At RF Generation, we try to give the kids want they want. A few people thought it would be cool if the staff blog script was modified to allow anyone to use it. Initially, I didnt want to code it, I thought it would be a royal pain in the ass to do. Issues such as security and actually creating unique blogs seemed as though it would cause a task that simply would be a pain in the ass to do. So, I had two potential pain in the ass projects to work on, the next version of the submissions system, or community blogs. I chose to start working on the former.
So, for the benefit of those who didn't frequent Digital Press back when we had blogs this will be your gateway into the mind of one screwed up individual. For those who used to read the blogs there, notably mine (the best damn blog period), well yall know that the smack will be layed down and no punches pulled. I hope, for my sake, that a little colorful language is allowed and that yall don't mind me fully expressing myself.
This will probably be a bit harder since I don't know too many folks here at RFG. I know Tynstar, Capn Nintendo, and a few others I've talked with briefly. Sup fellas. I won't have the benefit of people like Asswald to razz but then again I hope that this will be well received. If it is, cool. If you have an issue with what I've gotta say, please please comment as I won't take it too personally and will probably respond in my own special way - don't take that too personal, folks, as that's just me being me.
So here goes the first entry in the new Palace...
There are many people out there that I admire. Hell, I have heroes in many walks of life: firefighters, cops, the military (yep I'm a vet and damn proud), animal rescue groups, etc etc etc. I don't usually express my admiration well, so that's probably about the extent of "good" that you'll be reading today, friends. There are more people out there that really get me fired up. These folks, though, wanna be in my special club. Well, maybe they don't but damnit I induct them anyways. Today, we get the first entry into the Kiss My Ass Club, Version 2.1.
People who neglect animals. Yep, those shitbags that beat their critters. Those same asshats that don't feed their pets, the same pricks who don't provide vet care, the same turds that, when approached about their obvious shitbaggery, threaten legal action or physical harm to a person who wants to help. These lowlifes don't deserve mention as human beings, as members of an otherwise advanced society. There are tv shows that highlight (read: expose) these people for what they are. There are investigations, reports on the news, articles in magazines, and many other venues that expose these vermin for their trespasses against animal well being. Let's take a minute to clarify something, though. There IS a difference between coming on hard times and needing help and just being a piece of shit that ignores the needs of that animal you have. Puppy mills. Backyard "rescues". Cat hoarders. These are but a few examples of the trash I am inducting today. So, Animal Abusers, today you become the first (of many) to hear these magic words: Pucker up real good, throw on a little chapstick (or lipstick if you prefer), and KISS MY ASS!
RF Generation has had a lot of things added in the last year, and one of those additions, the blog, launched with the new site design. Well, some people thought that the blog was so nifty that they asked if they could have their own blogs. Well, starting today, they can.
Introducing... the Community Blogs. Here, you can find our member's blogs, or you can start your own, provided that you are a registered member of the site. Of course, this blogging system is programmed by your neighborhood friendly Site Director, so this release is a beta, some new features are yet to be added, and some things may yet work perfectly. If you catch a bug, let me know, I'd certainly love to quash it.
I've tried to add as much customization options to the blog script as I can, so please take advantage of them. Since this script is beta, I am open to suggestions, but I do not intend on adding any features that would take extensive coding. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the blogs, perhaps you'll find the scripts of use, or you'll just enjoy reading its contents.
I know this isn't video game news, but regardless, it is one of the biggest things in American sports. Barry Bonds has finally passed Hank Aaron on the homerun list to sit atop alone at 756. In a game where Bonds was hitting 2/2 with a single and a double, he stepped up to the plate for the 3rd time. An 84 mph pitch came his way and then the ball traveled 435 feet into the right field bleachers.
The fateful pitch came from Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik in the bottom of the fifth.
How do you feel about this? Were you able to put aside the possibility of the "era" and enjoy the moment? Let us know!
If you have your Wii hooked up to WiiConnect24, you'll notice that the blue light surrounding your disc slot is glowing. You know what that means. No, not that someone sent you a message because no one uses the message sending feature anymore. So, that leaves only one possiblity, Nintendo has something to tell you! This time, it's a firmware update. This update adds many nifty features to your Wii. Here's a listing of the new features from Nintendo's website.
