Participants in canceled million-dollar giveaway to receive two free games. An announcement on Xbox.com regarding Majesco Entertainment's big "Race to Save Humanity" million-dollar giveaway for Advent Rising indicates that the promotion was quietly canceled on Monday, what was originally planned to be the last day of the contest. Neither the official Advent Rising Web site nor Majesco's site makes mention of this cancellation, although administrators in the Advent Rising section of the Majesco message board posted the news. As a consolation, Majesco is giving each person who participated in the "Race to Save Humanity" two free games from its recent catalog. By sending in the UPC from the Advent Rising box and the name of the registered GamerTag that participated in the contest, gamers can receive their choices of BloodRayne 2, Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, Psychonauts, Raze's Hell, and Phantom Dust. While Majesco has recently hit on some rough times financially, the official reason for the cancellation was rooted in technical issues. "After careful assessment of the technical issues identified with the Advent Rising 'Race to Save Humanity' contest, Majesco Entertainment and Xbox Live have determined there to be no technically feasible solution that would allow the contest to continue in a fair and secure manner," the announcement said. The way the contest was set up, each week for six weeks Majesco was to hide an Advent Rising logo pickup somewhere in the game. When players logged into Xbox Live, the location of the new logo would be downloaded to their systems. The first gamer to discover the hidden logo would receive the cash prize for the week. Other prizes to be given away included Xbox Live subscription cards and SoBe-branded items. Going back through the Majesco message boards, it's clear that there were technical issues with the contest from day one. The problems recurred with the second planned download, and the contest was simply suspended two weeks after it began. Majesco representatives did not return phone calls or e-mails seeking comment. I'd pick Psychonauts and BloodRayne 2. Those are Majesco only good games.

The 360 gets two spins: the $299 "Core System" and the $399 fully loaded package with 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset, HD cables, and remote control. As the Big Three (Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) planned their business tactics for the next-generation console wars, none have been willing to divulge their strategies, lest competitors get the scoop. All that was left was for industry media, fans, and analysts to speculate on what would be of the new consoles. In its quest to get the console out in time for the holiday season, Microsoft hasn't exactly kept the shutters drawn on its secrets regarding its next-gen contribution: the Xbox 360. Pictures of the console surfaced before its debut on MTV, its name was exposed before the company could spin it itself, and the prospect of standard wireless controllers came with no strings attached. Today, Microsoft laid down new facts about its upcoming console at the Games Convention in Leipzig, and they sounded awfully familiar to analyst predictions and forum posters' speculations. Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 will be released in two SKUs, the "Xbox 360 Core System" and the "Xbox 360." The two products will be sold at $299 and $399, respectively. The two systems break down as follows: Xbox 360 Core System - $299 (299 Euros, 209 GBP) •Xbox 360 console •Wired controller •Detachable faceplate •Xbox Live Silver membership •Standard AV cables Xbox 360 - $399 (399 Euros, 279 GBP) •Xbox 360 console •20GB detachable hard drive •Wireless controller •Wireless Xbox Live headset •High-definition AV cables •Ethernet cable •Xbox 360 Media Remote Control (limited time) •Detachable faceplate •Xbox Live Silver membership Peter Moore, Xbox corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing, who spoke with GameSpot, reiterated that the Xbox 360 is still on schedule to launch simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Japan this holiday season. Details on the specifics of the Japanese release will be disclosed at this year's Tokyo Game Show, which begins September 16. Moore explained that the idea behind the two choices came from "lessons learned from the first generation [of Xbox], but perhaps more importantly to provide the gamer with choices in pricing as applicable to their gaming habits." In addition, gamers will be able to select from a range of peripherals available at launch: • Faceplate ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) • Hard Drive (20 GB) ($99.99, 99.99 Euros, 69.99 GBP) • Memory Unit (64 MB) ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 22.99 GBP) • Wireless Networking Adapter ($99.99, 79.99 Euros, 59.99 GBP) • Wireless Controller ($49.99, 44.99 Euros, 32.99 GBP) • Play and Charge Kit ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) • Rechargeable Battery Pack ($11.99, 14.99 Euros, 9.99 GBP) • Controller ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 24.99 GBP) • Headset ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) • Universal Media Remote ($29.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) • Component HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) • S-Video AV Cable (US) ($29.99) • SCART AV Cable (Europe) (24.99 Euros, 17.99 GBP) • VGA HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) It's too early to get a reaction from gamers on Microsoft's pricing plan, but a few analysts privy to the information were able to chime in with their thoughts. One anonymous analyst who spoke with GameSpot said, "I think tiered pricing makes sense, particularly as Microsoft wants to offer hardcore gamers more-advanced services. $299 is clearly a price leader and headline grabber, but I imagine they initially expect to ship (and sell) a majority of units at the higher price point. Also, with a $299 SKU, they avoid disappointing consumers, who are likely to compare launch pricing with the PS2 in 2000 and original Xbox in 2001." The analyst adds, "As far as the publishers are concerned, Microsoft needs to make sure that publishers are making games that can be played with or without a hard drive, and I think they are communicating this message." Michael Pachter, of Wedbush Morgan Securities, wasn't as cheerful. He sees the $299 model as a "publicity stunt." "They're doing it to say they are launching at $299. The hardcore guys will absolutely not buy the $299 model...only a complete idiot would buy the $299 model." Pachter references Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi's statement saying the PlayStation 3 would "be expensive" as an attempt to "psych Microsoft into charging $399." But, he sees the $399 price point as providing Microsoft with breathing room to lower the price once the PS3 is released, which is projected to be in 2006, or even 2007. Regarding the release date, Moore said there have been no announcements made primarily for competitive reasons, but also because Microsoft was still monitoring the production flow of the console's components and localization of launch titles. "One thing we won't do is underserve the market and leave retailers high and dry. That never works. That just leaves more people who are P.O.'d at us than happy with us." There are also still no games that are definitely launch titles. But Moore does outline the strategy Microsoft is approaching. "So much is going to happen in the next couple of months. My view is simple: You need to make sure that you have the key genres covered at launch. Take care of sports, racing, action adventure, fantasy, first-person shooters. I think there are check marks that need to go in boxes to make sure that gamers have games they are looking for in a particular genre. We're still tracking 24 to 40 Xbox 360 games for release before the end of the calendar year. I think you'll see that all the titles we got excited about at E3 are still firmly in that launch window [90 days from the release of the Xbox 360]." But what about gamers who aren't ready to jump into the next generation? Moore seems pleased with the current success of the original Xbox and doesn't see any price drop with the console. "We're selling all we can get [made]. Our biggest challenge is to meet demand in what is typically a very quiet time of year. So, no, I don't see any plans to change any pricing as we currently stand on the Xbox."

