Most Controversial Games According to Yahoo!

While checking the web for some quality BMW catalytic converter, I bumped on this article from Yahoo! Check this out.

Ben Silverman, writer for Yahoo! Games also created his list of the most controversial console and computer games of all time. This is similar to GamesRadar.com's top 10 banned games I posted last June.

Anyway, check out Silverman's list of most controversial games.

Night Trap
(1992: Sega CD)
Well, this game is too "sexist or too violent", according to several groups. According to Silverman, " Senate hearings led by Joseph Lieberman called the game's content "sick" and "shameful," and while they inaccurately claimed that players were encouraged to trap and kill the unfortunate starlets the damage was done as the game was quickly yanked from retail shelves."

Mortal Kombat
(1992: Arcade)
Night Trap and this bloody gruesome game paved the way in developing the ESRB game industry ratings systems, and other similar organizations. Actually, Mortal Kombat is one of my fave games. This game was a big hit in the 1990s with its unique finishing moves like "Brutality", "Fatality", "Animality", and others. There are several versions of this game and I love each of them!

Doom
(1993: PC)
Whoa! The birth of first person shooting (FPS) games! This game is quite good enough for me without its lousy graphics. Anyway, Silverman also commented, "When fledgling developer id Software cobbled together the landmark Martian monster mash Doom back in 1993, they were simply building on the success of their previous game, Wolfenstein 3D. But Doom took off like a bat out of you-know-where, quickly becoming the most downloaded PC shareware program of the era."

SimCopter
(1996: PC)
Honestly, I am not familiar with this game. Let Silverman comment on this. He said: "Before Rockstar was scalded by Hot Coffee, sim developer Maxis was burned by Hot Guys In Speedos. Upset with what he considered unfair working conditions (i.e. too many hours, not enough margaritas), a SimCopter programmer named Jacques Servin decided to play a bit of a prank by making a few alterations to the game code just before it shipped: on certain dates, scads of shirtless male sprites (dubbed "himbos") would gather in great numbers to hug and kiss. When word of the unauthorized code leaked, sales skyrocketed and Servin was summarily fired. Where's the love?"

Postal
(1997: PC)
Shootout and killing spree! This game was banned in 13 countries with its violent contents. What could be more violent than shooting people with no reasons at all? Bang! You're dead.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
(2004: PS2)
Another freaky and violent game. Like Postal, player of GTA: San Andreas can kill innocent people with no reason. But the exciting and controversial thingy is... this game features some sex games by downloading the required patch or mod. Hhhhhhot.

Bully
(2006: PS2)
This game caused controversy among parents and educators. Bully was also developed by Rockstar games, same with GTA and contains violence and some sexuals themes. Is this imply that developers at Rockstar are... pervs? LOL!

Resistance: Fall of Man
(2006: PS3)
According to Silverman, "This well-received first person shooter was one of the few PS3 launch titles worth the price of admission and served as the troubled console's high point through much of its debut year."

BioShock
(2007: Xbox 360, PC)
"By all accounts, this unnerving first-person action game is a diamond, a commercial hit and a shoo-in for countless game of the year awards. A few notable issues plagued the game's launch but it's BioShock's central moral dilemma - whether or not to harvest "Little Sisters" for the precious material ADAM - that makes it a case study for Ethics majors," said Silverman.

Manhunt 2
(2007: PS2, Wii, PSP)
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Last but not the least, the infamous Manhunt 2! I definitely agree with Silverman that Manhunt 2 is the most controversial game. I mean this game stirred the industry when ESRB changed the rating from AO (Adults Only) to M (Mature). Manhunt 2 is also banned in several countries as it contains explicit violence. Again, thank Rockstar for developing this controversial game! Thumbs up! LOL!

Another Halo 3 Update

The biggest names from the hip-hop music industry including Lil Jon, E-40, Bonecrusher, Bobby Valentino, Fabo of D4L, Lil Scrappy, Ying Yang Twins and more had a chance to play Halo 3 with each other ahead of the game's official release on September 25th.

Halo 3, the much-awaited game of this year has already posted more than 1 million preorders in North America for the Xbox 360 gaming platform. Anyway, going back to these hip hop freaks, the artists got the Xbox 360 Special Edition Halo 3 Console with Zune - Halo 3 Edition that is why they are able to play the game. Hip hop and gaming website Konsole Kingz (www.konsolekingz.com) also introduced the game's publisher Microsoft to other well known hip hop artists like Big Boi of Outkast and Mr. Collipark. Konsole Kingz and Microsoft will also host a private Halo 3 party.

CJ Peters, CEO and founder of Konsole Kingz commented:
"We couldn't be happier with the industry's response to the Konsole Kingz - Halo 3 party. Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry and growing fast. Our goal is to bring the influential world of hip-hop to the video game space; events like this are the start."

Big Boi also commented:
"My guys came through from Microsoft with some gifts. I got the brand new Halo 3 special edition Xbox 360. The biggest entertainment release ever! They told me the numbers for the first day opening, you won't believe it."