Wii Menu - The weather forecast will now be displayed on the Forecast Channel icon in the Wii Menu. - Headline news will now be displayed on the News Channel icon in the Wii Menu. - The current time will now be displayed in the Wii Menu. - The area around the Wii Message Board button will now flash when a message arrives..
Wii Message Board - You're now able to rearrange the order of your Wii Friends in the address book. - You're now able to go into the Wii Friends registration screen by pressing the A Button on a blank spot in the address book. - Envelope message icons will now appear on the calendar only on the dates when a message is received. - Your message sending history will now be displayed in Today's Accomplishments. - You can now scroll the message text by pressing the B button on the message screen.
Wii Shop Channel - The search function on Virtual Console has been enhanced.
So, it took Nintendo eight months to realize that it would be nice to rearrange your Wii Friends, add friends by just clicking an empty slot, and see the weather without having to select the Weather Channel? Wow. They are really on top of their game!
What's sad is that this is the most useful firmware update the Wii has ever had. And what's that?! A DIGITAL CLOCK! WHOAMG! That's next-gen technology next there!
(Image from Kotaku.com)
P.S. I like the Wii, but I just like poking fun at how behind the times it is.
I CALLED IT! Microsoft has officially dropped the price on their Xbox 360, effective tomorrow. The new prices direct from Xbox.com for the various models of the console are as follows:
Core: $279.99
Pro (now referred to simply as Xbox 360 by Microsoft): $349.99
Elite: $449.99
While they were at it, Microsoft announced the price of the Halo 3 edition Xbox 360 which will come out with the game's launch next month. This model will retail for $399.99 and will include "an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console includes a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, 360 Play & Charge Kit, and more."
From Kotaku, here's Sega's rumored Tokyo Game Show lineup, with some entries bolded for my emphasis...
Alien Syndrome (Wii, PSP) After Burner: Black Falcon (PSP) Beijing 2008: the Official Videogame of the Olympic Games (PS2, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS, PC) ChuChu Rocket! (XBLA, PC) Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (PSP) Fighters Megamix 2 (Xbox 360, PS3) Ghost Squad (Wii) Happy Tree Friends False Alarm (XBLA, PC) JET SET RADIO NEXT (Xbox 360, PS3) Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS) Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms Visit (PC) Nights: Journey of Dreams (Wii) Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus (PS2, Xbox 360, PC) Samba De Amigo Fever (PSP) Sega Classics Collection 2 (PS2,PSP) Sega Rally Revo (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC) Sega Superstar 2 (Wii) SHENMUE 3 (XBOX 360) SHENMUE I & II PLUS (Xbox 360) Skies of Arcadia 2 (Wii) Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP) Sonic Rush Adventure (DS) Sonic the RPG (Xbox 360, PS3) Space Channel 5 Part 3 (Xbox 360, PS3) Space Channel 5 Showtime (Wii, DS, PSP) The Club (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) The Golden Compass (PS2, PC, DS, Xbox 360, PSP, PS3, Wii) The House of the Dead 4 (Xbox 360, PS3) Universe at War: Earth Assault (Xbox 360, PC) Virtua Fighter 5 (Xbox 360, PS3) Virtua Fighter Kids 2 (Wii) Worldwide Soccer Manager Live (Xbox 360, PC) Yakuza 3 (PS3)
OMFG! Next gen versions of Chu Chu Rocket, Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, Samba De Amigo, and EFFING SHENMUE?! COULD IT BE?! Well, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this list is true. Why? We all know Sega hasn't been doing great lately, and they could be trying to resurrect some of their fan favorite Dreamcast franchises like Shenmue, JGR, and Space Channel 5.
Regardless, if Shenmue I and II Plus and Shenmue III are indeed real, that will push me over the edge and make me get a 360.
Don't worry, I'm still a Sony fanboy at heart, but I gots to have me my Shenmue
Features this week are mixing things up a bit. One of the big "next-gen" selling points for the Wii and PS3 are the use of motion controls as a new means of playing games in relation to mashing buttons and twiddling your analogs. First off is a handheld game with a built-in tilt controller. That game, my good friend, is Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble. Tilt forward, and it feels like Kirby will roll off screen, and a little flick will pop him into the air. This game earned me a lot of funny looks the first time I was seen wiggling my Game Boy Color around.