New Zelda won't see Twilight until 2006!! Nintendo says Link's next GameCube adventure will begin no earlier than next April; dev team adding "new levels, more depth." The last time we saw The Legend of Zelda's Link in a proper console adventure was in 2003's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. He was just a wee lad back then, barely taller than the shield he wore in the stellar Ocarina of Time. The elfin hero of Hyrule is coming back in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and this time he's all grown-up. However, it's apparently taking Link a little longer to mature than expected. In what could be the most disappointing delay to fans rabid for a sequel since Bungie's Halo 2 was knocked back a few seasons, Nintendo today announced that the Twilight Princess will miss its original ship date of 2005's holiday season. "After much discussion, the Zelda development team has requested extra time to add new levels, more depth, and even higher quality to Zelda: Twilight Princess. Consequently, we're announcing a new global launch in 2006," stated Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo of America's vice president of marketing and corporate affairs. The new release date is now no sooner than April 1, 2006, as the game is pegged to hit shelves sometime after Nintendo's next fiscal year kicks off. "While this may come as a disappointment to many eager fans, it will absolutely enrich the game," said Kaplan. Nintendo let out a trifecta of big news stories today. In addition to the disappointing Zelda delay, Nintendophiles will be happy to know that the Game Boy Micro now has a release date of September 19, and the DS will be $20 cheaper as of August 21, to coincide with the release of Nintendogs and Advance Wars: Dual Strike for the DS. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more information. Oh snap! Ha ha! GameBoob!! Hey you SOAB! You took my line. GameBoob 2! They need more time so they can make stuff badder than "Hot Coffee"! OMG I BROKE AN NAIL!! Like the new Zelda is gonna get an A rating! Ha Ha Ha. Prepare for the battle this Friday!!!!

That honeymoon was like tottaly awesome. Yeah, it was great. But Jack Thompson tried to ruin it with his sexy secret weapon, Brain Peppers. F@cking A$$hole! Yeah like Jack Thompson is tottaly not cool. Yo, Jack Thompson is a punk a$$ buster. Ha Ha Ha!!! I going to destory you all!!! Starting with Super Mario Sunshine and ending with The Sims 2! Hey, why are we last? Well I would ban you this week but like I have to get my nails done. Like omg! Hey Psychonauts! Did you ask your mom? Uh....well She said no gameBoob. Stop calling me GameBoob, Fata$$! If you call me that one more time i'm gonna to release my sexy secret weapon!! GameBoob! *runs and hides* Attack!!! Holy shi......! BOOM*sexy*BOOM!!! That was my sexy secret weapon!!! YOU SOAB!! Well at least you took care of fata$$. No more xbox!! Ha Ha Ha! Take that gamers!!! Take that Jack Thompson!! Oh yeah thanks for taking care of my big fata$$ brother, GameCube. Cool, your welcome. Wanna hang out! Hello i'm a next-gen system. I wouldn't be caught dead hanging out with a current gen system. Besides I gotta go over there and fight with the PS3. Yo, Xhead! Give up now. I'll kick your a$$ in the next-gen race. Whatever! Boomerang! As soon as I'm done with my nails you next-gen systems are Dead! COMING SOON!!!! ACT 4: THE BATTLE Staring Xbox Xbox 360 PS2 PS3 GameCube NES Dreamcast EA UBI SOFT Double Fine Ron Gilbert Tim Schafer Joe Lieberman and more....!!!

