LOTSO Episode 6: We review Splinter Cell Conviction, then go over our top franchise failures, plus, we take audience franchise failures live over twitter and IRC Chat.

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This week’s show notes:

Sega Switches Focus to Downloadable Games, Lays Off 73

https://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3178956

– Pictures
-1
-2
-3
Jake Gyllenhal

DOWNLOAD:

The post Splinter Cell Conviction Review & Top Failed Franchises first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

We discuss the future direction of the Xbox 360 in light of the 360 Slim and external storage feature rumors, & cover EA’s possible plans to charge for demos. Plus a full look at God of War III and why it just might be one of the best games of all time!

THEN – We take on the current state of Nintendo, what we once saw as a leader of the pack bringing some of the most innovative a fun games to the market – but have they just become a gimmick? A non-gamers system? Or maybe they’ve always been like that and we out grew their target market? We discuss that and much much more on this week’s Legend of the Stoned Owl!

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This week’s show links:

XBox Slim Rumor
XBox Getting USB Storage?
2k being accused of dlc already being on the disc.

The post EA Plans to Charge for Demos? | LOTSO4 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Legend of the Stoned Owl, Episode 3:

We list our personal top 5 video games of all time, discuss the new Easter egg approach Valve is taking to promote Portal 2, cover the interesting aspects of the Infinity Ward vs Activation case, and give you a preview of Metro 2033.

PLUS – We take the chat rooms live suggestions for their top 5 video games of all time!

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Show Notes:

News:

Valve mystifies gamers with Portal update

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/03/valve-mystifies-gamers-with-portal-update.ars

Halo Reach Multiplayer Trailer

• Release via Xbox Live Download, May 3rd, 2010
• Halo: Reach is a standalone prequel with a new (and darker) story that takes place in the year 2552.
• Mankind is at war with the Covenant on a human-occupied planet called Reach.
• Upgraded A.I.

Infinity Ward vs Activision

https://gameinformer.com/
Infinity Ward’s 16 page complaint – Kotaku.com

• The two Infinity Ward leaders (Jason West and Vince Zampella) are accusing Activision of breaking there Memorandum of Understanding, which is used pretty much as a non legally binding formal agreement. Apparently the equivalent of a gentleman’s agreement or a handshake. Sounds weird already, right?
• The Memorandum of Understanding included:
  • Giving Infinity Ward creative authority of any post Vietnam era Call of Duty or Modern Warfare game, even games set in the future.
  • 100% control of Infinity Ward.
  • The choice to develop two new IPs after MW2.
  • A fat chunk of money in royalties.

• Infinity Ward alleges that an investigation was launched to create a reason to fire them, not to uncover anything wrong they might have done.
  • Activision wouldn’t tell the two why were investigating them. They were told they “already have a clear understanding of what they have or have not done.”
  • Part of the investigation was a six hour interrogation in a conference room without window.
  • Other Infinity Ward employees were also interrogated, some even cried!
  • West and Zampella refused to hand over there cell phones and computers and were dubbed insubordinate by Activision attorneys.
• West and Zampella also say they were called “to a sham meeting” by Activision “during which they were fired on the basis of false and trivial charges, and then quickly escorted out the back door.” West and Zampella feel they were fired for no reason.
• Activision will not pay the $36 Million in royalties to West and Zampella.
• The two are seeking damages TBD! Probably over $36 Million.

Justin’s thoughts on this craziness

Preview:

Metro 2033 https://www.metro2033game.com/en

• developed by 4A Games in Ukraine
• For PC & 360
• “RPG-light”
• Set in the massive Moscow subway system – Suppose to be laid out like the real station.
  
• In the world of Metro 2033, cash holds little value. Instead, a premium has been placed on ammunition – particularly ammunition produced before the war. These bullets are higher quality and thus do more damage. But to get at some of the better weapons in the underground, you need to trade. So, here’s the big trade-off. Do you hold on to these powerful bullets and use them against enemies in a dangerous situation? Or do you hoard them and splurge on better gear, relegating yourself to using weaker ammo?
  
