The new Mortal Kombat - AttaKK of the Klones (or whatever it's kalled)

Lets try.....Mortal Kombat: Deception.  Yep, that works.

Probably a license issue....

Question: What did you do in the military before you became a civie like the rest of us? Or is that classified?

Hmmm, I had two jobs while in the military, one I can talk about (Worked in IT for RED HORSE on a Nuke base and a Fighter base) and one that I can't talk about.  I enjoyed both.  

Question: Has your life changed for the better since the inception of Console Gold?

Hmm....changed for the better?  Well, I find that I've learned a lot about people, business, management, and life in general since Console Gold kicked off.  That knowledge will serve me well in my life I think.  I'm sure I don't need to tell you how much time this takes though, this could easily be a full time job.  I'd love for it to become one....

By the way, for a frame of reference:

Smooth performance (just over 30fps I'd guess with the occasional hiccup down to maybe 27) on my system:

ATI Radeon 9600 Pro
768mb PC333 Corsair RAM
AMD K7 2 Ghz
1024x768 - High settings (not highest, but one notch down)

Planning to.

But you don't HAVE to have a SATA drive, correct?  I'm just too excited about replacing two 80 gig drives so early....

It is amazing what some people can do with these mod kits. (mods for BF1942 for instance)

http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket939/a8v-d/overview.htm

That is the board I'm looking at, and it seems that it supports both, I just want to make sure I'm not gonna be the kid who gets the shiny new firetruck at Christmas only to find the damned thing didn't come with a ladder.

None taken, it has nothing to do with console gaming.

If you hadn't noticed, this is a general gaming forum.

Ok, so I'm thinking with games like Doom 3, Vampire, and Half Life 2 on the horizon I need to upgrade.  There are a ton of boards out there that have Serial ATA connections, what does that do for me with my EIDE?  Is that board completely incompatable with my current hard drives or will I just not get the performance bennies of Serial ATA?

Ubisoft is releasing the Crytek CryENGINE Mod SDK system.   Check it out:

_____________________________________

WHAT:  Crytek and Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced the release of the CryENGINE™ MOD SDK for Far Cry™. The CryENGINE™ MOD SDK features a set of tools comprised of exporters, plug-ins, and source code which allow users to modify their Far Cry™ experience by importing new content such as models and animations into the game. The 27 MB download includes fully-documented instructions and will provide users with their first opportunity to create “Total Conversion” mods with CryENGINE™ technology. The SDK, in combination with the Sandbox Editor, will allow users to create a virtually limitless variety of scenarios and environments.

WHERE: Far Cry Mod Channel  -                    http://www.farcry.ubi.com/mods.php

Official Far Cry Community site                        http://www.farcry-thegame.com

CryENGINE Modding Portal
http://www.crymod.com                                                    

WHEN: Now Available

[Q: When is the official CG Phoenix get together?]

Q: What the hell are you talking about?

I ask that question....often.  Especially here at work.  "

Q: When is the official CG Phoenix get together?

That is a good question.  What would we like to do?   I'd be cool with trekking down to AZ Mills or something for a movie / lunch kinda thing on a weekend or something.  Might be able to get quite a few of us there... (For the record, I hate the mall though)

Sounds like it might be The Truman Show

[Knightshade]

Something that Evil Avatar did back in the day that I really enjoyed was the interview with the readership of the site.  The interviews allowed us to learn a little bit about our fellow readers and they were always fun.  I'll kick this week off by interviewing myself.  Next up....lets find out!  Feel free to ask questions, that is half the fun:


Knightshade
Q: Who are you?
A: I'm you, you idiot.  

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: That isn't a question....what is wrong with you?  *sigh*  
So my real name is Ron Burke, I run Console Gold.  I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona.  I'm a full time Network Engineering student at DeVry and I work full time at an ISP called CableOne.  I'm a gamer at heart and I love the industry.  I get to work with a fantastic core of people both here at the site and also at companies like Eidos, Bethesda, Namco, Codemasters, Sammy, and more.  It has been an interesting couple of years and it just keeps getting better.   I graduate at the end of next year-ish and I fully intend to take the next step and get into the gaming industry on the IT and infrastructure side.  (You hear that Blizzard?  You NEED me for Worlds of Warcraft's infrastructure!)

Q: What is wrong with me? Did you read your own response...man, you are all over the place.
A: Was that a question?

Q: So how about your personal life?  "Married with Children" or more like "The Bachelor"?
A: Ugh, reality TV.  What vapid airheads on those shows...so very shallow.  Oh, sorry, I digress.  I'm married and have been since 1996.  Her name is Laura and she works here at the site as the staff photographer.  Anyone who has seen some of my camera work can tell you why we need her on staff. *shudder*  She is attending Le Cordon Bleu Academy of Restaurant Management and will graduate about the same time I do.  The wife and I agreed very early on that we would not have kids until we graduate from college, so there are no Ron 2.0s running around or plans for that software revision any time in the immediate future.  Instead we have two Dalmatians, one Jack Russell Terrier, and two ferrets.  