Shakin' it up is the featured hardware, the highly sought-after Dreamcast Maracas. These babies were never bundled and fetched a high price in stores; yet, they worked with only one game! (Well, maybe a few minor exceptions, but they are poorly applied.) Lets just say that they didn't sell too well and have become a wee bit difficult to find. Speaking of that one game...
The featured image for the week is the cover shot for Samba de Amigo. Why the Japanese version? It captures the spirit of the game. Anyways, playing it for the first time might remind you of your first forray into DDR, club-footed and uncoordinated. Never fear, for an easy learning curve will make you a cha-cha master in no time. Available in all three major regions, this game is for every culture. Getting some of my Columbian friends into it was definitely a rewarding experience that everyone seemed to enjoy.
Oh boy, that commercial gets me excited every time.
The featured collection of the week is someone with even more funky rhythm controllers. Sauza12 has a lovely standee for Donkey Konga in addition to all three GameCube games that make use of the Bongo controllers. In addition to that he also has some interesting items including two arcade cabinets worth checking out.
The internet. In addition to being a great resource for funny videos, email pyramid schemes, and pr0n, is a great place to find games. This series will feature the best in free and independent games from all over the web, and bring you up to date on indie studios who are bringing their work to consoles.
The first free game of the week is called 3D Logic by Alex Matveev, and can be found at this site. The object of the game is to link together every pair colored squares on the cube. For example, in the screenshot, you have to link orange to orange, purple to purple, blue to blue, and so on. Sounds simple right? WRONG! Later levels will require you to think outside of the box and use very indirect ways of linking them together. I've been able to reach level 18, but after that I get stumped. Thank God for the continue feature.
Our next game this week is Amberial by OddGoo, a rather fun platformer with very simplistic controls. All you need to do in this game is move left and right to reach the goal. However, you must use your ability to bounce to help you reach your destination and avoid obstacles. This is one of the most enjoyable Flash games I've played in a while. It's not entirely original since there are a billion platformers on the net, but this one is different because you must actually use your environment and the objects in it in order to reach the end of the level. There is also added challenge if you try and collect all the Ace symbols. I must caution you however, this game is addictive as crack, so make sure you have some time you can easily waste before playing this.
The internet is full of clones of other, more famous games. Flash Flash Revolution is one of the most well-known and well-regarded clones on the internet. As you could figure out, it is a clone of Konami's Dance Dance Revolution series, developed in flash. There are three different versions of FFR on the site, and all of them have something different to offer. Try fooling around with all three of them, and make an account if you want. With an account, you can keep track of the scores you get and buy songs using credits you earn in the FFR store. The only downside of the game is that many of the players have crazy skills, and a lot of the site is kind of geared towards them. However, for us who will never be as good as this guy, there are a bunch of easier songs to get you used to playing. Check out the Arcade section of songs in the first FFR version on the site for a bunch of fun game remixes to play. I'm signed up on the site as tondog38. If you sign up, shoot me a message there and we can set up challenges or something.
In honor of 300 coming out on DVD, Blu Ray, and HD DVD last week, the final game of the week is the aptly titled SPAAARTA!!! It's not the best game in the world, but it's cool if you're a fan of 300, mainly so you can kick some Persians into the hole and scream THIS IS SPAAAARRRTAAAA! The controls are simple, move around with the arrow keys, kick some ass with the S key, and do a little dance with the A key. All you need to do: kick the Persians into the hole and inform them that THIS IS SPAAAARTA all while not kicking your fellow Spartans.
Keep it on channel 3 for more fun, free games next week. Until next time, have fun.
People are entitled to their opinions, but sometimes people tend to take things to extremes. This weekend, Gaygamer.net, the internet's safe haven for homosexual gamers, was the target of a massive Denial of Service attack that successfully knocked their site offline. Here is their official statement on the attack:
Quote from: Flynn De Marco
Hello, faithful readers:
As you might have noticed, we have had some connection issues in the last few days and now the site is completely down. I'm sad to say that we have been the target of homophobic hackers. Thankfully, they didn't get to our database so all of our stuff is still in tact. At this point we are jut waiting for our service provider to ensure everything is good before putting the server back online.
