Here’s what we know now:

• The rumored specs were pretty much spot-on: 8-core x86 processor, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Blu-ray player come standard
• The improved Kinect sensor now comes standard
• Xbox Live memberships will work for both the Xbox One and the 360 (more)
• No backwards compatibility due to new architechture
• New OS means multi-tasking, split-screen apps, and HDMI pass-through

Here’s what we still don’t know:

• How much will it cost? The rumor right now is $500 for the console, $300 for the subscription model
• When will it actually drop? The best guesses right now are sometime in November, so we’ve got a ways to go yet
• What exactly is the policy on used games? We know there will be a fee for playing a borrowed game, but exactly when that applies and how much that fee is we don’t know
• Exactly how the always-on/not-always-on internet connection works (more)

Overall, the new features seem to be impressive and the visuals presented at the release were certainly far above what the 360 was capable of. Release titles currently announced are Forza 5, Quantum Break, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and EA Sport’s UFC. More games are set to be announced at E3 in Los Angeles June 11-13.

What do you think of the latest info? Is this something you will be getting? What do you want to see in the coming months before release? Let us know in the comments.

As with any new technology, rumors have been swirling about the hardware capabilities of the new console. Some of the more popular ones put forward, some all but confirmed by sources like Kotaku, are:

• 8-core AMD processor
• 500GB HDD
• Improved graphics processor
• 8GB RAM
• Included Kinect
• Possible Augmented Reality (AR) device
• And, of course, the much-maligned always-on internet

Launch titles will be announced at E3, but there are rumors that EA Sport’s new UFC title will be announced today as well, either during the Xbox event, or in a separate EA announcement. EA’s former CEO warns console makers however, to continue to focus on games rather than trying to over-saturate users with entertainment. Interesting, given EA’s withdrawal from the Wii U game market recently.

What do you think about the latest Xbox? What are you hoping to see in it? Will you be getting it, or perhaps a PS4, or maybe skipping this iteration? Let us know in the comments.

May/June

May 28 – Fuse (PS3/360)- Cooperative action game featuring 4-player co-op. Use an alien technology to stop an evil corporation from achieving domination

June 11 – Sim City (Macintosh) – The popular city simulation game comes to Mac, bringing a redesigned engine, new buildings, and cooperative play. See our review of the PC edition here

June 14 – The Last of Us (PS3) – Another post-apocalyptic survival/horror video game comes as a PS3 exclusive title. Trek across the United States in third person, surviving as you battle dynamic enemies

June 25 – Deadpool (PC/PS3/360) – Reprise the role of Marvel’s classic character Deadpool in this third-person action game.

July/August

July 9 – NCAA Football 14 (PS3/360) – The yearly release of EA Sport’s popular NCAA Football franchise promises a new engine, more ‘physical’ game, and greater control over your team.

August 20 – Splinter Cell: Blacklist (PC/PS3/360/Wii U) – The latest of Tom Clancy’s popular Splinter Cell games, published by Ubisoft, gives players in this 3rd-person stealth shooter game new gameplay mechanics, and for Xbox players, some Kinect integration

August 27 – Lost Planet 3 (PC/PS3/360) – A prequel to the other Lost Planet games, this edition promises a wider-ranging storyline with more options to learn at your own pace

August 27 – Madden NFL 25 (PC/PS3/360/Wii U/others) – The 25th anniversary of Madden football brings a change in the numbering system for this year, and even more realism to one of the most popular sports games ever

What game are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments.

WHIT3C3LL here with a game review over TellTale Games, The Walking Dead video game.  For all you walking dead fans out there, this does not follow the AMC TV series.  The game is set at the beginning of the outbreak in Atlanta.  The game has outstanding characters: Lee Everett voiced by David Fennoy, Clementine voiced by Melissa Hutchinson, Kenny voiced by Gavin Hammon and many more characters ranging from Glen and Hershel, a family of cannibals and more along the way.  The way the story in the game adapts is by the choices you make from how you talk to someone, who you agree with, and the hardest decision anyone could ever make on who you will save.   Every decision you make can change the story which creates numerous outcomes for you as the player.  The game is split into 5 episodes.  Each episode adapts to all decisions and what each character remembers from each decision.  TellTale Games did an amazing job creating the character Lee Everett.  He is a history teacher who is arrested for allegedly killing a state senator that was sleeping with his wife.  Lee Everett decides to make the outbreak a second chance for himself to make things right in his life by helping a little girl (Clementine) through a life where death is around every corner.  Every minute of this game keeps you on your toes making you think out every choice you are given, what would you say?  There are times where your choices need to be made in a certain amount of time and when the time runs out Lee doesn’t speak which can make or break the situation.  This game is an all-around amazing game with so many twists and turns that keep you wondering from scene to scene.  If you like The Walking Dead try it out.   The gentleman behind the voice of Lee Everett, Mr. David Fennoy, aka the hulu guy,  has played many voices in popular games ranging from Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance to The Walking Dead.  After completing The Walking Dead I got in contact with Mr. Fennoy for some questions.