Q: So why Console Gold?
A: That's not an easy or quick answer, but here we go:
I was a Gone Gold reader when it first kicked off.  I don't remember why I started reading but I think it had something to do with pancakes. Mmmm...pancakes.  Well, I talked with Rich a few times on the phone and via email back then and we talked about his plans to open a console gaming site with Rob Smolka of PCGamer fame at the time.   Well, it sat there for a good while with a coming soon page and I decided to give it a shot.  I didn't know the first thing about web design or the industry, so it was absolutely trial by fire.   It is amazing I got this thing off the ground at all.

We went through several iterations of graphic design to get to the one you have now, but the vision has pretty much stayed the same.  We want to bring our readers quality reviews, news that matters, and previews that aren't paid for by the highest bidder.  Its a lot of fun and a lot of work.  It is a ton of sleepless nights, but is also very rewarding.  I've gotten to meet a lot of great people and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

Q: What? Oh sorry, I drifted off.  Can you use smaller words and speak less?
A: Uh....Napster Bad, Console Gold Good.

Q: Anything other questions you wanted to ask?
A: Nope, that about covers it.  

Q: I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to the readers...
A: Oh

My suggestion?  Talk with the PR drone for the school and show them the site.  They are always looking for better ways of retaining new students, let them know that this isn't something you are going to drop over summer break, and then print business cards.  If you go the card route, let me know and I'll direct you to the place I use.

Who's to say you can't?  Review it right here man!  Show us what you got! (taunt taunt poke poke)  hhehehe

I read somwhere that all of the tracks will have no repeating textures on them.

That is correct.  When you skid against a rail, the paint transfer stays forever.  Same with marks in the pavement, damage to the car, and more.   I am writing a preview on the title where I'll see if I can't shed some light on some other goodies.

So what are we talking here?  Anyone seen it yet?

http://www.angryalien.com/0704/alienbunnies.html

I can't make this shit up...

Ok, back at it...stuntgibbon really stumped us all with that one:

"Harold, you're my lawyer, so I think you should know... I've killed quite a few people."

You are in Canada...you probably need an adapter.

YGM.

Well as long as it isn't friggin Jim Carey or Arnie coated in Neon I'll be ok with it.  Ugh....terrible, just terrible.

I can confirm that.  It is.  You are up!

Why am I instantly reminded of Metal Gear?  Damned Otakon.....

yep, Blazing Saddles it is.

Oh yea...

"You use your tongue prettier 'n a $20 whore."

As they say...your mileage may vary.

For me its Sade's Greatest Hits.

Next? (Don't list your entire MP3 collection...especially you 10-20GB of songs folks, just what you are listening to right now)

Ahhhhh Repo Man?

Ok....I need sugar in my system.  I came into work at 4:15am this morning and my brain no workey.  FABLE, the other game I'm looking forward to, comes out in Sept.  Halo is indeed November 9th, as seen below:

Well, it'd be easy to do I'd imagine.  The full version will hit at that time so its just a matter of whether they can (or will) divert resources from testing to shore up a demo.

No Neon? Check
No lame-o villians? Check
No Robin? Check
Dark Knight slant? Check

Yep, they have my money at the box office.

[About Alienware]

ALIENWARE REVOLUTIONIZES HOME ENTERTAINMENT WITH INTRODUCTION OF DHD MEDIA CENTER PC

 Alienware’s New Space-Saving DHD System Delivers All-in-One Media Entertainment Within a 30”Flat Panel Display Unit

 
MIAMI, FL – July 28, 2004 - Alienware®, the leading manufacturer of high-performance computer desktop, notebook, media center and professional systems, announced the launch of DHD media center PC systems. The DHD provides an all-in-one, wall-mountable home entertainment system that integrates the functionality of a Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2004-based PC with a stunning 30” TFT/LCD widescreen display.

 Alienware DHD systems allow customers to replace nearly all of their individual home entertainment components in favor of one, multi-functional unit. DHD systems running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 deliver advanced computing plus easy-to-use integrated digital entertainment — live and recorded television, movies, music, photos, internet, games and radio — to be enjoyed at the touch of a button using a remote control. Designed to maximize valuable space, the full-array of DHD media center functionality is completely integrated within a flat panel screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 176° viewing angle, for the ultimate entertainment experience.

DHD systems offer customers flexible control over their media entertainment and the power of high-performance components for guaranteed satisfaction. Each system is powered by Intel® Pentium 4 processors up to 3.4 GHz and the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 operating system. ATI® Radeon graphics, configurable up to X800 XT Platinum Edition with 256MB DDR3 video RAM, and optical drives up to 12x DVD±R/RW, provide an unparalleled cinematic experience. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound completes the package with superior audio quality.

 “Microsoft is excited about the introduction of Alienware DHD systems,” said Brad Brooks, Director of Marketing for the Windows XP Consumer Product Line at Microsoft Corp. “The integration of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 within a self-contained, multi-functional LCD panel is a great example of the innovative designs that consumers are demanding that change the way they can experience digital media in the home.”

