010-07-29T21:57:00+00:00

Tangled (Wii)
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your one screen!

IGN Wii: Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 Trailer

2010-07-29T21:53:00+00:00

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2011 (Wii)
Man is the ultimate predator.

IGN DS: Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition Screens

2010-07-29T19:36:00+00:00

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (3DS)
Capcom's 3DS rev of Super SFIV looks like a mini version of the original!

IGN PC: Combat Arms Releases Content Update – Operation: Sector 25

2010-07-29T19:14:00+00:00

Combat Arms (PC)
New content includes new map, weapons and a reward rich recruitment program.

IGN DS: Nintendo Suffers Quarterly Loss

2010-07-29T19:10:00+00:00

Declining Wii software sales responsible.

IGN Wii: Nintendo Suffers Quarterly Loss

2010-07-29T19:08:00+00:00

Declining Wii software sales responsible.

IGN PC: Deep Silver Gets Heavy with nail'd's Superstar Soundtrack

2010-07-29T19:02:00+00:00

Nail'd (PC)
All-stars supergroup blasts out grinding riffs and scorching vocals for the world's fastest off-road racing game.

Gamers With Jobs: Digital Cardboard

Certis — 2010-07-29T18:38:05+00:00

“It’s in the basement; follow me.”

I follow Alan down the steps and into the cool, dark room. My toes curl on the cold cement floor as he stumbles and curses his way to the light switch. I’d asked to see his collection of Magic cards so I could bring a few decks to the local game shop where a friend of mine works. Alan is a client, so I know him pretty well. But discovering another geek in your midst requires a leap of faith and a prayer that he’s not going to reveal his life size elf queen statue -- who also happens to be his wife.

The fluorescents hum to life and the cold floor is forgotten as I look at the hundreds of boxes arrayed on countless shelves and tables. “Yep,” he says, hooking his thumbs under invisible suspenders. “Every Magic card ever made.”

With Wizards sponsoring us this week (don't worry, we're off the clock here) it got me thinking about Alan and what his place is in our digital future.

IGN PC: Alliance of Valiant Arms Resupplies the Troops with New Map: Anaconda

2010-07-29T18:27:00+00:00

Alliance of Valiant Arms (PC)
More FPS turf to play with.

IGN PC: Transformers: War for Cybertron Double XP Weekend

2010-07-29T18:26:00+00:00

Transformers: War for Cybertron (PC)
Have you ever been experienced?

IGN DS: Atlus Announces New Release Date for 101-in-1 Sports Megamix for Nintendo DS

2010-07-29T18:15:00+00:00

101-in-1 Sports Megamix (DS)
More sports for your buck.

IGN PC: Alawar Entertainment Releases Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club for the PC

2010-07-29T18:10:00+00:00

All-new hidden object adventure sends players on an unusual quest.

Water Cooler Games: Against Aca-Fandom

2010-07-29T17:33:46+00:00

On Jason Mittell on Mad Men — Television scholar Jason Mittell doesn't like the television show Mad Men, and he's written an article about why. It wasn't news to me; indeed, I'm one of the interlocutors he mentions having argued with about the show on Twitter and elsewhere. I knew Jason was writing this piece and I've been eager to read it. Now that I have done,...

IGN PC: Transformers: War for Cybertron DLC Impressions

2010-07-29T17:23:00+00:00

Transformers: War for Cybertron (PC)
What's Cybertronian for "tumbleweed?"

IGN Wii: 2K Sports Compiles Most Powerful Hoops Soundtrack Ever for NBA 2K11

2010-07-29T16:34:00+00:00

NBA 2K11 (Wii)
Soundtrack raises the bar with diverse lineup spanning Drake to The Alan Parsons Project alongside the national NBA 2K11 producer/MC contest winners.

IGN PC: Force Unleashed Producer Resigns

2010-07-29T16:30:00+00:00

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (PC)
Haden Blackman leaves studio after 13 years.

