Rumour: Gamespot editor fired over a negative review

[Update] - Gamespot's owner company, CNET, has released an official comment which states, "we [at CNET] stand behind the editorial content that our teams produce on a daily basis." For the full story follow this link to Joystiq.

Since news has spread of the firing of Jeff Gerstmann, an editor and senior game reviewer for Gamespot.com, most of the game journalism world has been flipped upside-down. Recent updates have stated that Gerstmann's termination was confirmed and the reason for his termination still a mystery, but rumours are spreading.

According to Kotaku.com, the rumour heard is as follows:

According to the source, Gerstmann was fired "on the spot" due to advertiser pressure for his [6.0 out of 10] review of Eidos' Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. A visit to Gamespot shows that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game has taken over the site very prominently, with backgrounds and multiple banner ads all pitching Kane & Lynch. Allegedly, publisher Eidos "took issue with the review and threatened to pull its ad campaign."

Now that the situation has been explained, a media outlet should always be objective and never -- I repeat -- NEVER should it give in to advertisers or put it's journalists on the chopping block. While searching other sites I read comments from readers that were never fans of Jeff due to his allegedly bad reviews, most noticeably the disagreement to his 8.8 review score of Wii's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

In all honesty, I agree with the 8.8 score for Twilight Princess. The game did nothing to revolutionize the franchise and I still believe it was little more than a cleaner Ocarina of Time. Some fans of the game believed that the review was poorly executed and should have deserved a near-perfect score. There was even demands that the game be reviewed a second time by another reviewer, but Gamespot stood by Jeff's decision without fail ... until now.

My respect for Gamespot has been destroyed, not once did I think that they would buckle to an advertiser. Guess we were proven wrong and that's a damn shame.

- R

Read full history - Rumour: Gamespot editor fired over a negative review

Living in a video game would probably be like this ...

While performing my daily rounds at game news site, I came across a video at Joystiq.com. In short, the video is about a guy named ... well, Guy and his realization that he is actually living in a video game world - hence the series' name, Life in a Game.

So far only three episodes (the last being the second part of episode two) have followed Guy's acceptance of living in a video game and him trying to do something about it. I'm trying my best not to give too much away because I appreciated every reference and I know - if you've been into gaming as long as I have - you will too.

Life in a Game just spews out game references repeatedly, but does it in such a serious yet humorous manner that it reminds me of the Street Fighter: The Later Years series. Whether it's referencing, Pokemon, DDR, Diablo, Mario, Mortal Kombat or whatever, this series has definitely won me over.

So as not to take any more of your time away, I'll provide the first episode above and the links to Episode 2-1 and Episode 2-2. Enjoy and, if you like it, try to promote further videos of this quality because it's always fun to see what gamers with a video camera and a editing software can do.

- R

Read full history - Living in a video game would probably be like this ...

Better late than never, Hitman movie reviewed

Blood, bullets and beauties - It's the perfect formula for an action film and that's exactly what Hitman brings to the big screen. Based off of the Hitman video game series, Agent 47, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, must figure out why he has ended up on the wrong side of a gun. Filled with intense gunfights that have you tracking multiple shootouts at once and wondering how one man can survive it, Hitman proves that Hollywood is finally catching on to what video game movies are all about.

Don't shrug off this holiday-flick if you are not a fan of the game or if your significant other is not interested. In fact, Mrs. SS said that she liked it and that she couldn't believe how well they portrayed the character identical to his digital counterpart. Olyphant not only mimics 47's bad ass attitude and unsettling comfort for extreme violence, but he also mimics the agent's stiff movement that we've all come to love from the bald and bar coded assassin.

Did that "stiffness" make the movie seem less realistic? Maybe, but who really expects to see a video game movie portrayed realistically? It's a movie based off of an assassin who enters a room chock-full of baddies and somehow leaves it without having to reload once, which is exactly what you should expect from a video game movie.

Hitman is one of those movies that makes you forget about past atrocities like Street Fighter and gives us gamers hope for the future. Now if only the Van Damme nightmares will end and the sweet bullet-ridden Hitman ones begin.

- R

Read full history - Better late than never, Hitman movie reviewed

Level One Blogger & Level 17 Gamer

It's only been a few months since Select-Start was created and even though it is still in it's beginning stages, I'm proud of what's been accomplished so far.

But as I am obviously not a blogging expert yet, I wasn't sure if I could consider myself a video game expert. What actually determines when someone can be called an "expert" in their field? For example, I have been playing video games since I was six-years-old, so does roughly 17 years of playing video games make me an "expert?"

Since there is no one else to argue my point, I'll provide myself with a self-rebuttal. As a reporter, I've interviewed actual artists, producers and developers involved in video game projects and I can say that those people knew their field far better than I could ever.