Hopefully, this will be resolved by the end of this weekend, so please keep checking back. You can't keep a good gay gamer down, so we'll be back before you know it, serving up all the sassy game content you can handle.
Cheers, Fruit Brute
You might not agree with homosexuality, you may feel it's immoral, but to take someone's site down over the issue, that's downright awful, and it is, in fact, a hate crime. I certainly hope the best for their site, and I hope they find the idiot who committed this crime. As Bob and Tom would say, I believe I can hear the sodomy bell off in the distance in his future.
There's quite a stir this week for drooling Blizzard fan boys the world over. Early in the week, German geeks uncovered what appears to be a FAQ written by Blizzard for the next World of Warcraft expansion, which will be titled Wrath of the Lich King. It will introduce Death Knights, a hero class which is more powerful than the regular classes, but needs to be unlocked first to be playable. It's a class that revolves around slaughtering the innocent in the name of evil. Bring on the fap. I'm ready.
Is it true? Yup. It was all made official at Blizzcon this afternoon and the web address now leads to this nifty little block of commercial glurge.
At least Blizzard comes out and confirms info after it gets leaked, rather deny it until the boxes are on store shelves (ehem, Sony). Now if they could just balance out the damn game as it is...
In other news, Guitar Hero 3 is shaping up. That looks to be of some serious quality. The song list includes songs by Slayer and Dragonforce. If only they would drop that agreement with Gibson, maker of the world's blandest looking guitars. Break out the B.C. Rich action.
Microsoft is STILL denying the 360 price drop, even though all of the major retailers already show it in their ads. Wow. Wait, didn't someone say this would happen last week? Oh, right. That was me. I'm infallible like the Pope, but better. I don't wear that gay hat, or lead an international conspiracy to molest young boys.
If you're into comic books, Wolverine finally killed Sabertooth in Wolverine, vol. 2, #55. No one seems to care. I can understand. It'll just turn out it was really a clone, or a skrull, or something. Or maybe the real Sabertooth will be regenerated by Apocalypse or Mr. Sinister. One way or another, it's comic book continuity. No one ever stays dead.
I'm talking about what happened in comic books. This is sad.
It seems that what The Hollywood Reporter said a week ago is coming true...Xbox 360 is getting a $50 price cut (For the Pro model. It's $30 if you're an Elite fan or $20 if you're going for the Core) next week.
Wait a minute! Didn't we go through this whole rigmarole a few weeks ago with Sony's PS3 price cut? We sure did, but what makes this round different? A ton more evidence and leaked ads...
What are these marketing materials mentioned? Hmm, I bet it's either Halo 3 posters or 360 price cut signage. My guess is that it's the latter because they've been promoting the crap out of the former for what seems like a year now and probably don't need more promo material for it. Plus it seems in line with what's being reported all over the internet.
Why cut the 360's price tag? Well, there are some very good reasons for them to do so right now. First, PS3 just got a hefty price cut, and a price cut will help the 360 look even more attractive to consumers. Second, it's been out for dang near 2 years without a price cut. Seems like a long time to me. Three, um, isn't there something coming out next month? I forget.
In light of all this evidence and my own speculation, I rule... TONY'S JUDGEMENT: Definitely happening
Do you like things that are FREE? Are you good at trivia? (i.e.: screenshots from movies and games) Does the thought of getting something for free from answering trivia get you excited? OR Do you have games that are lying around and are of so low of a value that they aren't even worth selling and you would much rather just give them away?
Well then there is something special for you here at RF Generation. In the 'Idle Chatter' part of the forum there is a thread simply titled 'WIN FREE STUFF HERE!!!!!'. You can win free games just for guessing screenshots from movies and games. Anyone is welcome to post a giveaway. But please keep up your end of the bargain so that this runs smoothly. This is a fun way to recycle your games. If it's shipping that you're worried about, it costs around $2.00 to send a game first class. Due to the recent (as of May 14th, 2007) post office rate changes, it is cheaper to send it first class rather then media mail. There have been four winners so far. Will the next one be you?