IGN Wii: Force Unleashed Producer Resigns

2010-07-29T16:29:00+00:00

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (Wii)
Haden Blackman leaves studio after 13 years.

IGN DS: Force Unleashed Producer Resigns

2010-07-29T16:29:00+00:00

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (DS)
Haden Blackman leaves studio after 13 years.

IGN PS2: 2K Sports Compiles Most Powerful Hoops Soundtrack Ever for NBA 2K11

2010-07-29T16:27:00+00:00

NBA 2K11 (PS2)
Soundtrack raises the bar with diverse lineup spanning Drake to The Alan Parsons Project alongside the national NBA 2K11 producer/MC contest winners.

IGN PS2: Presented By:

2010-07-29T16:27:00+00:00

IGN DS: Activision Announces 'iCarly 2: iJoin the Click!' for Nintendo DS and Wii

2010-07-29T16:07:00+00:00

iCarly 2: iJoin the Click! (DS)
New game based on Nickelodeon's hit TV show is creative, social, and "LOL" fun.

IGN Wii: Club Penguin Game Day Trailer

2010-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

Club Penguin: Game Day (Wii)
Get in the online world of Club Penguin.

IGN Wii: Activision Announces 'iCarly 2: iJoin the Click!' for Nintendo DS and Wii

2010-07-29T15:49:00+00:00

iCarly 2: iJoin the Click! (Wii)
New game based on Nickelodeon's hit TV show is creative, social, and "LOL" fun.

IGN PC: Ignition Reveals Specifications for 100 In-Game Weapons for BlackLight: Tango Down

2010-07-29T15:46:00+00:00

Blacklight: Tango Down (PC)
Company will also give away 25 all-new weapon tags representing national flags from across the world through Twitter.

IGN PC: Shot Online To Be Part of GNGWC 2010 Finals

2010-07-29T15:24:00+00:00

Shot-Online (PC)
Qualified players will vie for up to $5000 in prize money and a chance to compete for the International Grand Champion title in Korea this November.

IGN DS: O-Games Announces Mystery Tales Time Travel Coming to Nintendo DS This September

2010-07-29T15:19:00+00:00

Mystery Tales: Time Travel (DS)
Uncover clues as you travel through time to solve the ultimate mystery.

IGN PC: Paradox Interactive Announces Line-up for Gamescom 2010

2010-07-29T15:07:00+00:00

Four confirmed titles plus exciting new announcements ensure strongest show presence to date.

The Linux Game Tome: SimCar 3.1.0 (updated)

2010-07-29T12:21:45+00:00

3D car simulation game ( software rendering )

More about SimCar

The Linux Game Tome: Alien Arena 2008 7.45 (updated)

2010-07-29T11:22:08+00:00

Freeware sci-fi first person deathmatch game.

More about Alien Arena 2008

The Linux Game Tome: TripleA 1.2.5.4 (updated)

2010-07-29T10:21:38+00:00

TripleA :: Strategy Engine Framework

More about TripleA

The Linux Game Tome: Heroes of Newerth 1.0.6.1 (new)

2010-07-29T09:21:37+00:00

Heroes of Newerth is a RTS/Real-Time Tactics game made by S2 Games

More about Heroes of Newerth

IGN DS: 3DS Release Date Announcement Coming in September

2010-07-29T09:17:00+00:00

We'll finally learn when our portable gaming will go 3D and how much it's going to cost us.

The Linux Game Tome: Endgame: Singularity 0.30b (updated)

2010-07-29T07:21:15+00:00

Created by accident, all who find you would destroy you. Can you escape?

More about Endgame: Singularity

Daily Illuminator: July 29, 2010: Gen Con Plans

2010-07-29T05:07:36+00:00

Fact: Gen Con Indy will be August 4-8, in Indianapolis, IN.

Fact: Steve Jackson Games will be there in force, with MIB running a variety of events in the gaming area, and staffers stationed in the exhibit hall (booth #1321!).