In addition, Bungie Studios and Microsoft also released some details about upcoming Halo 3 launch events in September 25. The two companies responsible for the game will conduct the Halo 3 "Midnight Madness" sale featuring four regional retail stores hosting the event across the U.S. including Best Buy in New York and Seattle, Miami, and GameStop in Los Angeles.

Buyers of the Halo 3 game can have a change to bring home some freebie items including:

* Halo Action Clix from WizKids
* Collectible trading cards from Topps
* Halo Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund from Tor
* Frag Fest t-shirts from Mighty Fine
* Accessories and hats from Changes
* Messenger bags from Enmon Accessories
* Console sling bag and hardware organizers from BD&A
* Halo Graphic Novels published by Marvel
* 2008 Halo calendars from Trends International
* Halo Uprising Comic (issue one) from Marvel
* Halo soundtracks from Sumthing Else Music
* Weapon replicas from Master Replicas
* Zune Halo 3 edition from Microsoft
* Limited-edition figurines from the diorama created for the "Halo 3" ad campaign

Whew! September 2007 is really a Halo 3 month!

GameDaily's Top 10 Most Influential War Games

Bring on the tanks, warships, fighter planes, missiles, guns, and ammunitions. It is time to determine the most influential war-themed games of all time. And to do that, I need a help from GameDaily, one of the leading websites dedicated to the gaming industry.

GameDaily's staff compiled the hundreds of war video games out there and selected the top 10 most influential games among them. Here is the list along with a brief description from GameDaily.

#10 Herzon Zwei (Sega Genesis)
"Produced by the same team that made the Thunder Force shooting games, Zwei combines two styles into one engaging experience -- real-time strategy and solid shooting action."

#9 Company of Heroes (PC)
"THQ perfected the art of the RTS with Company of Heroes. In it, players direct their factions into specific sections, setting them up for combat and dominating the enemy any way they can."

#8 Romance of the Three Kingdoms & Dynasty Warriors
"Players dominate China between the second and third centuries, using smarts to keep their armies alive while also defending their territories."

#7 General Chaos (Sega Genesis)
"Up to four players choose sides and then fight it out using various soldiers, ranging from grenade-lobbying grunts to flame-thrower carrying bad-asses. Players new to the game can enroll in a Boot Camp mode, to learn the basics of combat."

#6 Gears of War (Xbox 360)
"In Gears of War, a fight breaks out between the well-armed Delta Squad and the nasty aliens, the Locust Horde."

#5 Resistance: Fall of Man (PlayStation 3)
"Sony rewrote World War II with the enthralling shooter Resistance: Fall of Man, introducing a deadly alien threat that replaces those evil Nazis."

#4 Medal of Honor (multi platform)
"EA's Medal of Honor series has only gotten better and better, culminating with this week's release of Medal of Honor: Airborne. This latest chapter looks intense, with players able to parachute right into enemy territory and complete missions any way they see fit."

#3 Call of Duty
"Not to be outdone by EA's Medal of Honor series, Activision struck a chord with its Call of Duty franchise. It got attention with Call of Duty 2 on the Xbox 360, one of the better games for the system's launch."

#2 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
"In this game, players take back Mexico during a crisis, averting nuclear terror and taking out plenty of opposition along the way."

#1 Combat (Atari, Atari 2600)
"Packed with the Atari 2600, Combat keeps things simple, with player versus player in an all-out fight for supremacy. Using planes and tanks through multiple variations, players find themselves utilizing a number of skills to get the precious kill."

Manhunt 2 Update

The Manhunt 2 is the most controversial video game nowadays. It was originally rated AO (Adults Only) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and scheduled to be released in July 2007, but was suspended due to some rating controversies. As a result, the game's developer, Rockstar modified the game and rated and will be launched in the U.S. later this October. ESRB rated the game as M for Mature, and some institutions are not happy about this rating.

Take the Common Sense Media for instance. The institute's CEO, James Steyer has released a statement regarding ESRB's decision to change the rating of Manhunt 2 to M, from its original rating AO.

Check out what James Steyer's statement:

“While we have recognized the ESRB in the past for its positive efforts to increase parental awareness of video game ratings, we take serious issue with the board’s recent decision to reduce Rockstar Games’ Manhunt 2 from an AO rating to an M rating without providing any rationale for the change.

“By all available accounts, Manhunt 2 is the most brutally violent game ever produced for wide release, including intense, realistic scenes of mutilation and even castration. Unfortunately, given Rockstar’s history of creating and selling irresponsibly violent and graphic content – you need look no further than Grand Theft Auto and the infamous Hot Coffee incident for evidence – this isn’t a surprise. Parents have probably come to expect bad behavior from Rockstar – but they deserve better from the ESRB.

“It is clear that by lowering the rating, the ESRB has all but ensured that the game will be marketed and sold through channels popular with kids and teens – and, despite industry claims to the contrary, kids under 17 can and do purchase M-rated games. Before Manhunt 2 is released for sale, parents deserve an explanation – they need to know the facts about this grossly violent game before it goes on the market.

“By failing to explain their decision and, in turn, provide the transparency that consumers need if they are to trust the ESRB’s ratings, the board threatens to undermine a ratings system that has many positive aspects and that could serve as an important tool for parents.”