“In conjunction with Microsoft, Alienware is redefining the function of high-performance systems in everyday life,” said Frank Azor, senior vice president, Alienware Worldwide Product Group. “The introduction of the DHD media center surpasses conventional expectations of home entertainment by offering best-in-class performance, integrated within a unique, all-in-one form factor.”

 

About Alienware

Alienware manufactures high-performance computer desktop and notebook systems and leading-edge professional systems. Alienware offers unique and award-winning products that incorporate state-of-the-art components, innovative engineering and design, and unprecedented customer service. Alienware systems are available direct within the United States and Europe. For more information, please visit www.alienware.com or call 1-800-ALIENWARE (254-3692).

Eldon is correct (sorry I didn't get to this sooner).  We worked with Mike from Foolish Studios on several designs, more than I'd care to remember actually.  

El is also right that this logo was an evolve from several revisions between the management of CG and Mike shaping it into what you see now.  We wanted something that would be futuristic (hence the sharp look instead of the 'solid gold dancers' look of the previous one) and could be seperated from the text and still convey that it is ConsoleGold.   Hopefully we have achieved that, I think we have.

Can I get one?  My mother needs one (she has to break this Yahoo kick...)

Whew...I'm stumped.

Check out the PR Piece:
Yep, I see me owning an Undead Warlock.   Glad they didn't start with Humans as their first run

__________________________________________

World of Warcraft™ Action Figures Coming Soon

Three years have passed since the aftermath of Warcraft® III: The Frozen Throne™, and a great tension now smolders throughout the ravaged world of Azeroth. As the battle-worn races begin to rebuild their shattered kingdoms, new threats, both ancient and ominous, arise to plague the world once again.... Enter the World of Warcraft™!

Blizzard Entertainment®'s highly anticipated massively multiplayer game World of Warcraft is an online role-playing experience set in the award-winning Warcraft universe. Players assume the roles of Warcraft heroes as they explore the game's diverse cities and wilds, revisiting famous battlefields and questing through vast expanses of uncharted territory. Whether adventuring together or fighting against each other in epic battles, thousands of players will be able to interact online within the same persistent world, forming friendships, forging alliances, and competing with enemies for power and glory.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the upcoming line of World of Warcraft action figures from Blizzard Entertainment and Sota Toys will include the Tauren Shaman, the Undead Warlock, and the Jungle Troll Voodoo Priest. These mystical characters practice wildly different types of magic, but they share a common hatred for the enemies of the Horde!

Tauren Shaman
Based in the grassy barrens of central Kalimdor, the Tauren are huge, bestial creatures who cultivate a quiet, tribal society. When roused by conflict, however, they are implacable foes who will use every ounce of their strength to smash their enemies under hoof. Their bond with the Orcs is grounded in the shamanistic heritage of both cultures and fostered by the common interests of serving nature and preserving the balance between the four elements of the world.

Undead Warlock
Free from the tyrannical rule of the Lich King and his Scourge, a renegade group of Undead known as the Forsaken now strive to develop a devastating new plague that will eradicate their hated Scourge rivals along with the rest of humanity. To further their dark aims, the Forsaken have allied themselves with the primitive, brutish races of the Horde. Holding no real loyalty for their new comrades, the Forsaken have duped the Horde into joining their battle against the Lich King. Forsaken Warlocks are fueled by a lust for dark power-power that enables them to tap into otherworldly magics, channel destructive energies, and summon fearsome demonic minions.

Jungle Troll Voodoo Priest
The vicious Jungle Trolls are renowned for their cruelty and dark mysticism. Barbarous and superstitious, the wily Trolls carry a seething hatred for all other races. One tribe, however, was forced to overcome its prejudices when it encountered the Orc Warchief, Thrall, and his mighty Horde. The Trolls of the Darkspear tribe, long since exiled from their ancestral lands in Stranglethorn Vale, were nearly destroyed by a band of aquatic Murlocs, but Thrall and the Horde managed to save them. In return the grateful Trolls swore an oath of eternal allegiance to the Horde. With their foundation in Voodoo-based magic, the Priests of the Darkspear tribe are as adept at infiltrating the minds of their enemies as they are at mending the wounds of their allies.

The release of these three new action figures will correspond with the launch of World of Warcraft-anticipated to take place toward the end of this year. The figures will ship in attractive blister display packaging and will come with appropriately themed accessories.

Product Setup Information:
Master Item #: WOW01 / 8-32483-00953-5

Tauren Shaman WOW2 / 8-32483-00954-2
Undead Warlock WOW4 / 8-32483-00956-6
Jungle Troll Voodoo Priest WOW3 / 8-32483-00955-9

Case Pack Mix: 4 of each SKU / CASE PACK: 12

Damn, guess it wasn't as hard as I thought.  That'd be A:R

Two parter....

"Very few people deal in cash now-a-days."
"Just the ones that don't like to keep business records."