Fact: We'll be replacing all the randomizers with greased pigs.

One of these "facts" is actually not a fact. Can you guess which one it is?

-- Paul Chapman

IGN PC: What is this My IGN?

2010-07-29T01:39:00+00:00

You've probably noticed the new addition to IGN's nav bar, but what does it do?

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-29T01:39:00+00:00

IGN PC: Realtime Worlds Reveals Next Project

2010-07-29T00:53:00+00:00

Project: MyWorld (PC)
Turning Google Maps into a game.

IGN PC: Need for Speed World Impressions

2010-07-29T00:41:00+00:00

Need for Speed World (PC)
You may feel the need...to buy a starter pack.

Curmudgeon Gamer: Sweet Game Propaganda Calendar

jvm — 2010-07-28T23:55:41+00:00

Yes, this is awesome.

Get one here. Seen on GameSetWatch.

IGN DS: Dragon Ball: Origins 2 Review

2010-07-28T23:45:00+00:00

Dragon Ball: Origins 2 (DS)
Second verse, same as the first.

IGN DS: Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City

2010-07-28T23:42:00+00:00

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (DS)
Peep these new Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City screens

IGN Wii: Video FAQ: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Stars (Part 7)

2010-07-28T23:18:00+00:00

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
TheLostGamer with stars from World 4 (revisited) and World 5.

IGN Wii: Presented By:

2010-07-28T23:18:00+00:00

IGN PC: StarCraft II Campaign Impressions

2010-07-28T22:58:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Our initial thoughts on the first part of Blizzard's real-time strategy trilogy.

IGN Wii: Going on a Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Quest

2010-07-28T22:53:00+00:00

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Wii)
We play through the new Quest Mode and reveal some new tracks.

IGN PC: Need for Speed: World Gameplay

2010-07-28T22:35:00+00:00

Need for Speed World (PC)
In a race and on the run.

IGN PC: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 DLC Trailer

2010-07-28T22:29:00+00:00

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PC)
New trailer for the VIP Map Pack 5.

IGN PC: Rift: Planes of Telara Vids

2010-07-28T22:07:00+00:00

Rift: Planes of Telara (PC)
Gloamwood is unveiled and is your worst nightmare.

IGN Wii: AquaSpace Review

2010-07-28T22:00:00+00:00

AquaSpace (Wii)
Nintendo swims into Hudson's waters.

IGN Wii: Oops! Prank Party Pics

2010-07-28T21:54:00+00:00

Oops! Prank Party (Wii)
Some new screens to party with.

IGN DS: Etrian Odyssey III Videos

2010-07-28T21:52:00+00:00

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (DS)
How will the art of battle color this DS dungeon-crawler?

IGN Wii: Deca Sports 3 Pics

2010-07-28T21:46:00+00:00

Deca Sports 3 (Wii)
Now with intense wood-sawing action.

IGN DS: Etrian Odyssey III Preview

2010-07-28T21:44:00+00:00

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (DS)
A dungeon is a terrible thing to waste.

IGN PC: Faery: Legends Of Avalon Screens

2010-07-28T21:34:00+00:00

Faery: Legends Of Avalon (PC)
Strap on your fairy wings and take a look at these pics.

IGN PC: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited Screen

2010-07-28T21:21:00+00:00

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited (PC)
One new screen of Update 6's underwater combat.

IGN PC: StarCraft II Campaign Mission Videos

2010-07-28T20:26:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Showing off some of the later game missions and options.

The Linux Game Tome: Pingus 0.7.3 (updated)

2010-07-28T20:23:09+00:00

Pingus is a Lemmings-like game for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD and Win32.

More about Pingus

Water Cooler Games: Weird Media and Tiny Ontology

2010-07-28T19:49:51+00:00

Two Teasers — I'm behind in keeping up with my corner of the philosophy blogosphere. In part I've been distracted by cow clickery, but more so I've been spending as much time as possible writing Alien Phenomenology, which I fully intend to complete before the end of August. I'm thus offering two teasers today, in lieu of earnest content. The first is related...