Q: What interested you to the story of the walking dead and playing the voice of Lee Everett?

Fennoy: As a voice actor the first thing that interested me in the role of Lee was… IT WAS A PAYING JOB… ha, that said… when I got the audition, the very little bit of the script that I got and the directions were exciting… play it straight and real… I usually play more animated characters. The script also looked very different than the usual game scrip.. actual dialog between a multitude of characters. A refreshing change. And it was a very popular and now iconic franchise…The Walking Dead.

Q: In every episode of the game something dramatic or frustrating would happen to the group.

Fennoy: Yes it did… this game in many ways was more interactive drama than a game.

Q: How tough was it to bring the emotion of lee to life and what helps you bring that specific emotion out?

Fennoy: Acting is what I do, so bringing emotion to characters is my stock and trade. The toughest part was performing in the vacuum of solitude. All my lines were recorded without the benefit of interacting with other actors.  one of the ways I related to Lee and his situation was to imagine I was taking care of my real daughter.

Q: What part of the walking dead game was your favorite and why?

Fennoy: My favorite episode was no.5… the scene at the end when Lee says goodbye to Clem. Few VO actors get to express such emotion in a game.

Q: As you did each episode how did you feel about Lee from the start to the end of the game?

Fennoy: I always liked Lee Everett and related to him as regular guy who’s life had taken a bad turn and was trying to redeem himself through caring for Clem. Lee had many tough choices to make… more often than not either a bad choice and another bad choice.

Q: As zombie themed games become as huge as games like the Call of Duty and Halo games, do you see yourself doing another game like this in the future?

Fennoy: I’ll do any games that I’m booked to do… I’m a voice actor.

Q: You have been doing voice over work for 23 years what has been your favorite role and why?

Fennoy: Frankly up until this point it’s gotta be Lee Everett… simple because I got to play a 3 dimensional character in a story driven game that the world loves.

Q: How did you get started doing voiceovers for games?

Fennoy: I auditioned for a few games back in the early 90s and started booking them and just kept doing it.

Q: Do you have any new games you are currently doing voiceovers for that are coming out in the near future?

Fennoy: I have several projects in the works.. but I can’t talk about them just yet.

With this it leaves us to wonder what game David Fennoy will lend his voice to next.  In conclusion, If you are into the walking dead TV Show, take a chance and try out an episode of this game. You will not be disappointed.  You can get this game on PS3, XBOX360, and even on your iOS devices as well.  I would like to thank Mr. Fennoy for his time for the interview and keep your eyes on USMG Radio for David Fennoy joining River and Dahlia on the air.

In another blow, major games publisher Electronic Arts has announced they will no longer produce new titles for the Wii U. EA was a launch partner, producing major titles such as Mass Effect 3 (see our review here) and Madden NFL 13. But at least for the foreseeable future, new additions to franchises such as Battlefield, Madden, and FIFA will not be coming to the Wii.

Some analysts think this may have nothing to do with the sales performance of the Wii, but having to do with a development perspective. Though the Wii U has significantly upgraded hardware, it cannot compete with the rumored specs of the upcoming Xbox and PlayStation consoles. As such, the Wii cannot support the impressive visuals produced by EA’s Frostbite 3 engine, the core of many new games.

The fact that the Wii will require game developers to develop an additional, inferior product in addition to the primary game produced for next-generation consoles speaks to the danger that the Wii U, and ultimately Nintendo, find themselves in, missing out on some of the most popular video games released in the coming years.

What do you think about the Wii U and this latest move by EA? Let us know in the comments.

Our team is on a mission to save kids through video games, and we need your help.

“It’s about the Gamer next to you!”

USMG’s motto is what brought our community together, the brotherhood of veterans, active duty, and civilians who have your back through the good and the bad. We’ve been supporting military members and their families for over 3 years. Even within our own membership, we have families with children who are battling health issues. Please show your support for all children by joining our team, or donating to our team members who are playing for this great cause!

Each of us has chosen our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital where thousands of children are treated each year, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few.

On November 2nd, 2013, We’ll attempt to play an epic 24 hour video game marathon and it’s our sincere hope that you’ll find it in your heart to support us with a monthly pledge or one-time gift that will go directly to that team member’s chosen hospital.

Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids.

Last year, Extra Life raised more than 1.2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2013 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher.

We can’t do this without your help. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click a participant’s name and then click the “Support This Participant” button on this page.