I could easily ask any one of those gamers I see waiting outside of my local Gamestop before a midnight release and I bet at least half of them are just as tuned to the video game world as I am. Whether they read media outlets A to Z and play more than 30 hours a week of gaming (like I do) those guys are game "experts" in their own right.

So my point is ... um, what was I whining about? I forgot already. Oh well, I guess I can move on to my next problem, which is whether or not I still have beer in my fridge. God I hope so, it would definitely wash these earlier problems away. C-ya.

- R

Read full history - Level One Blogger & Level 17 Gamer

Street Fighter IV's trailer gets dissected

If you haven't already seen the Street Fighter IV trailer, shame on you. But since it is the season of giving, here is a link to it.

Well, since some of us have been wondering what will make this SF differ from the previous ten models, the folks at GameTrailers were nice enough to try and break down what the SF IV might be bringing us.

Looks like it's about that time to dust off Capcom vs. SNK EO and tune-up my moves with Ken. Maybe this time around, I can finally beat my brother - the bastard has always beat me and I still have yet to win.

Are there any Street Fighter gods I can pray to or maybe even make a sacrifice to ... Hmm, I wonder if sacrificing your first-born is still frowned upon?

- R

Read full history - Street Fighter IV's trailer gets dissected

I'll never let you go, Xbox 360. Never!

So after having someone look at my Xbox 360 and replace the laser, the video game gods still did not smile down on me. Here I am with an game system that can't do what it was built to do and no money to at least buy a replacement.

'Tis a dark day, but my hopes are not lost yet. I have been searching eBay for a new drive and I think I may have found a suitable donor. I just hope that it isn't a scam or an already broken drive meant for spare parts..

Just in case, I think I'll stop by the mall and ask Santa for a new Xbox 360, I've been good this year ... mostly.

- R

Read full history - I'll never let you go, Xbox 360. Never!

Survey shows that most stores ignore game ESRB ... no shocker there

I know most of us will be only a few minutes from entering a kind of "turkey-comatose" state, but the news never stops and things need to be reported so ...

According to a survey done by the East County Youth Advocacy Coalition (ECYAC), a group of high school-aged youths from San Diego, nearly 50 percent of video game retailers surveyed allowed underage youths to purchase M-rated games.

According to a quote from the San Diego Union-Tribune:

During a two-month undercover survey of more than 60 stores countywide, 46 percent sold video games rated M for 'Mature' to teens younger than 18, said Shontey Hambrick, adult adviser to the East County Youth Coalition.

Unfortunately, this means more bad news for the video game industry and even more if this reaches the desk of a certain attorney.

This will definitely start more arguments on how much actual parenting are parents doing and what can we do to make incompetent retailers follow the law? It's saddening because it's actions like these that keep making M-rated games get repeatedly censored for us adult gamers.

So stop gawking at the girl that walked in the game store - yes women play video games too - and pay more attention to the seven-year-old buying Gore-tacular III: The Impaling ... or something like that.

- R

* Destructiod: Almost 50% of stores ignore ESRB ratings, according to undercover survey

Read full history - Survey shows that most stores ignore game ESRB ... no shocker there

Rise of the Video Game series

Seems a little late since the series aired earlier today, but for those of us who can catch a repeat showing, Discovery is airing a five part special on the history of video games titled Rise of the Video Game.

I am watching it as I write this and I have to say it is pretty cool to finally see a documentary on our favorite hobby. And to make it even better, it is only level one - which is what each segment is titled - out of five.

The show is currently covering the very beginning of gaming, even before the Pong days! Anyways, the show is back on and I'm missing it so make sure you catch it when you can.

- R

* Rise of the Video Game: Discovery Channel

Read full history - Rise of the Video Game series

Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 given the green light

IGN reports that, Ubisoft Montreal, creators of Rainbow Six: Vegas, has announced that a sequel to the Vegas shooter is slated for a March 2008 release.

For those of you who haven't played the game, let me tell you it's a good game. I have always been a fan of the FPS genre and played my fair share of low-budget titles, but Rainbow Six: Vegas was one of the best shooters I've ever played.

One aspect that I have always admired in shooters is the ability to give orders to your teammates.
I don't know if it is because it gives me a sense of ownership over the team or because it makes me hold back that "Rambo-esque" ego I get when playing FPS'.

You know that feeling, right? When you decide there is nothing more strategic than just rushing in, screaming and emptying your clip on everything that moves in the room. Well, that feeling is instead replaces with me screaming orders to my teammates and at the same time yelling, "Don't you die on me, DAMN IT," to the fallen ones.

Anyways, can't wait for it. Although I'm sure my girlfriend will see things otherwise, when I'm yelling at 2 or 3 o'clock at night.

- R

* Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 Announced

Read full history - Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 given the green light

Rumor: Bruce Wayne's fate is looking grim

Now I know that this is not game-related news, but I figured that this story is interesting and should be shared.