IGN DS: Activision's Monster Jam: Path of Destruction Officially Named and Dated

2010-07-28T19:11:00+00:00

Monster Jam: Path of Destruction (DS)
Time automobiles with large wheels.

IGN Wii: Activision's Monster Jam: Path of Destruction Officially Named and Dated

2010-07-28T18:51:00+00:00

Monster Jam: Path of Destruction (Wii)
Time automobiles with large wheels.

Curmudgeon Gamer: A new challenger

jvm — 2010-07-28T18:24:46+00:00

While running an errand today I noticed a new video game store along the way. I stopped in and there was a fairly modest selection of games from the PS1 era up through the current generation. The place had a scent of new paint, so I asked the proprietor how long he'd been around. Answer: Two months.

I mentioned that I enjoyed finding and browsing independent shops and he offered his motivations for opening his own store. "GameStop bought a used game from my son for $14 and then sold it for $47. That's just wrong."

Amusing, and I didn't even bother to point out that one could see that story and come to the same conclusion (i.e. open your own store) for perfectly rational capitalistic reasons.

He did mention that he had come across some Atari 2600 games and would bring them to the store, so I'll stop by again in a week or two and see what he's got.

IGN PC: Empire Avenue - Making Fun of Social Media and Influence

2010-07-28T17:36:00+00:00

Empire Avenue (Web)
Launching today, virtual stock market connects like-minded people and businesses as they measure and benefit from their online influence.

IGN DS: Radiata Stories Staff Readying New RPG for DS

2010-07-28T17:25:00+00:00

Radiant Historia (DS)
Radiant Historia promises a unique story and original battle system.

IGN PC: Open Beta of LOCO – Land of Chaos Online to Begin on August 3

2010-07-28T17:23:00+00:00

Land of Chaos Online (PC)
Prepare for pandemonium.

The Linux Game Tome: T-Sim 0.2 (updated)

2010-07-28T17:22:29+00:00

Helicopter Simulator

More about T-Sim

IGN PC: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Preview

2010-07-28T16:53:00+00:00

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (PC)
One last look at cinematic crime thriller before its release next month.

IGN PC: Bioshock 2's Protector Trials DLC Impressions

2010-07-28T16:42:00+00:00

BioShock 2: Protector Trials (PC)
Big Daddy is back and ready to adapt.

IGN PC: QuakeCon 2010 Tournament Line Up Announced

2010-07-28T16:38:00+00:00

Grab your rig and head to Dallas.

The Linux Game Tome: Wizznic! 0.8 Final (updated)

2010-07-28T16:21:06+00:00

Wizznic is a puzzlegame based on an arcade classic.

More about Wizznic!

IGN PC: Two Worlds II Trailer

2010-07-28T16:17:00+00:00

Two Worlds II (PC)
Catch a glimpse of how much this sequel has been improved.

IGN PC: Ntreev Announces Pangya Wiki Event And Cut-In Event

2010-07-28T15:48:00+00:00

Albatross18: Realms of Pangya (PC)
Starting today through August 11 players can contribute their own insightful information to the Pangya Wiki and receive special rewards and bonuses.

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-28T15:48:00+00:00

IGN PC: UTV True Games And AsiaSoft Bring Warrior Epic To Southeast Asia

2010-07-28T15:41:00+00:00

Warrior Epic (PC)
Leading South East Asia online game publisher launches the popular online action-adventure MMO In Asia today.

IGN PC: O-Games Announces Its Summer Lineup of Great Value, Quality Games for the Whole Family

2010-07-28T15:39:00+00:00

Big lineup of games coming for Wii, DS, and PC.

IGN Wii: O-Games Announces Its Summer Lineup of Great Value, Quality Games for the Whole Family

2010-07-28T15:37:00+00:00

Big lineup of games coming for Wii, DS, and PC.