Thank you for caring for our kids!.

http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=10556

So with all that said, I’ve decided to change the way I approach this segment of information. I don’t think there are too many people that read this, but for the ones that are interested, I want to provide as much in depth information as possible. I want to give you folks the nitty gritty when it comes to building a pc; the highs and the lows, the hills and valleys. There are a million things that go through a builder’s mind when it comes to constructing any computer, and I wanted to make something similar when I decided to build this new computer. So, I’ve decided to cancel the “Building a PC 101″, and replacing it with a video series that I will be doing. The series will work on one part of the computer at a time, and focus on that component for the duration of that episode. Now, I’m not an expert builder. I’ve built three computers, but that doesn’t mean I’m an expert at building them. I’m constantly learning the ins and outs of constructing these machines, and there is always more to learn. So if I don’t know the information, I’ll be citing resources where you can find the information. If you don’t know the answer, find someone that does know the answer.

I hate to cancel the series, but I think that the video series will be MUCH more informative and once I get all my pc parts, I’ll be demonstrating EVERYTHING, from putting it together, to setting up the operating system, to installing liquid cooling etc. I’m very very excited to do all of this, and I truly thank those of  you that read my articles. I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your day, and I’ll be looking forward to bringing you my first video within the next two weeks.

-Timmy aka DJ Tetsui

“For the Love of God and the Game”

“For the Love of Music and the Game”

“First and foremost, we are very happy about this deal which also turns over a new leaf for the entire Nordic Games Group. In the long term, we either want to cooperate with the original creators or best possible developers in order to work on sequels or additional content for these titles,” said owner and CEO of Nordic Games Group AB, Lars Wingefors, in a statement. “A very important point for us is not to dash into several self-financed multimillion dollar projects right away, but rather to continue our in-depth analysis of all titles and carefully selecting different financing models for developing new installments of acquired IPs.”

Crytek USA, staffed by numerous ex-Vigil Games developers, had expressed interest in buying the Darksiders IP.

505 Games (Sniper Elite V2, Naughty Bear) also took home a new franchise today. The publisher purchased the rights to Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300,000.

The auction results also revealed the price Gearbox Software paid for the Homeworld IP: $1.35 million. The Plano, Texas developer will create new games in the series that will preserve the “purest form” of the franchise for digital platforms.

A Bankruptcy Court will hear the sales motions–totaling $6.55 million–on May 13, with the transactions expected to be finalized thereafter. Runner-up bids were not divulged.

Let’s just say a member of the audience causes Harrison to lose his shizz… Of course, it’s all in good fun and we think you’ll get a pretty good laugh.

So last week we started the series off with planning ahead by using a combination of budgeting and strategizing. Next we will dive into the big guns: the CPU and motherboard.

Motherboard and CPU selection is crucial to building a pc; both are big contributors to a computer’s overall performance, and if you want to build a quality rig, you want to make sure you don’t skimp on either. This lesson will bounce back and forth between the two subjects, as they are integral to eachother.

The Motherboard – The motherboard is that gigantic peice of metal, plastic and composite that you screw everything else on. It is the center of any pc build. Choosing a quality board is important; make sure when you select your motherboard, you buy one that is compatible with your cpu. CPUs have socket types associated with them. A few examples of these include: LGA 2011, LGA 1155, AM3 etc.

When you select a motherboard, make sure the socket on the board matches the cpu. Common sense, but people overlook it all the time. If you have a LGA 2011 CPU socket, make sure you use a CPU that matches the socket (I know I’ve said it a billion times, but it’s important).

Another important thing to think about when selecting a motherboard is how big your case is you want to fit this board in. Motherboards come in many different sizes. The majority of general performance motherboards come in standard ATX size. There are a few higher performance motherboards that come in EATX. With that said, ATX is generally the way to go for most builders. These sizes all have certain screws you need to mount on each one, and they are crucial in installation. Now, I’m not going to dive too far into the motherboard; I’ll get into installing and whatnot later down the road.

The CPU – The CPU in any gaming rig should be powerful. In a general usage pc, they are still important as the tasks you do will be directly affected by the performance of the CPU. There are two primary companies that develop and sell these chips: AMD and Intel. These two powerhouses have been going at it for years – it is a rivalry that will probably never end.

“So Timmy, which one should I go for then? AMD or Intel?” Well, you must think about what you plan on doing, and then you must analyze how much money you have to spend. Intel processors are generally more expensive, but you do get what you pay for. As of the typing of this article, Intel can outperform AMD chipsets. This doesn’t mean that in the future AMD will make a comeback, but for now if you want performance and quality buy Intel. If you want power on a budget, AMD is a great alternative.

I’ve thought about more efficient and fun ways to inform this community of building a pc, and I’m going to see what I can do about making a vlog series about it once I get all my pc components together. Thanks for reading folks!

Next week: the graphics card and the RAM!!!