This post is a long time coming. In the past few months we've added quite a few members to staff, but as far as I am aware of we've never introduced them. Well, today let me spend the time to introduce our new staff members, and officially welcome them into the community.
First off, I'd like to welcome the new hardware contributors, Marriott_guy and ApolloBoy, their enthusiasm for all things hardware related make them a welcome part of the team. We certainly hope that the hardware database will grow with their help.
Next, we've added quite a few European Staff members to the fold. Recently, Belgarath and Magewout were added to the fold, and sharp was welcomed back onto staff. They join the existing team of Speedy_NES and AndyC. To say that we are elated with these additions to the team would be an understatement. We are truly lucky to have these five enthusiastic people on board to help make sure the PAL database grows.
We've also added a new features writer and a new blog writer into the fold. Our new features writer OatBob and our new blog writer Tondog will strive along with the existing features and blog writers to make sure that the pages of our site have substance. I encourage you all to check out their work.
In addition to these new staff members, we've also moved some editors around to satisfy needs. AndyC has elected to assist in moving forward the European Database, and we enthusiastically grant his wish. Replacing AndyC in the hardware editor position will be Tan, who will also remain the blog editor as well. We wish both of these two the best of luck in their new positions.
So, let's officially welcome these new staff members to the team. With their help, the site will truly become something great.
Hopefully that headline caught your attention and I don't lose my powers to present you with awesome features that consistently blow your mind. This week is dedicated to the other Phantasy, the lesser known Phantasy, Phantasy Star. Oh boy see what I did there, that was awesome beyond all belief, using Phantasy instead of fantasy.
Ok then, moving on because I am growing tired. Our featured game is Phantasy Star Collection, which is essentially ports of Phantasy Star 1, 2, and that one that sucks. Our featured image is Phantasy Star Universe. From what I understand it is a highly addictive MMO set in the Phantasy Star universe. Sounds awesome. Our featured collectiont is that of ztaKxileF. Not only does he have a crazy username, he has a kickass collection which consists of, you guessed it, damn near every Phantasy Star game. Finally our featured piece of hardware is the LaserActive Mega LD. I'm not going to lie, I have no idea what it is. It has a crazy name, looks crazy, and there are a bunch of pictures of it. Also one user on this entire site owns it, which is awesome beyond all belief.
So there you have it, the features. I knew you guys were all excited for me to do the features again. Another week, another set of features as I say. Well, I should probably stop trying to waste space now and say that tagline. As always, keep it tuned to channel three.
Oh yeah, Shimra nor RFgeneration condone the killing of babies. Unless they refuse to give up their candy of course and you don't want to look like a wimp for not being able to steal candy from a baby.
We are a community of collectors, gamers and the likes, and some of us enjoy to let the world know what is on our mind. For those members, we have the community blogs, a place where they can publish their thoughts and feelings regarding life, universe, and everything. Some of those members might even choose to write about gaming and collecting! Whatever they write about, you can find it on their blog. You can either see the latest community blog entries in the feed you see to the left, or you can browse for your favorite blog using the menu above. Interested in having your own blog hosted on RF Generation? It's rather simple, first be a registered member, and then click the "My Blog" link that you see in the navigation above. Following those two steps will certainly get you on your way to blogging.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy our entries, rantings, and completely unrelated series of thoughts. We write for you to read, so we certainly hope that you enjoy our material.
If you have your Wii hooked up to WiiConnect24, you'll notice that the blue light surrounding your disc slot is glowing. You know what that means. No, not that someone sent you a message because no one uses the message sending feature anymore. So, that leaves only one possiblity, Nintendo has something to tell you! This time, it's a firmware update. This update adds many nifty features to your Wii. Here's a listing of the new features from 
I CALLED IT! Microsoft has officially dropped the price on their Xbox 360, effective tomorrow. The new prices direct from 
Features this week are mixing things up a bit. One of the big "next-gen" selling points for the Wii and PS3 are the use of motion controls as a new means of playing games in relation to mashing buttons and twiddling your analogs. First off is a handheld game with a built-in tilt controller. That game, my good friend, is 
