Unfortunatly, the much delayed soon to be released shooter, Radio Allergy, is now officially not being released for the Gamecube, primarily because retailers do not want Gamecube games anymore. I was really looking forward to this, but the developer said that they will include the game on a wii compilation they are making, so not all is lost.

 

source:http://www.destructoid.com/histamine-blocker-radio-allergy-for-the-gamecube-canned-32108.phtml

Apart from my manditory dosage of Guitar Hero, I recently picked up the recent under the radar release - The Red Star. If you love action games or if you love classical Shmups, you owe it to yourself and to the people at XS games to buy this game. It is a budget release, so it wont hurt the pocket book, and this game delivers in spades. It has been a while since a game has glued me to my seat for so long. Expect a review when I finish the thing.

I fear that my interest in the Gamespot forums (and most likely all videogame forums, I have not checked) is quickly decreasing due to the veritable lack of valuable dialogue. It is'nt as though people are not talking - they're talking, heavily. The problem is that the majority of post are riddled with utter consumer indecisiveness and complacency: "I need help, should I buy CoD3 or Red Steel" - "Should I get a Wii now or wait until christmas?" Is any amount of advice going to suffice to answer such vague and completely subjective queries? It is obvious that these questions are asked in the mere name of feeding the poster's consumerist tennacies with any dialouge regarding his/her eventual purchase of a product. Don't get me wrong, I'm part of this consumer society, but I keep the anxieties it draws out of my psyche to myself, and deal with them by simpley MAKING DECISIONS! You want it, buy it. Cannot decide, you may notice this site, and many others, are full of reviews, use them, be an informed consumer, and buy one of the two products. Leave you're inadequacies to yourself - I have them as much as anyone out there, but I exercise some restraint so that as much as possible, my contributions to the discussions of this community are valid.

This is problem is multipied exponentially by posts that ask for information that can easily be attained through a simple 5-10 mintues of research on the mega resource we call Google, or even the Gamespot website itself. Don't misunderstand me, the forums are good places to get infomation, but put some effort into find the information yourself, thereby keeping the forums full of relevant and interesting dialogue, instead of you inquiry into "when the next shipment" is or "is [insert game/console namer here] REALLY!!! worth it".

I've had fun in silly and playful post (such as the 'create a newcomer' thread that lasted weeks) which involve little to no deep intellectual discussion. It doesnt all have to be super serios and deep - I just wish that every 5 mintues there were'nt 10 volumes of various player's accounts of how they cannot wait for [whatever] product or cannot seem to pass judgement one way or another on [whatever] minute technical specification.

Sorry if that was a bit crass. Been working on a final term paper, its 7am and I've had no sleep. Wanted to find some insightful comments on the boards, was totally shot down, had to vent my frustrations.

Bring the forums back!

So, We have W i i, and I must say I am surprised. I usually dont start posts, only comment on topics, but I feel like the overall approach to this name is "what the Sh** they have lost their minds" and I would like to comment on the name from a non gut-reaction perspective. Everything about the console is different, from its broad target market, to its innovative controller, to its tiny box design, and the name helps represent that. The name is a very packed branding, for it contains audio and visual signifiers; it obviously sounds like "we" connoting the consoles approach to cooperation, but the two iis represent a physical enforcement of the theme - two people side by side, pointed forward, like the controller. Such a dense image seems to have little immediate value though, as can be seen from numberous immediate responces, and hopefully this is a brand name that enrichens itself with circulation. Obvious connections to the iPod can be made as well, for both brands use a poetic use of the letter I, and honestly, the only reason why iPod isnt a stupid name is because it is so awsome and has become a standard. With time, and hopefully successful effort, the nintendo Wii will be able to define itself along the same sociological terms that the logo represents. While initially this brand does not make me want to run for the hills, it does excite me with its brave and once again original and brave approach. Consider me a supporter.

I have been thinking of making a Videogame Studies Union, primarily to promote the academic analysis of videogames. I would be looking for individuals with an interest in the topic obviously, and with some semblance of critical thought and writing skills. Send me a private message if you are interested.