The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Click any image to enlarge and see the amazing detail put into these characters.

Muhammad Ali

Nickname: The Greatest
Hometown, Country: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Height (inches): 75
Weight (lbs): 214
Birth Date: January 17, 1942
Reach (inches): 80
Fight Record: 56 wins (37 KO)/5 losses (1 KO)
Rounds Boxed: 550



Eddie Chambers

Nickname: Fast
Hometown, Country: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Height (inches): 73
Weight (lbs): 221
Birth Date: March 29, 1982
Reach (inches): 75
Fight Record: 33 wins (18 KO)/1 loss (0 KO)
Rounds Boxed: 199



George Foreman

Nickname: Big
Hometown, Country: Marshall, Texas, USA
Height:75
Weight: 210
Birth Date: January 10, 1949
Reach (inches): 82
Fight Record: 76 wins (68 KO)/5 (1KO)
Rounds Boxed: 350



Joe Frazier

Nickname: Smokin'
Hometown, Country: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA
Height:71
Weight: 220
Birth Date: January 12, 1944
Reach (inches): 73
Fight Record: 32 wins (27 KO)/4 losses (3 KO)/1 draw
Rounds Boxed: 214




Lennox Lewis

Nickname: The Lion
Hometown, Country: West Ham, England, United Kingdom
Height:77
Weight: 245
Birth Date: September 2, 1965
Reach (inches): 84
Fight Record: 41 wins (32 KO)/2 losses (2 KO)/1 draw
Rounds Boxed: 225



James Toney

Nickname: Lights Out
Hometown, Country: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Height (inches): 70
Weight (lbs): 226
Birth Date: August 24, 168
Reach (inches): 72
Fight Record: 71 wins (43 KO)/6 losses (0 KO)
Rounds Boxed: 618



Mike Tyson

Nickname: Iron
Hometown, Country: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Height (inches): 71
Weight (lbs): 223
Birth Date: June 30, 1966
Reach (inches): 71
Fight Record: 50 wins (44 KO)/6 losses (5 KO)
Rounds Boxed: 217



This game is sure to be a hit, if you reserve a copy you will get the demo early. I must say I am thoroughly impressed with the graphics of this game, I mean you can see stretch marks on Eddie Chambers shoulder its amazing. In the image below you will see the change in Tyson's back muscles when he changes positions, that alone is just incredible attention to detail. Also there are three frames of the new clinch system, its not just a awkward looking hug anymore like in Round 3, instead it appears they will add to the strategy for boxers that have to fight short range like Tyson. This title is shaping up very well and it should be the most realistic boxing simulation ever.

I really enjoyed the show. Everyone, I don't care who you are has been picked on by someone in their life. I couldn't help but smile throughout the show seeing this asshole get tossed around. I think Jason Miller, while slightly annoying, does a good job as host and the show has a lot of potential. That being said I did have a few problems with it. The show is obviously trying to cater to the MMA fan but there isn't nearly enough fighting in the show. I understand that these guys who are used to picking on people much weaker than them probably won't last in the ring very long with a pro, but the show without commercials is only about 18 minutes long. I think the best thing to do is to simply make it an hour long episode and throw in another bully for the second half. I felt like once I really got into it, the fight was over. The rules really have to get changed up also. While the bully had to hand over $8,000, he still walked away with $2,000. That's a lot of money and way to much for being a prick. The reason he got that money was because of the first round, where the pro fighter has to tap him out five times in three minutes. That's a bit much even for a pro. Either make the match three rounds or only make him tap twice. Overall it's a great show with a lot of mileage and I hope they tweak it to make it even better.

Original Xbox Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)

1 Halo 2
2 Fable
3 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
4 Counter-Strike
5 Splinter Cell Chaos
6 Conker: Live Reloaded
7 Doom 3
8 Star Wars: Battlefront
9 Call of Duty 3
10 Burnout 3

Top Community Games NEW! (Full Versions purchased)

1 RBR - Fading Memories
2 RC-AirSim
3 Rumble Massage
4 DrumKit
5 TV Calibration
6 ZenHak
7 Aquarium HD
8 ZP2K9
9 A Fading Melody
10 Remote Masseuse

Before I begin, there’s something I need to stress. Resident Evil games have you shooting zombies. Resident Evil 5 takes place in Africa, and with Africa comes a darker skinned zombie. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that having a white character almost exclusively shooting dark skinned people can bring forth certain thoughts to mind. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when thinking about this game.