Whew! strong words from the Mr. Steyer. Anyway, I got to check for some Volvo window regulator on the web. Watch out for other Manhunt 2 and other gaming updates in this blog.

185,000 Peeps Visit 2007 GC

The Games Convention (GC), an annual event for the video gaming industry held in Leipzig Exhibition center in Germany once again broke the record for 2007 in terms of figures. The event gathered a total of 185,000 visitors with 503 exhibitors and over 3,300 journalists from 46 countries.

According to Josef Rahmen, Managing Director of the Leipziger Messe:
"The GC 2007 has exceeded all of our targets. A high degree of satisfaction can be seen, not only amongst exhibitors and trade visitors, but also amongst the general public. This result underscores once again why the GC, as Europe's leading fair in the industry, has an ideal home in Leipzig."

Peggy Schönbeck, GC Project Director also commented:
"I'm delighted that our new hall concept proved to be a success. The expansion of the GC Business Center, the new hall layout and the incorporation of the outdoor area all led to a marked increase in the quality of the fair experience. The expansion of the GC family area is a sign of our increased focus upon families. We have been supported in this by the industry itself, which is paying increasing attention to the field of Family Entertainment. The best proof of this is the rise in average age and growing number of female visitors."

GC not only showcase video games. The event also covers other fields like information and entertainment, hardware, and other information/entertainment softwares.

Olaf Wolters, Managing Director of German Federal Association for Interactive Entertainment Software concluded: "Once again, the GC 2007 was a successful, excellent fair. We achieved all of the objectives that we had set ourselves in advance. The new hall concept proved to be a success. Both trade visitors and private visitors found conditions improved by the increase in surface area and new layout of the halls. I am particularly pleased with the rise in interest in the GC family. Once again, the professional co-operation with the Leipziger Messe meant that our trade fair was even more of a success. I am highly satisfied with the result and look forward to welcoming people back to Leipzig next year."

In addition, the organizers of the event expect to draw more people next year. Well, I'll try to upgrade my Acura exhaust system while waiting for 2008 GC.

Speed Racer Game in Development

In connection with the upcoming Speed Racer movie directed by the Wachowski brothers, Warner Bros. Interactive has also announced that it will launch a Speed Racer game in 2008 that will be published in several gaming platforms including PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo DS. The game will be released during the premiere of the Speed Racer movie.

Warner Bros. said the game will allow players to play the role of the characters in the film and drive their signature car models. As expected, the game will feature some racing events that and the players' goal is to win every race, obviously. Well, I just wish I could drive a Saab sports car model equipped with Saab motor mount in this game. LOL!

Warner Bros. described the game as "car-fu style of action". Samantha Ryan, Warner development and production senior VP commented: "Speed Racer is an exceptionally creative property and teamed with the Wachowski brothers’ vision it makes for action-packed racing gameplay. The game will capture the intensity of the racing in the film to give gamers and movie fans a chance to take the wheel after they experience the film.”

Joel Silver, producer of the Speed Racer film also commented: “We are very excited about this natural extension from the Speed Racer film to the videogame. Larry and Andy are videogame fans themselves, so they believe that an interactive game is a key component to the entire Speed Racer experience."

As for me, I just cant wait to get my hands on PS2, insert the Speed Racer game, and start racing. Whoosh!

Ten Best Shooting Games of 2007

I'm a fan of first-person shooting (FPS) games. I mean it feels so damn great when you shoot your enemy's head (Whatever they may be. Aliens, humanoids, etc.) and tear their body apart with your bullets. Anyway, since FPS games are one of my fave game genre, let me share you something I got from browsing Game Daily's website (www.gamedaily.com).

Game Daily featured 10 of the best FPS games this 2007. Check them out!

Bioshock
"The spiritual successor the System Shock 2 takes players to an underwater city called Rapture, where science without restraint has run amok and the survivors have mutated themselves into abominations."

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
"Out of the past and into the present, Call of Duty moves past the World War II and heads straight into the War on Terror."

Crysis
"Gamers will finally be able to put their high-powered gaming computers to the test with the most technologically sophisticated game to come out in 2007. "

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
"Most were automatically sold on the fact that it's a new Quake game-related game."

Gears of War PC
"Xbox 360 players broke in Gears of War and made it a required game for the console system."

Halo 3
"Here's a game that needs absolutely no introduction. The story of the Master Chief and the war between humanity, the Covenant and the Flood that threatens to exterminate all life in the galaxy will be concluded."

Half-Life 2 - The Orange Box
"The orange box includes five games in one! This monster sized package includes the original Half-Life 2, Episodes 1 & 2, the highly anticipated Team Fortress 2."

Left4Dead
"Play as a team, and you might survive. Go at it alone and you'll die."

Medal of Honor: Airborne
"Call of Duty might have gone to modern times, but Medal of Honor isn't through with World War II just yet."

Unreal Tournament 3
"The third installment of the legendary Unreal Tournament franchise will be hitting the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, so there's no excuse to be left out of the online frag-fest."

So these are the 10 best FPS games according to Game Daily. Play some of these games if you want. Anyway, I got to go and look for GMC mud flap online.