IGN DS: O-Games Announces Its Summer Lineup of Great Value, Quality Games for the Whole Family

2010-07-28T15:30:00+00:00

Big lineup of games coming for Wii, DS, and PC.

The Linux Game Tome: DeSmuME 0.9.6 (updated)

2010-07-28T15:21:35+00:00

Nintendo DS emulator running homebrew demos and commercial games

More about DeSmuME

IGN PC: The LEGO Group Selects Dire Wolf Digital to Produce LEGO Universe Trading Card Game

2010-07-28T15:17:00+00:00

LEGO Universe (PC)
When building blocks met trading cards.

IGN PC: The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Leading Social Game Developer Playdom

2010-07-28T14:45:00+00:00

The magic kingdom goes social.

IGN DS: Presented By:

2010-07-28T14:28:00+00:00

IGN DS: R4 Cartridge Outlawed in UK

2010-07-28T14:28:00+00:00

DS piracy tool and similar flash carts banned.

IGN DS: Hollywood 61 Hands-on

2010-07-28T14:04:00+00:00

Hollywood 61 (3DS)
Ubisoft's 3DS puzzler takes noir to three dimensions.

The Linux Game Tome: Seven Kingdoms: Ancient Adversaries 2.14.0 (new)

2010-07-28T11:22:23+00:00

Award winning RTS now open source

More about Seven Kingdoms: Ancient Adversaries

The Linux Game Tome: picmi 1.3.0 (updated)

2010-07-28T09:20:45+00:00

A minesweeper and picross clone.

More about picmi

The Linux Game Tome: D2X-XL 1.15.79 (updated)

2010-07-28T08:22:21+00:00

Descent 2 OpenGL port

More about D2X-XL

IGN Wii: Donkey Kong Country Returns: Everything We Know

2010-07-28T07:45:00+00:00

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
It may look familiar, but there's plenty of fresh gameplay under the hood, not to mention a whole new enemy. So long Kremlings!

The Linux Game Tome: Stendhal 0.86 (updated)

2010-07-28T07:22:15+00:00

Stendhal is a fully fledged multiplayer online adventure game like Ultima Online

More about Stendhal

The Linux Game Tome: Warzone 2100 2.3.2 (updated)

2010-07-28T07:22:15+00:00

3D realtime strategy on a future Earth.

More about Warzone 2100

Daily Illuminator: July 28, 2010: Boardgamenews' New Look

2010-07-28T05:06:47+00:00

I've been reading the Boardgamenews site almost daily for about three or four years now. It's a great resource -- I especially love the reviews, even when reading one sends me out to buy a game -- and it was a real pleasure to watch as the new site design came into existence over the last few weeks. And since the redesign went into effect it feels like there have been more (and more regular) updates than there were before, but that may just be an illusion since it's much easier for me to read the site; the new design is a lot cleaner than the old one was.

The site won't change your life, but it will entertain you if you're a fan of board and card games. And entertainment is about all I ever expect from game sites.

-- Phil Reed

Gamers With Jobs: GWJ Conference Call Episode 198

Gamers With Jobs — 2010-07-28T04:31:19+00:00

Episode 198 - July 28th, 2010
Limbo, Alien Swarm, Dr. Who - The Adventure Game, Dragon Quest IX, Your Emails and more!

Right Click Here and 'Save As' to Download!
(Warrrghunghh 44.8 Megs, 1:18:51)

This week Cory, Julian, Allen and Lara tackle the email sack and beat it to death with sticks. If you want to submit a question or comment call in to our voicemail line at (612) 284-4563. This podcast brought to you by TweetMTG!

IGN PC: Blacklight: Tango Down Review

2010-07-28T04:10:00+00:00

Blacklight: Tango Down (PC)
A lot of bang for your buck.

IGN DS: Petz Kittens Review

2010-07-28T00:05:00+00:00

Petz Kittens (DSi)
Far too little to do.