Zombies do not see color. They do not discriminate, and anyone can become a zombie. Zombies do not care what flesh they feed on, or what color their host is. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, whatever – flesh is flesh, plain and simple. It is important that you view this game through this lens – the enemy here is the zombie and NOT the black man. However, if you still have a problem with playing as a white character that shoots black zombies, you can just stop reading right now. You will not enjoy this game. There, now I've just saved you from being offended and saved you $60.

So, if you're still reading, Resident Evil 5 is the 5th numbered installment the Resident Evil series (there's too many non-numbered sequels to count). The game follows a similar play style to that of Resident Evil 4, so if you enjoyed that then you'll probably enjoy this one too. For anyone who hasn't picked up a RE game in a while or those of you that are totally new to the series, this game is going to feel a lot different from past RE's and any other shooters you may have played.

Beginning with RE4, the series took a turn away from the survival/horror genre it was famous for towards a more action-oriented style of play, thus eliminating most of the horror elements. While the game still has its moments, don’t expect to feel the same kind of fear you felt in previous entries.

The story is your typical Resident Evil storyline – zombie virus infects an area and you're trying to find out what's going on. You take on the role of Chris Redfield, an agent with the BSAA (Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance), sent to “Kijuju”, a fictional area of Africa, to investigate a terrorist threat. Once in Africa, you meet your new partner, Sheva Alomar. As your partner, Sheva will not just help you fight the invading hordes of zombies, you'll also need her help to solve puzzles and complete special two-person objectives.

The game plays out in the third person, with an over-the-shoulder camera view that suits the more action-oriented play well. There’s a number of control schemes to choose from, including the classic RE4 controls to a more “Gears of War” style button layout. With whatever style you choose, you’re going to need some time to get used to it, as the controls can feel kind of wonky at first. This is mostly due to the fact that can't run when you shoot – a staple of the RE series.

However, what differentiates this game from most shooters is that you've got a serious lack of guns, ammunition, and places to put it all. The game gives both you and Sheva your own 9 spaces of inventory to hold guns, ammunition, and healing herbs. You access your inventory in real-time, so there’s no pausing the game for a breather while you exchange ammo with Sheva, or using an herb while figuring out an escape. While it can be annoying from time to time, it helps keep the flow of the game, constantly keeping you in the action.

All of these items can be found inside barrels, crates, and the corpses of slain enemies. But don't think that you'll find 100, 50, or even 20 rounds for any weapon in these places. Most of the time, you'll be lucky to find 10 handgun rounds or 5 shotgun shells. Also, since there are two of you, you'll have to divide up the scarcely placed ammo, having to decide who really needs to take what.

These limitations on game play lead to the real draw of the game - tension. These mechanics add tension, forcing you to conserve ammunition and pick your shots carefully. Not only that, but you’ll have to plan out your attack and escape carefully. Unlike most shooters, when you get into a confrontation in RE5 you feel that there's a very good chance you’ll be ripped to shreads. In most shooters, you blow through it like you're some god with a gun that laughs in the face of death. In RE5, it's more like you're pissing your pants at the face of death – and that's a kind of exciting feeling to have.

Fortunately, to help combat the pants-wetting, you're not just stuck with the guns that the game gives you when you start. Between levels, you enter into the “marketplace”, a screen that lets you organize your inventory, sell off any treasure/jewels you've found, and spend all the gold you've collected to purchase and upgrade weapons (Sorry RE4 fans, the mysterious vendor didn't make it to Africa). As you progress through the game, the marketplace is stocked with new weapons and items including pistols, shotguns, sub-machine guns.

Since the game gives you a partner, it’s almost a no-brainer that they’ve included both an online and offline cooperative mode for the game, which allows you or a friend to control Sheva through the entirety of the story mode. The co-op mode works well enough, but if you’re playing with someone who hasn’t played the game yet you’re going to have a difficult time getting through it, as the controls definitely need at least 15 to 30 minutes of getting used to before you dive to co-op play. After all, if just one of you dies, it’s game over for both of you.

Once you’ve completed the game you unlock Mercenary mode. Think of Mercenary mode as kind of a mini-game that allows you to play through special areas with a handful of guns and ammo, tasked with killing everything that moves within a specific time limit. Not only can you play these as Chris and Sheva, you can also play as a couple of secret characters. And, just like in the campaign, you have the option to play Mercenary mode with a friend.

