Triple Entente Radio

Tales of Monkey Island -- Chapter 1: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal Review (PC Games)

2009-07-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, LucasArts's Monkey Island games were distinctly known for their charm, wit, and graphics. When the genre began to slow down and its popularity decreased, so did the production of Monkey Island games, with the latest entry in the series being released back in 2000. However, with Telltale's recent revival of the point-and-click adventure games, LucasArts has decided that perhaps it's time to bring back Monkey Island, and give Telltale the reigns to create a five-episode Monkey Island adventure series. So, will playing Episode One be like finding buried treasure, or should Telltale walk the plank? Read on to find out.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW

REVIEW: Sam & Max Save the World (XBLA)

2009-07-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

It seems that only one company, Telltale Games, truly understands what episodic gaming is---they are the only company to deliver their episodes promptly (within a reasonable timeframe), and pack in enough gameplay to satisfy their fans until next month. It is through this “mastery” of episodic gaming that Telltale has once again made themselves a well-known game developer. And their continuing success can be heavily attributed to one key series: Sam and Max.

READ FULL REVIEW HERE

Last.fm free for gold XBL subscribers, 3 hours per month for silver users

2009-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last month during their E3 Keynote, Microsoft announced that Last.fm service would be coming to Xbox Live. But, Microsoft never gave any details during E3 as to the availability of the service to Gold members only or both Gold and Silver members. Well lucky for us, Christina DeRosa, general manager for XBL shared who the service will be available to.

"Silver users will be able access what we're considering a trial period of three hours a month, which comes with video advertising. Gold users will have unlimited ad-supported access, so they can use it 24 hours a day. There will also be a premium offering on a subscription basis from Last.fm, that will be commercial free and will also have more sophisticated personalization features, like Loved Tracks."

There you have it. Currently Last.fm's fee is $3.00 US (€3 EU or £3 GBP) per month. If you want the ad-free, full access service, you'll have to fork over an extra $36.00 a year. And if you haven't already got one, you will need to set up a FREE Last.fm account.

Steam Global Giveaway #1: Win a Copy of AudioSurf

2009-06-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Since our next Late To The Party game is currently being voted upon (and because we're cool), we here at Triple Entente Radio have decided to pass the time the best way we know how - by having a contest. This time around, a copy of AudioSurf (straight from Steam) is on the line. What do you have to do to win this? ~~E-Mail us at contests@triplententeradio.com telling us what game you think should be on the next LTTP Poll?~~ E-Mail us at contests@triplententeradio.com with the subject line - "AudioSurf 4 Free". The 14th E-Mail we receive with the aforementioned subject line wins. Be sure to check all the rules below before entering. Good luck.

The Rules:
- One lucky winner (Chosen at random) will receive a copy of AudioSurf for the PC - via Steam. (Approximate retail value is $10 USD).
- The winner will be notified via E-Mail and must respond within 7 days of the end of the contest. If the winner does not respond within that given time, an alternate winner will be chosen.
- You may only enter once. If you enter more than once you are automatically disqualified.
- Contest is open to people ages 13 and older, who currently reside in any of the following countries: (US, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Poland, Brazil, Portugal, Russia, China, Spain, Sweden, Mexico or Thailand).
- ~~Entries can be submitted until July 6, 2009 11:59 PM PST US. Any entries submitted after that time will not be entered.~~ Entries can be submitted until we determine a winner, where upon we will post the winner's name and country of origin.
- Contestants must have a Steam Account.

[Editors Note: Due to low entry numbers, certain aspects of the contest have changed. Check the rules above.]

Reminder - Late To The Party #2 Poll is still up!

2009-06-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hey remember that LTTP poll we've had up for a while now? Yeah, well the thing is we need more votes. So please vote using the poll directly to the left, if you already haven't, so we can pick a winner. (Please....)

TE Radio - E3 2009 (6/13/09)

2009-06-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

In this special E3 2009 episode (Will's first podcast as a host):

Will, Dan (UNG - http://www.unnamedgaming.com/) and Linkthelegend (former 1uppers Podcast host) break down each of the main E3 2009 press conferences (Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo) and talk about the biggest E3 09 news (Project Natal and much more!)

So enjoy and remember to check out the blog - http://www.triplententeradio.com/

Comments can be sent to podcast@triplententeradio.com

Music is provided by Dan McKenney and Mike D.C. (www.myspace.com/mikedc360)

TE Radio is part of The Triple Entente Network (http://www.triplententenetwork.com/)

E3 2009: Mario Galaxy 2 Unveiled

2009-06-02T21:38:00.001-07:00

During its press conference earlier today, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announced something every hardcore Nintendo fan was waiting to hear, a sequel to Mario Galaxy. Footage from Mario Galaxy 2 was shown during the press event, which looked very nice. And yes, this time Yoshi will be playable. No release date was announced.