IGN DS: Happy Birthday Mart Review

2010-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

Happy Birthday Mart (DSi)
Don't go shopping here.

IGN PC: DC Universe Online Rewind Theater

2010-07-27T23:57:00+00:00

DC Universe Online (PC)
Count the dead superheroes with us.

IGN PC: EverQuest II Goes Free-to-Play

2010-07-27T23:21:00+00:00

EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate (PC)
As long as you never want to send any mail.

IGN PC: StarCraft II Arcade Game Video

2010-07-27T23:14:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
A game within a game.

IGN DS: GameStop Stands Pat On Physical Media

2010-07-27T23:14:00+00:00

Despite digital moves, retailer still focused on disc-based gaming.

IGN Wii: GameStop Stands Pat On Physical Media

2010-07-27T23:13:00+00:00

Despite digital moves, retailer still focused on disc-based gaming.

IGN PC: Blizzard's Lost Viking in StarCraft II

2010-07-27T22:53:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
A hidden arcade game in the story mode.

IGN PC: StarCraft II Second Mission Videos

2010-07-27T22:41:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Jim Raynor drinks and a new character is introduced.

IGN PC: StarCraft II First Mission Videos

2010-07-27T22:21:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
A view of how the new campaign looks in Blizzard's sequel.

IGN PC: Medal of Honor Trailer

2010-07-27T21:51:00+00:00

Medal of Honor (PC)
This is a new breed of warrior.

IGN DS: Etrian Odyssey III Screens

2010-07-27T21:36:00+00:00

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (DS)
Enter the labyrinth and earn your fortune.

IGN PC: Disney Officially Buys Playdom

2010-07-27T21:04:00+00:00

Fanglies (Web)
The sale carried the hefty price of more than $700 million.

IGN PC: Kane and Lynch 2 Videos

2010-07-27T21:03:00+00:00

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (PC)
See why the sequel will be twice as intense as the first.

IGN PC: Michael Jackson-ish Zombie Pulled from PvZ

2010-07-27T20:57:00+00:00

Plants vs. Zombies (PC)
The King of Pop will no longer terrorize your garden.

IGN Wii: Tron Evolution: Battle Grid Screens

2010-07-27T20:50:00+00:00

Tron Evolution: Battle Grids (Wii)
Shots from the Wii version.

IGN Wii: Beyblade: Metal Fusion Screens

2010-07-27T20:50:00+00:00

Beyblade: Metal Fusion (Wii)
Behold a fusion of metal and screens.

IGN PC: Dungeon Siege 3 Artwork

2010-07-27T20:24:00+00:00

Dungeon Siege III (PC)
It's under siege. Sort of.

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-27T20:24:00+00:00

IGN PC: EA & Linkin Park Join Forces for Medal of Honor

2010-07-27T20:02:00+00:00

Medal of Honor (PC)
Exclusive Sneak Peak of Band's new single, "The Catalyst," will be featured in gameplay trailer directed by Joe Hahn.

IGN PC: Transformers: War for Cybertron DLC Screens

2010-07-27T19:12:00+00:00

Transformers: War for Cybertron (PC)
Take a look at the new characters and levels you'll get.

IGN DS: DSiWare Capsule Reviews: Third Week of July

2010-07-27T19:10:00+00:00

July drops the ball with its third week of DSiWare releases.

The Linux Game Tome: JPortal 1.0 (new)

2010-07-27T19:08:17+00:00

An implementation of a trading card game.

More about JPortal

IGN PC: Space Empires: Battle For Supremacy Out Now On Facebook

2010-07-27T18:52:00+00:00

Space Empires: Battle For Supremacy (Web)
Join the galactic bid for dominance in the latest and greatest entry in the Space Empires legacy.

IGN PC: APB's The Human Avatar Stage 5: Steampunk'd

2010-07-27T18:45:00+00:00

APB (PC)
Online shooter getting a "real human."

