In this episode we talk about Concole Attach Rates, The Next Halo Game, Portal Being Rejected for XBLA, the Return of Earthworm Jim and Splatterhouse, the Xbox Making a Profit, We Answer Your Listener Mail and More!

[MP3] Direct Download

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79:39, 45.6 MB, MP3

This week we have two gigantic releases and a movie tie-in game that actually looks pretty good. It’s a good time to be gamer.

Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

Already available, the latest entry in the Mario Kart series is the first to offer online play and uses the motion controls offered by the Wii. It also comes with the Wii Wheel for added “realism.” If you’re waiting for the three times a year to dust off your Wii and buy a game, this may be the second of those opportunities in 2008.

Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PS3) – Pick of the Week

GTA IV is the blockbuster game of the year. It is a must have and, if you want the entire game, you’ll want to pick up the Xbox 360 as that is the only place you’ll be able to get the exclusive DLC.

Iron Man (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS)

This movie tie-in may actually be worth the money as it gives you the free roaming and extreme weaponry that you want from an Iron Man game. If it were any other week it may be the pick of the week but if the other two games (for some reason) don’t float your boat then you may want to give this one a look.

What games are you picking up this week?

In this episode we talk about the March NPD Numbers, Mortal Kombat vs. DC, GTA IV DLC, Sony Delays Home Beta, COD4 Breaking Records, Guitar Hero IV Copying Rock Band, We Answer Your Listener Mail and More!

[MP3] Direct Download

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101:34, 58.2 MB, MP3

Ahead of a monster week, which will feature two of the year’s biggest releases, the new releases for this week are solid but not nearly on the level of next week’s releases.

NBA Ballers: Chosen One (Xbox 360, PS3) – Pick of the Week

Midway’s answer to the NBA Street series is more focused on the life of a star in the NBA and unless you’re interested in basketball and bling this is probably a pass. However, if that is exactly your type of thing, then this is assuredly the game for you.

Battle of the Bands (Wii)

A simplified version of Rock Band, which requires no extra peripherals, that also mashes different styles of music for players sounded like it would be a commercial hit but, with the recent announcement that Rock Band would indeed make it’s way to the Wii, there has been no marketing and little fanfare for this title. Wait for the real thing in May.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES (PS2)

This rerelease of Persona 3 features new content that can be continued with a save from the previous title or, if you’re a fan but no longer have your save, you can simply start with the new content. Probably would dive into a rerelease unless you’re a fan of the previous titles.

The World Ends With You (DS)

A brand new RPG from Square Enix that is exclusively on the DS but, unlike most other Square Enix RPGs, this one is set in modern Japan. If you’re interested in RPGs of the non-fantasy nature, this could be for you.

What games do you plan on picking up this week?

The Video Game Jocks are proud to announce that we are participating in a new contest called Unlock the Achievement. Those who participate must go to the website, sign up and then start searching for hidden icons on each of the over four dozen participating sites for a better chance at winning prizes such as “Xbox 360 Games, a 120 GB Hard Drive, Microsoft Points, Limited Edition T Shirts, Books… even a Dwayne Wade Autographed and Framed Picture.”

Sign ups start now but the contest officially begins on Monday, April 21st.

Happy Hunting!

The Video Game Jocks will be making a nerd pilgrimage to NY Comic Con this weekend. All the details can be found here at the official site.

Amongst other things, we’ll be checking out a preview of Gears of War 2, the first ever preview of Kevin Smith’s new movie Zack and Miri Make a Porno and the booth for listener Rob Dunlop’s comic.

If anyone is going to make it out there, let us know and we can have an impromptu meet-up at NY Comic Con.

In this episode we talk about the 100 Best Selling Games of the Past Year, New DS @ E3 Rumor, PSN Store Update, MGO Beta, Motley Crue in Rock Band, We Answer Your Listener Mail and More!

[MP3] Direct Download

Format:
108:05, 61.9 MB, MP3

After a two week break, the video game industry has decided to actually grace us with new, new releases. We have a variety of titles this week including a marquee race for the PS3, a hardcore adventure for the Wii and new Pokemon for the DS.

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3) – Pick of the Week

This super-sized demo for the top racing franchise of last gen makes it’s way onto the PS3 at a budget price of $39.99 and more content than it’s Japanese counterpart. If you’re a big racing fan, this is the game for you. If not, probably a skip even at the discount price.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness (DS)

A twin helping of new Pokemon titles which let you play as the titular characters in a more standard dungeon RPG. While I’m sure the hardcore Pokemon fan will be excited for it, those who enjoy the creature collection aspect will be disappointed. I will be giving this one a pass and waiting for the next “real” Pokemon.

Okami (Wii)

This PS2 port shouldn’t lose too much in the graphics and may actually gain something in the gameplay department when the brush stroke mechanic is played out with Wii’s motion controls. But, as I always say, I never have faith in old ports to do well sales wise.

Rondo of Swords (DS)

More of a traditional JRPG for the DS. If you’re not a fan of cute Nintendo mascots in your RPG, this may be the one for you.

What are you going to be picking up this week?

In this episode we talk about How Many Americans Are Playing Video Games, Microsoft’s Wiimote, LittleBigPlanet on the PSP, Home, Geometry Wars 2, We Answer Your Listener Mail and More!

[MP3] Direct Download

Format:
112:26, 64.4 MB, MP3

Much like last week, this week’s new releases are almost nonexistent save for some games that have been broken up from one of the best gaming packages to date.

Half Life 2: Episodes 1 and 2 (PC)

While not a big fan of the series, having only played a few moments of Episode 1, I would say to pass based on the fact that there is a third episode to be released and, if you don’t have them already, you might as well wait and get them all together.

Half Life 2: Portal (PC) – Pick of the Week

At $19.99, this game of the year contender is a great deal if you are not interested in the other portions of the Orange Box.

Half Life 2: Team Fortress 2 (PC)

By most accounts, this is a fun shooter but, with so many great alternatives, I can’t imagine it’s worth it all by itself.

So, what are you planning on picking up this week?