Warning: This is a RUMOR and not much other information has been released to confirm.

According to www.joshshill.com, a news blog, there have been multiple reports that DC's son of Gotham, Bruce Wayne, is destined to die in the coming year. The site states that the new story arc will have one of the great heroes - which consists of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and others - will bid his/her farewell to the mortal world and become one of the New Gods, a sort of deity over the DC Universe.

According to [Valerie] D’Orazio [of the blog, Occasional Superheroine], rumor had it that the DC universe was going to promote all their number one’s, presumably including Bruce Wayne, Superman, Wonder Woman, among others. However Johnston in last week’s Lying in the Gutters column said that DC had abandoned promoting the entirety of the roster, and reduced it to be only Bruce Wayne.

The rumor also stated that one of the earlier Robins, Jason Todd, better known as the Robin killed in the A Death in the Family story arc, will be taking over the cape and cowl of Batman. DC has recently reintroduced Todd into the DC Universe through one of it's "unusual" revival plots and has thus cemented him back into the Batman universe.

Whether or not this story arc goes through, I can say that there is no better hero in my mind than Batman. Sure I have been a Marvel Comics fan a long time, but there has been no better excitement while reading a comic than just experiencing the coolness and "badassery" that the world's greatest detective gives to readers.

If the story line does comes to pass, then maybe it was about time the original bat is given his overdue vacation from protecting the dark streets of Gotham. And if not ... well, it's always fun to have him around keeping the other "supers" in check.

- R

* The Ascension of a Batman

Read full history - Rumor: Bruce Wayne's fate is looking grim

Hooray, free Psychonauts on GameTap

I have not been able to give GameTap a try, but for those who do subscribe, the site has given an early gift in the form of Psychonauts. Now I have been able to play Psychonauts and let me say that it is one of the most remarkable games I have ever played.

What makes the game so memorable, in my opinion, is the concept of the game. You take control of Raz, a boy from the circus that has hopes of joining the elite psychic special agent force - the Psychonauts. While attending a psychic training facility, which resembles a summer camp, Raz must help his mentally-troubled friends by entering their minds and overcoming worlds relative to the owners personality.

Sound weird enough? Well, it is and damn it if it isn't fun! The game has wickedly awesome landscapes and a dark humor that makes this so-called "disturbing" game hilarious. If the mind belongs to a crazed war veteran, you enter a battlefield, if the mind belongs to a diabolical computer genius, then you're in a digital mainframe and if the mind belongs to Tom Cruise ... well, then that's just too damn scary.

Anyways, for those who haven't been able to play Psychonauts, or find it at the local game store, GameTap has it. And as an added bonus, the site has also released the first three Hitman titles for free.

Never played any of the Hitman games myself, but this might be the perfect chance. And during a time when money is a bit tight, all I can do is thank the video game gods.

- R

* Psychonauts on GameTap

Read full history - Hooray, free Psychonauts on GameTap

New Halo 3 maps releasing December 11th

If you've taken a short sabbatical from Halo 3 to get some Call of Duty 4 or Assassin's Creed time in, it looks like it's time to visit good 'ol Master Chief for some renewed fun. According to Microsoft, on December 11th there will be three new maps available for download.

The three maps titled Standoff, Foundry and Rat's Nest, will be available for 800 Microsoft Points, which translates to roughly ten dollars. Here is a description MS provided for the maps:

• The symmetrical valley of Standoff, with its entrenched bases and fields of boulders is ideal for mid-sized objective and Slayer game types.
• The vast, labyrinthine passages of the Rat's Nest bring something completely new to the multiplayer experience: an indoor vehicle paradise. Strongly influenced by the Campaign mode, this map is ideal for big team battles.
• Foundry is the ultimate Forge map. Players can edit every single object in this voluminous industrial warehouse, placing stairways, walls, bridges, and tunnels to create an entirely new play space and build almost any kind of map imaginable.

For those of us who can't afford to purchase the maps now, MS has stated that the maps will become available for free in Spring 2008, just prior to the next Halo 3 map release. Now if I can only get my Xbox 360's laser to read discs, then I'd be a happy camper. Bummer.

- R

* Microsoft Halo 3 Press Release

Read full history - New Halo 3 maps releasing December 11th

Black Friday is a'coming!

Loosen those belts and put on grandpa's stretchy pants because Thanksgiving is coming and it's time to put on that holiday weight to keep you warm for the winter. That's right folks, all the happiness that turkey, gravy and a pound of other food brings can only be beat by one thing - Black Friday sales.

What does that mean for us gamers? Well, a whole lot if your looking for the cheapest game deals, the best console bundles or maybe that new "fantastical" HDTV you've been waiting to get so you can see Halo 3 in all it's pixelated majesty.