Source - D&W Reviews

E3 2009: Fallout 3's Point Lookout DLC coming June 23

2009-06-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

According to a Bethesda representative at E3, the next Fallout 3 DLC installment - Point Lookout will be dropping June 23. Start saving those Microsoft Points, because this Fallout 3 DLC pack looks good!

E3 2009: Netflix on Xbox 360 to receive update soon

2009-06-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today during Microsoft’s E3 press event, it was stated that Netflix on the Xbox 360 will receive a future (minor) update, which will allow users to browse through categories and add films from the Xbox 360 dashboard. (Currently, you have to use a computer to add films). We’ll update as soon as receive more details about this update.

E3 2009: Last.fm Coming to Xbox Live

2009-06-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

The "social music community" Last.fm will be coming to Xbox Live later this year. The announcement came during Microsoft's E3 2009 press event. Microsoft stated that the internet-based service which recommends what music a person might listen to - will be incorporated into the Xbox 360 dashboard and will carry no additional charges for Live users. (Not enough information has been released at this point to know if this feature will be available to Gold members only, or both Gold and Silver members).

E3 2009: Crackdown 2 Announced for Xbox 360

2009-06-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Crackdown 2 was confirmed by Microsoft during its E3 2009 press conference. The game, which had been rumored for quite some time now, was shown in trailer form.

The short clip - which was an in-game cinematic, showed a monster emerging from a sewer. The visuals in the video looked a little more realistic the original Crackdown. Also another confirmed rumor, is that Crackdown 2 is being developed by Ruffian Games (A mish-mash of former Realtime Worlds staff, who developed the first title). No official release date was mentioned.

E3 2009: Halo 3: ODST Drops September 22

2009-06-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Get ready! Because earlier today during Microsoft's E3 press conference, it was announced that Halo 3: ODST will come out September 22, 2009. (With a little bonus inside!)

E3 2009: Bungie Announces Halo: Reach, beta to be included with Halo: ODST

2009-06-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Shown briefly at Microsoft’s E3 2009 press event, was a teaser trailer for Halo: Reach. The game (a collaboration between Microsoft and Bungie) is due to be released in 2010. However, if you buy a copy of Halo 3: ODST, you automatically gain entry to the Halo: Reach Xbox Live multiplayer beta. Buying a copy of Halo 3: ODST (once it comes out) just got a lot more enticing.

Pre-E3 2009: Sony Predictions

2009-05-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

With E3 2009 mere days away, D&W Reviews has yet again decided to create a list of predictions for what we think Sony will announce at their E3 press conference. So, enjoy!

W's Predictions:

PSP Go is Announced: Rumors have been circulating that Sony’s next handheld will be announced at their E3 Press Conference. It is also rumored that the PSP Go will have a touch-screen interface and no UMD drive. (Personally we wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up on Tuesday). Update – PSP Go is a go!

PS3 Price Drop: This is bound to happen. Sony not dropping the price on the PlayStation 3 at this point would be mean more slumping sales. With the Wii still selling strong in retail and the Xbox 360 having been priced well below the PS3 for ages now, expect Sony to shred $50 - $100 off its console, around E3 time.

Something new from Team ICO: It’s been close to four years now since Shadow of the Colossus was released into retail and everyone knows Team ICO is working a new project. With Sony needing to come out guns blazing at their press event, it would seem inevitable that Team ICO shed some light on their new project.

God of War III Gets Dated and Demo’d: Every hardcore Sony fan wants to see more God of War III. What better a way to show off the game, than for Sony to release and demo and announce a release date. (We’re counting on you Sony!)

PSP Gets Trophy Support: PSP trophy support has been a hot topic ever since it was suggested by Sony a few months back. If Sony wants to really go all in, than trophy support for the PSP is not too far down on the list.

Source - D&W Reviews

Pre-E3 2009: PSP Go Confirmed

2009-05-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

It appears that one of Sony’s biggest cats is out of out of the bag. Yes, that’s right – The highly-rumored PSP Go is real! All thanks to a leaked episode of Qore, in which host Veronica Belmont talks to SCEA Director of Hardware John Koller in the past-tense about E3 while getting hand-on time with the PSP Go. Here are some details about the PSP Go from the Qore Episode:

- The PSP Go has a slide function, that reveals the D-Pad, Select button, Start button, and traditional PSP face buttons.
- The screen is 3.8 inches.
- Will include a Memory Stick micro slot and be Bluetooth compatible, so you can use a headset as well as link it to your cell phone.
- It is 44 percent lighter than the PSP-3000 and has no UMD drive.
- The unit comes with 16 gigabytes of internal flash memory.