• Pre-Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V16T0Q/?tag=thelinactsho-20

Review / Discussion:

Download:

The post Top 5 Games & Portal 2 Discussion: LOTSO 003 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Legend of the Stoned Owl, Episode 2: We preview Sonic 4 and God of War III & go in-depth on BioShock 2.

PLUS – We discuss the up coming Starcraft II Multiplayer launch, chat about Fable III’s holiday release, and last but not least – We fill everyone in on the format and plans for Legend of the Stoned Owl!

Grab one of LOTSO’s feeds to get the show when its released:

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Show Notes:

News

– Activision Blizzard has lost $286 from the rhythm game market (Guitar and DJ Hero)
– Starcraft II Multiplayer Beta begins this month (Not that interesting)
– Fable III to come this holiday
1.) Co-op will be better. You’ll be able to bring in your custom character and dog rather than a pre-made template.
2.) Traditional XP leveling is gone. It’s replaced by how many followers you can obtain which increase your influence in the game
3.) Weapon level up. The more you use it the better it becomes
4.) The HUD and health bar have been taken out. It’s Replaced by an “FPS Style damage system”

Bioshock 2 Review

Alan
The Harvester Play Through

-First thoughts – So far I like being the Big Daddy
-When you jump you get the sense of size
-Seeing your shadow is a good reminder as well (along with the big drill)
-Going up against splicers is still tough
-Big Sister gives quite a scare, but I hate thinking that I never saw or heard of her before – where was she?
-Graphics are good, but more of the same. To me, they haven’t improved (not gotten worse, and probably a little better, just not a drastic change in visuals)
-The new hacking segments seem streamlined. While they keep you more immersed in the game, I really did like the pipe dream mini game. Don’t know which is better, I just liked the old way.
-So far I really don’t like/care for the dad searching for his daughter in Rapture (Mark Meltzer). Seems to mirror what’s going on with the Big Daddy/Eleanor story (redundant).
-The underwater segments (so far) seem like just loading in between levels type of thing. Totally linear, and nothing going on.
-Harvesting gets a lot of adam, allowing for a lot more upgrades, but was difficult to do for me after saving all of the sisters the first time around.

Justin
The Savior Play Through

– I liked the game being back in Rapture but was very skeptical before I played. It seemed different enough to warrant another game in the same location.
– I was totally wrong about being the Big Daddy:
1.) He doesn’t walk around making a bunch of groans
2.) No loud footsteps while walking. However when he jumps you here a big thud which I like. Made me remember just how big I actually was
3.) He is totally mobile not clunky at all
– Controls like the first game which is good.
– I’m not sure if I prefer the video capture to the traditional camera
– Multiplayer wasn’t bad

Discussion about this week’s show is found over on our forum

The post God of War III Preview & BioShock 2 Review | LOTSO 002 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Legend of the Stoned Owl, Episode 1: We Preview Bioshock 2, then discuss the shutdown of the original Xbox LIVE service, and what that could mean for digital downloads.

We wrap the whole episode up with a review of the recently released MMO, Star Trek Online, and somehow end up selling the cast on Champions Online!

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Show Info:

Legend of the Stoned Owl is a new show all about video games, the hosts take pride in there in-depth discussion about games, we take a holistic approach to our look at each game.

This show is designed for the audio listener, but we’ve included a video version that captures our screens and matches the flow of conversation that provides the viewer with a visual guide to the topics we discuss. The focus is always on the content, and not the hosts.

If you enjoy Legend of the Stoned Owl, be sure to grab one of our feeds to get the show when we release:

Show Notes:

NEWS

Fallout New Vegas coming out Fall 2010
Splinter Cell Conviction release date 4/13/10

REVIEW

Star Trek Online Released 4/2/10

The post Bioshock 2 Preview & STO Review | LOTSO 001 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.