Anyways, here is a link to a list that yours truly will go by this coming Friday. The list contains many of the sales to be had from stores such as, Best Buy, Circuit City, Target and of course Gamestop and EBgames. One that caught my attention was Gamestop's buy two, get one free on all USED games and all the other price drops that will be available on newer titles.

So make sure that you're filled to the brim and ready to wait in line because I will be waiting alongside with a lawn chair in tow. Oh and for the record, I will not save you a spot in line no matter how much money you give me ... although I do accept 7-Eleven Slurpees and maybe the occasional Krispy Kreme donut.

Don't you judge me!

- R

Read full history - Black Friday is a'coming!

A rainy day in the SS household

So I have had a rough week due to my Xbox 360's disc laser not recognizing games anymore. Unfortunately, I do not fall into the 3-year warranty and I am not ready to wait until the new millennium to get it back.

Do I try to just replace the DVD drive - since I have some computer experience and I have nothing to lose - or do I just purchase a new HDMI system and hope to the gods that it doesn't red ring?

I had a whole rant ready for you guys about Microsoft but that argument has been around the block ... a lot. So I'm sad, so upset with the console and I guess I'll have to accept that I love wasting money on faulty products.

- R

Read full history - A rainy day in the SS household

Marching band steals my heart!

I saw this video on Kotaku's daily news and I just had to share it. Blame me for posting this here, but if you're a gamer and haven't even heard of Kotaku - shame on you!

Anyways keeping this short, the band play classic tunes from Super Mario Bros., Tetris, Pokemon, Mortal Kombat, Legend of Zelda and other greats.

The performance is outstanding and kudos to the band. Congratulations on making a grown man tear. That doesn't make me less of a man does it because I am still trying to recover from a leather pants incident. Don't ask because I won't tell ... ever.

Read full history - Marching band steals my heart!

Print and the Internet - Best Friends Forever

When I first started SS (Select-Start) I wrote a story about a possible death of magazines due to the Internet. I believed at the time that maybe magazines would become less popular due to the accessibility and cost-free perk of Internet sites. And then something happened.

As I looked on my kitchen table for Monday's mail I saw it, my very first subscription copy of Electronic Gaming Monthly and for the first time in a long time I felt euphoria. And that feeling reassured me that magazines were here to stay. And I'll explain.

I have bought many magazine before, but this was my first subscription and I had been waiting weeks to see if I would actually receive it. And once I saw that new, shiny mag on the table I couldn't think of anything else but flipping through it. I realized right then that there was no better feeling then just thumbing through pages of a magazine and being able to take in all the design that not many websites can provide.

I read lots of my daily news online, but not many of the sites have the design aspect that pulls me in like magazines do and that just reinforced my dream to aim to have a career in both a publication print and online aspects. Hopefully.

I think people will still want to have that ownership feeling of a magazine or newspaper and I think that that feeling will make sure that print publication stays around. Print publication don't have to end, but instead just get with the times.

Adding online content isn't about giving up to the times, but instead just rolling with the punches and adapting to the world. Think about it, Darwin would be proud.

-R

Read full history - Print and the Internet - Best Friends Forever

Accents are funny, [insert laugh here]

I spend lots of time looking at game reviews for the sake of making a purchase. I usually head to my five main sites and in reading/watching each game review, I make the decision if the game is worth a buy.

Then there's the Escapist's Zero Punctuation game reviews.

Created by an Australian fellow named "Yahtzee" and filled with his satirical humor and obscene/innocent stick figure designs, he reviews each game and blatantly depicts his opinion.

Now let me say upfront that don't purchase anything solely going by his reviews, but I can say that sometimes his reviews ares spot on.

Anyways, enough of piling the sweets on Mr. Yahtzee. If you want to see for yourself, play the attached video for his review for Halo 3.

Read full history - Accents are funny, [insert laugh here]

Smash Bros. Brawl looking so much better!

So after looking at some upcoming game videos, I saw a great movie trailer for Smash Bros. Brawl and it made my excitement for the game shoot through the roof.

For example this video is about Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong chasing a group of Koopa's and Goomba's (Honestly, how do we say these names seriously?) whom have stolen the Kongs' banana stash.

There is also another video that has Diddy Kong being saved from a Rayquaza, a pokemon, by the space ace Fox McCloud. My favorite? Seeing Diddy Kong shoot those bullets with his coconut guns was just the icing on the cake.

Long story short, the game looks fun and the trailers look to be a good added feature. Can't wait to see it in action and can't wait to use Sonic in is super chaos emerald mode.

And here is the video for those who might have been living under a thomp all year and haven't seen the Sonic video or for those like me who just like to hear that song from Sonic Adventure.



- R

Read full history - Smash Bros. Brawl looking so much better!