Jack Thompson secret weapon is....Brian!!?? No Brian! How could you??!!

This is my response to crazy bush lovers on there views about sex marriage and abortion. Besides the bible, why is same sex marriage wrong?? There not hurting any one! We should be more worried about North Korea's Kim Jong Il, Iran, the war in iraq, BEN LADEN!(remember, he was the one who caused 9/11! Not Saddam), high gas prices, and terrorist than Jimmy and Timmy kissing. I just don't get what's the big deal is. Let them get married, there not going to kill your family after the wedding. I hear people say that being gay is a sin. But if it is a sin then why did GOD make gay people?? Also the abortion issue is just stupid. South Korea is laffing at us right now. I think it should be legal for teenagers who get r*ped. They should not be made to have a baby if they didn't want one and couldn't do noting about it while it was happening. Plus it should be legal because women who do have abortions would probably not make good mothers. Why should she keep the kid if she's just going to beat it to death every night. Why should she keep the kid if it's just going to get molested by some perv down the street. Why would she keep the kid if it's just going to end up in a foster home for it's whole childhood. Abortion's would be the best things for these kids. Plus it's a women right to have an abortion and the republicans, men and christian should not say no. It's none of there bussiness! Worry about your own life and family not about the woman who would be a bad mom and Jimmy and Timmy's life and what they do. Also christian's needs to stop controlling people. I find it funny when they get mad at people who try to play God when them there self's are playing God. "No same sex marriage, no abortion, and so on." What's next? I can just see a christian right group coming out and saying "I belive there should be no sex on Christmas! I mean come on it's Jesus birthday." Then there's people on CNN saying sex on Jesus birthday is a sin and polls asking if you have sex on Christmas. Why do I think they would do something that stupid? I don't know maybe something along the lines of Spongebob begining gay and makes kids want to turn gay is a start. It's a kids show not a gay sex cult. Besides every one knows Mr. Krab is the gay one (being sarcastic). What next "CatDog turned my kid into a nazi. All he says is hi ho CatDog!" and "Dexter Laboratory performs abortions in his secret lab and made my little girl want to have one." It's a cartoon! Get it in your thick head! And finally why does the red states and christian say the blue states are out of touch with america. We are the same americans just like you......well, maybe just a little bit smarter. All you think we do in these blue states are preforming abortions and gay weddings. Please! It's just a hobby(being sarcastic again).

Real Time with Bill Maher starts back up this Friday night at 11:00 p.m!

Idiots of the week goes to......Peaceoholics! Whoo hoo! Sorry Jack Thompson. They win idiots of the week because of there stupid and out of line demands to Rockstar: Which are, * Not to release Bully under any circumstances (I'm going to be playing this game in the next weeks to come!) * Volunteer to sell its violent and sexually explicit games in adult video stores only. (GTA, Manhunt, and Max Payne are not p0rn dumbf@cks! Do the math!) * Let parents return Grand Theft Auto for a full refund until they do a national awareness campaign to educate parents of content and possible effects. (OMG! How dumb are parents. Hello the name of the game is grand theft auto! You hijack cars! What did you think was in the game sh*theads! Elmo???) * Create a fund for victims of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and car-jackings, etc. (Why should rockstar do that? That's what made them win idiots of the week. Rockstar will do that right after they sell the rights to GTA to EA Big nazi) * Make a national apology for misleading and lying to children, parents, and legislators about their intentions and causing insurance premiums to sky rocket. (Yes there right rockstar trick them! How dare those SOAB! The Drive-bys, P*mps, Wh*res, Use of Drugs really made little five year old jhonny want this game. They made the front and back cover of the game look just like a kids game. come on!) * Give a written response within five business days of receipt of these demands. (Maybe when he*l freeze over. Wait, not even then!) Also I would like to tell the two founders of Peaceoholics to get a life and a job! Come on, your good enought to work at Burger King! Well...Almost!

SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. is refusing to speak with reporters at CNET's online news site after it ran a story that used Google's chief executive to illustrate how easily the company's search engine finds personal information. Google told News.com, the online tech news service of CNET Networks Inc., last week that it would not speak to any of its reporters for a year, according to News.com's editor. Google was angered by a story last month that focused on potential threats the search engine leader's product poses to personal privacy, said Jai Singh, the News.com editor-in-chief. To demonstrate the point, writer Elinor Mills googled CEO Eric E. Schmidt. In her story, Mills included a link to Schmidt's home address, his net worth of $1.5 billion and noted that he has attended the Burning Man art festival and is an amateur pilot. Mills said she spent 30 minutes on Google to obtain the information. "We didn't go out and break into any databases to get this information," Singh said. "This is all publicly available information." A Google spokesman declined to speak with The Associated Press about the story. The crux of Mills' story was about the vast amounts of information Google collects that is unavailable to the public. For example, Google software scans user e-mails to learn what kind of advertising might appeal to the user. Mills wrote in her story that "hackers, zealous government investigators, or even a Google insider who falls short of the company's ethics standards could abuse that information." That reporter is fired!

Woot! I'm a talk show host! Let's dance! *again*