IGN PC: Sony Online Entertainment Liberates Players with EverQuest II Extended

2010-07-27T18:41:00+00:00

EverQuest II (PC)
Gamers can now experience the world of Norrath without a subscription in the new free adventure service.

IGN PC: Gloamwood Zone Revealed in Rift: Planes of Telara

2010-07-27T18:28:00+00:00

Rift: Planes of Telara (PC)
Trion Worlds today reveals Gloamwood, the dark, deeply-forested zone where player's worst nightmares literally rise up from the plane-corrupted soil. As players venture into Gloamwood, they'll encounter lurking goblins filled with bloodlust, savage spiders spawned from a giant Broodmother, and a group of cultists tampering with the unnatural power of an ancient planar artifact. See official description below.

IGN DS: Bringing Black Ops to the Handheld

2010-07-27T18:20:00+00:00

Call of Duty: Black Ops (DS)
Once again Activision enlists the help of N-Space for a portable first-person shooter experience.

IGN DS: Crazy Sudoku Screens

2010-07-27T17:44:00+00:00

Crazy Sudoku (DSi)
Judge the insanity for yourself.

IGN DS: Hospital Havoc Screens

2010-07-27T17:41:00+00:00

Hospital Havoc (DSi)
Dash in for three quick looks.

IGN PS2: Sony Computer Entertainment to Introduce PlayStation 'Logo Licensing Program'

2010-07-27T17:40:00+00:00

PlayStation brand to be enhanced with new merchandise from official licensing program.

IGN DS: Scrabble Tools Screens

2010-07-27T17:39:00+00:00

Scrabble Tools (DSi)
Have a look at DSiWare's pocket Scrabble assistant.

The Linux Game Tome: BZFlag 2.0.16 (updated)

2010-07-27T17:21:14+00:00

3D networked multiplayer tank battle zone capture the flag game

More about BZFlag

IGN PC: GameStop Buys Kongregate

2010-07-27T16:54:00+00:00

Retailer growing in the digital gaming space.

IGN DS: Capcom Planning to Increase Hit Software Output

2010-07-27T16:44:00+00:00

Company hopes to up the output of Resident Evil and other franchise by tapping overseas developers.

IGN Wii: Capcom Planning to Increase Hit Software Output

2010-07-27T16:43:00+00:00

Company hopes to up the output of Resident Evil and other franchise by tapping overseas developers.

The Linux Game Tome: sauerbraten 2010_07_19 (updated)

2010-07-27T16:08:52+00:00

3D game engine and FPS/RPG

More about sauerbraten

Gamers With Jobs: Alien Swarm

Spaz — 2010-07-27T15:51:05+00:00

I’m busy reading a milquetoast digital rendition of “Reactor Problems for Dummies,” thinking I really should be letting everyone know I’m out of it, when a sound makes me seize up. It’s faint, no more than an understated bloop, but the implications behind it are terrifying. The 30 seconds I’ve spent hovering over a lost PDA have left quite the gulf between myself and the rest of my team. I’m cut off, low on ammo, and increasingly aware of how vulnerable I really am.

Because something is getting closer.

I decide to take a run since there’s an outside chance that I won’t get chopped to bits. I make it a third of the way before I’m treated to a slow-motion replay of my death, courtesy of a vent-spawned Lovecraftian creation of fangs and claws and jaundiced skin. Since I was the only tech expert in my quad-pod, the team is left bereft of anyone able to manipulate computers and hack gates. This results in an instant fail for the mission, as I’m derided for being the F.N.G. Despite the air of defeat permeating my e-cred, It’s moments like these that make Alien Swarm an absolute joy.

IGN Wii: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Gets More Exclusive Re-Recorded Tracks

2010-07-27T15:41:00+00:00

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Wii)
On-disc set list expands with 22 rockin' new tracks.