The episode also featured a first look at LittleBigPlanet Portable, as well as a confirmation from Koller that a new Metal Gear Solid and Gran Turismo are coming to the PSP.

Koller also said that the PSP Go will not be replacing the PSP-3000, but will simultaneously retail together. He stated that Sony will continue to support both downloadable and retail-based games. Koller expects the PSP Go units to begin shipping this fall.
Source - D&W Reviews

Pre-E3 2009: Microsoft Predictions

2009-05-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

With E3 2009 mere days away, D&W Reviews has yet again decided to create a list of predictions for what we think Microsoft will announce at their E3 press conference. So, enjoy!

W's Predictions:

Motion Camera for the Xbox 360: Rumors have repeatedly surfaced, about a motion sensing device for the Xbox 360. The Wall Street Journal reported that a motion sensing 3D camera is set to be unveiled by Microsoft in the near future. (E3 2009? We think so). It will supposedly be more accurate than both the PlayStation Eye Toy and the Microsoft Vision Camera. The motion sensing 3D camera, will record player’s movements with more of a robust set of features. Look for this one to be shown off at the press conference.

New Lionhead IP: Lionhead’s own Fable II has been out for quite some time now. (Recently being complemented with two DLC’s: Knothole Island and See the Future). So what would Peter Molyneux be working on now? Whatever it is (Non-Fable Project, we believe), it’s likely to show up at the Press Conference.

Something BIG from Microsoft: Directly quoting Microsoft’s Senior VP of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick - "Microsoft is gearing up for a big presence at E3 which will completely transform how people think about home entertainment. We're excited about the momentum that is building in the industry in anticipation of our June 1st media briefing, which will kick off E3 in blockbuster style." Is this an indication of something big to come from Microsoft, or just some hyped up talk? (We’ll have to wait and see!)

New Xbox 360 Bundles: Traditionally, Microsoft has kept the masses happy with new Xbox 360 bundles coming out pretty regularly. (Halo 3 bundle and Game of the Year bundle to name a few). What better time or place for Microsoft to announce a new one. (We here at D&W Reviews are personally hoping for a Halo 3: ODST Bundle!)

Alan Wake Dated: We haven’t seen a whole lot from Alan Wake since the developer of the game (Remedy) first talked about it. Since then only bits and pieces have emerged. E3 2009 would be the perfect time for Remedy to pull the curtains back and show off Alan Wake. Even better announce a release date for the game. (We’ve got our fingers crossed!)

New Primetime Titles: As the anticipation builds for the first Primetime Title launching (1vs100), talk has arisen about the possibility of more Primetime Titles being announced. (We can’t think of a better place than E3 to show off these new titles). We could easily see a few new Primetime Titles being announced. (Monday can’t come fast enough!)
Source - D&W Reviews

Rockstar Announces GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony DLC Expansion

2009-05-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

The second iteration of Rockstar's GTA IV downloadable expansions has been revealed. The next DLC entitled "The Ballad of Gay Tony" puts you in the shoes of Luis Lopez, a full time assistant to nightclub manager Tony Prince (also known as "Gay Tony"). In it, players will "struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price." "The Ballad of Gay Tony" will hit Xbox Live this fall for $19.99.

In addition, "The Ballad of Gay Tony" DLC will appear alongside "The Lost and Damned" DLC in a new retail disc, titled Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. The disc wont contain the core GTA IV game - but at the same time won't require GTA IV to play. It will hit retail this fall, selling at a reasonable $39.99.

REVIEW: Okami (Wii)

2009-05-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

The art-inspired graphics in Okami is breathtaking. The game is set to an
oriental woodblock painting style that reflects aesthetic vibrancy. Every step
Ammy takes, patches of blooming greenery sprout from the rapid trails she leaves
and pink petals flow in the easy breeze of cherry blossom villages and cities.
The fields are wild, the forests are shroud in the mystery of canopy shades, and
the shores are sunny and stretch the eye to the long sea, where the sun rises
and sets. All these beauties are easily captured with the excellent 360-degree
up-down camera rotation in the game. Of course, this is only viewable after the
lands have been revived, which makes doing just that even more of a delight. The
people in the game, appear very cartoony, but are actually artistically distinct
because of the style of art the developers chose to use. Characters have no
mouths and when they talk, their chins just stretch, giving off a charming
effect. These artistic decisions in no way detract from the game whatsoever. The
graphics seem pretty decent for the Wii; however, I’ve never played the PS2
version from which I’ve heard has sharper images and text. I found the graphics
for the Wii to be exceptional overall.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW

PSP firmware version 5.50 will add Information Board and more

2009-04-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

As time goes by, more and more features find their way from the PS3 to the PSP. Such is the case with the upcoming PSP firmware update (5.50). The update will add an "Information Board" to the XMB, which will allow PSP users to quickly access news bits about the latest additions to the PlayStation Store.