The Linux Game Tome: typhon 0.92 (updated)

2010-07-27T15:21:43+00:00

a slim program/emulator launcher using opengl

More about typhon

Daily Illuminator: July 27, 2010: Our Pipeline

2010-07-27T05:07:30+00:00

Reading the playtest reports from Protospiel reminds me that we haven't talked about our pipeline in a while. Technically, we're not accepting outside submissions. In reality . . .

We're not accepting outside submissions.

We really do have a dozen or more designs in development right now, just waiting for more playtesting or a print-buying breakthrough. But sometimes a game will catch our eye, a game that's so close to being ready for release, that's so fun that we'd be fools to let it go to another publisher. Revolution! was like that, as was The Stars Are Right.

-- Paul Chapman

IGN PC: Valve Unbans Thousands of MW2 Players

2010-07-27T01:25:00+00:00

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC)
Over 12,000 accounts restored.

IGN DS: Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast Episode 83

2010-07-27T00:53:00+00:00

Back from Comic Con and heading to Classic Gaming Expo!

IGN Wii: Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast Episode 83

2010-07-27T00:16:00+00:00

Back from Comic Con and heading to Classic Gaming Expo!

IGN PC: StarCraft II Collector's Edition Unboxing Video

2010-07-26T23:17:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Art books, comics, Jim Raynor USB dogtags and more.

IGN PC: SDCC 10: DC Universe Subscription Fee and Cross Platform Play

2010-07-26T23:13:00+00:00

DC Universe Online (PC)
Want to know how much fighting crime is going to cost you?

IGN DS: Hospital Havoc Review

2010-07-26T23:10:00+00:00

Hospital Havoc (DSi)
Diner Dash: Emergency Room Edition.

IGN DS: Crazy Sudoku Review

2010-07-26T23:05:00+00:00

Crazy Sudoku (DSi)
Shuffling itself into the crowded DSiWare sudoku competition.

IGN Wii: Aero the Acrobat Review

2010-07-26T23:00:00+00:00

Aero the Acrobat (Wii)
Platforming under the big top.

IGN DS: Scrabble Tools Review

2010-07-26T23:00:00+00:00

Scrabble Tools (DSi)
A DSi pocket assistant for your next family game night.

IGN PC: Where is the StarCraft II Review?

2010-07-26T22:48:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
Currently in the pipe (five by five).

IGN PC: How Are You Buying StarCraft II?

2010-07-26T22:48:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
PC's biggest game this year also available digitally.

IGN PC: StarCraft II's Mini Thor in World of Warcraft

2010-07-26T22:26:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
He will melt your heart, then nuke the remains.

IGN DS: Presented By:

2010-07-26T22:23:00+00:00

IGN DS: This Week in Imports

2010-07-26T22:23:00+00:00

A flood of samurai, shooters, virtual idols, and love.

IGN Wii: This Week in Imports

2010-07-26T22:22:00+00:00

A flood of samurai, shooters, virtual idols, and love.

IGN PC: StarCraft II: Video Overviews

2010-07-26T22:13:00+00:00

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC)
StarCraft II is upon us. Don't get left behind in the shuffle, these overviews will help you hit the ground running.

IGN PC: Dungeon Siege III Video

2010-07-26T22:00:00+00:00

Dungeon Siege III (PC)
A cinematic teaser of Obsidian's upcoming action-RPG.

IGN PC: Dungeon Siege III Details

2010-07-26T21:43:00+00:00

Dungeon Siege III (PC)
Plus more info straight from developer Obsidian Entertainment.

IGN PC: Presented By:

2010-07-26T21:43:00+00:00

IGN PC: World of Warcraft: Mini Thor, The Destroyer

2010-07-26T21:28:00+00:00

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (PC)
He will melt your heart, and then incinerate the puddle.

IGN DS: TrackMania Turbo Screens

2010-07-26T21:19:00+00:00

TrackMania Turbo (DS)
Still waiting to get your NDS and Wii fix for Trackmania in 2010? Here are some pics to curb your wheels.