Also, the firmware update will allow users to create and access sub-folders on the Memory Stick, to help organize all their multimedia data (music, photos, and videos). Check out the full list of improvements the new firmware update brings below:

Memory Stick improvements – You’ll be able to create and access sub-folders on your Memory Stick PRO Duo for music, videos and photos. Separately, the available space required to download a file from PlayStation Store to your Memory Stick has been reduced significantly.

Internet search for games directly from the XMB – You’ll be able to easily search the Internet for information about your PSP games. Select the icon for the game, hit the Triangle button, and then select [Internet Search] from the options menu to get search results based on the game title. This feature was added to PS3 with the recent 2.70 update.

Trend Micro trial – PSP’s Internet browser is a great tool for checking out your favorite Web sites on the go, and we’re teaming up with the Internet security experts at Trend Micro to make the Web browsing experience safer and more secure. With the 5.50 update, you’ll have the option to access a free trial of two Trend Micro services:

Trend Micro Web Security uses Web reputation technology to block PSP owners from accidentally visiting a Web site that may contain malicious content designed to steal personal information and confidential data.

Trend Micro Kids’ Safety uses URL filtering technology to prevent children from accessing Web sites that feature inappropriate content.

PS2 Price Drop

2009-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today, Sony officially announced that they plan to drop the price on their PlayStation 2 console, from $129.99 to $99.99 starting tomorrow (April 1, 2009), confirming earlier rumors of a drop in the system's price.

According to Jack Tretton, SCEA president and CEO: "PlayStation 2 set the industry standard for worldwide mass market adoption and is a clear embodiment of Sony's commitment to platforms that deliver 10-year product lifecycles. It's a tribute to outstanding technology,
great consumer value and unprecedented development support that we've now been
able to do twice what no one else has ever accomplished."

Since its launch on October 26, 2000, the PlayStation 2 has sold over 136 million units worldwide and has 1,900 titles in its library. If you don't have a PS2 yet, it looks like tomorrow is the time to buy one.

[D&W Reviews]

Mega Man 2 comes to the iPhone, iPod Touch

2009-03-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Mega Man is back ~~(in black)~~! You can now download Mega Man II off the App Store for $5. The iPhone/iPod Touch port includes a virtual arcade stick and two (L & R) buttons. We personally hope it's as precise as the previous Mega Man's have been!

GDC 2009: Behold 'The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks'

2009-03-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Announced at Nintendo's GDC 2009 Keynote, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (title is tentative) has everyone's favorite adventurer back for a new DS game. The debut trailer shown at the Keynote reveals that Link will use a new mode of transportation to get around in: a train. Seeing that the train is equipped with a cannon, it's safe to say Link's upcoming "on-rails shooter" adventure will be a first for the franchise. Even better, it's due to be released later this year.

GDC 2009: Assassin's Creed for the iPhone a couple months away

2009-03-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

According to Gameloft, Assassin's Creed will find its way onto the iPhone "end of April, early May". The game has been pushed back to that timeframe because of a developmental issue. A price has yet to be announced. Gameloft has also stated the mobile market has been "getting old and dry," but the iPhone has jump-started the market. The statement has held true, especially for Gameloft's iPhone games such as The Oregon Trail, Hero of Sparta and Asphalt 4 Elite.

GDC 2009: Rolando 2: The Quest for the Golden Orchid and Rolando 3 Announced

2009-03-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Developer ngmoco announced today (at GDC 2009), that there will be two sequels to the cherished iPhone gem Rolando. Rolando 2: The Quest for the Golden Orchid will drop in June, followed by the distinctly titled, Rolando 3 in November. This news closely follows the comments made by the game's creator, Simon Oliver, who ensured "more activity on the Rolando front" through this year. Besides the two sequels, ngmoco also has future plans to release a pack of 20 new levels for the original game.

Halo Wars Sells a Million, Ex-Ensemble Employees Rejoice

2009-03-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

This piece of news is guaranteed to put a smile on every former employee of Ensemble Studios' face. Halo Wars has sold a million copies worldwide. That milestone makes Halo Wars the best selling real-time strategy game on any current-gen console. Check out the stats below:

2.6 million multiplayer matches so far.

118 years of time have been spent by players in matches on Xbox Live as of now.

More than 200,000 players battle each day.

Makes the upcoming DLC provided by Robot Entertainment, all that much better!