Unfortunately, most of the game play can come off as kind of shallow and predictable. Almost every area has you doing the exact same thing – walking around until you hear the music start, killing everything in sight, and then listening for the music to stop to know you’ve killed everything. After that, you proceed to ransack the area destroying everything breakable in hopes of finding some ammo. Knowing when you will and won’t be attacked takes away from the surprise and suspense that have made the RE series so great.

Also, while the addition of a partner is great for co-op play, it does take away from the scare factor. Fighting alone filled you with a sense of fear in that it was all up to you to survive, and that one false move would lead to getting your eyes ripped out. Now that you have someone to cover your ass while you’re reloading, it just doesn’t feel the same.

It’s sad to say it, but the puzzles just aren’t what they used to be. Believe it or not, there used to be a time when solving puzzles was more prevalent than actual fighting. RE4 had a significant drop in the amount of puzzles to solve, and the drop in RE5 is even more. Not only are there less of them, the ones that they do include are so mind-numbingly simple that it’s almost insulting, and it kind of feels like a waste that they were included at all.

All things considered, RE5 is facing kind of an identity crisis. It still wants to remain faithful to previous entries with the inclusion of puzzles and the standstill shooting, but also wants to go more towards an action game with co-op and increased gunplay. So, if you’re going in expecting one or the other you’re going to be very disappointed. But, if you can embrace its unique style of game play you’ll be more than satisfied.

So what would you do if America deteriorated from global warming? Would you figure out a way to help the planet or would you just curl up in a ball, suck your thumb and wait for the end? Fuel says everyone would get in any vehicle they could find and race around the ravaged terrain, sounds good enough to me, get me in a car! The terrain will bare similarity's to Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and much more so you can expect plenty of beautiful vistas while your racing with your friends in the middle of nowhere. Online players will be able to populate the environment in real time and you can race it up together completing challenges, races and events. There's even a career mode with 75 multi-class vehicle races that include checkpoint runs, open-ended long hauls, circuit courses and even boss battles, that's right I said boss battles. These boss battles aren't like any other boss battles in a racing game, no sir these events force you to push your foot to the floor as a raging twister chases after you throwing buildings, trees, cars, and every piece of the environment in its path, which one of you or you're friends survives is up to your driving skills. Hundreds of additional challenges are also available as players will be able to switch between career mode and exploring the ravaged world whenever they want. If you choose to roam around you will find new cars, secret scenic spots, and racing contests. If you don't want to just roam around aimlessly there are heliports that will serve as drop points to another sector on the map making travel easier, it also helps that every car will have it's own GPS system. Codemasters will also put you in the developers seat and let you create your own course, giving you the ability to set up a total of 32 checkpoints and tweak a variety of race parameters. Fuel seems like it is shaping up to be an amazing adventure and one I cant wait for, GameInformer has said "If you thought that Burnout Paradise was big, Your head is going to explode when you see the size of Fuel." Expect Fuel to hit shelves this May for Xbox 360, Ps3, and PC for more videos on fuel check below.

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Finally we’d like to address a question that comes up a lot;

“Will there be any more DLC for Fable II?”.

The answer is quite simple;

“Yes”.

Quite simple and quite vague - so, obviously there's no word on exactly what the content will be. I'd imagine it's probably another additional mission pack similar to the Knothole Island DLC released a few months ago. The team plans to make more announcements in the coming weeks.

Then again, it could be a bunch of bullshit promises that Peter Molyneux just can't keep. Or, even worse, some lame-ass alternate costumes.

National League

East- This will be one of the closest divisional races in the league. The defending World Series champion Phillies look to repeat. They did not have any big signings, so they are relying on last years team to come through again. The collapse-prone New York Mets beefed up their bullpen, which was their only flaw as they choked down the stretch last season. They picked up K-Rod who broke the saves record last year, and added J.J. Putz as a setup man. The Braves were silent last year, but signed some veterans. Derek Lowe adds a big arm to that rotation, and will give them at least 15 wins this year. Though the Marlins and Nationals finished 4th and 5th in '08, their young talent could give the big three troubles over the season.
Winner- The Phillies made the playoffs last year because they made a great run at the end of the season, as their bullpen was amazing, and the closer Lidge didn't blow a save. That will be extremely hard to duplicate. The Braves rotation is better but I don't know if their the best in the division. The Mets patched their holes from last year, and although they are in dire need of a big right handed bat, they should be able to get a big name like Holladay around the All-Star break. Pick: New York Mets

Central- This division has a couple good teams as well. The Cubs made the playoffs last year again, but continued to add to their dreaded history by doing nothing but lose in the first round again. The Brewers made the playoffs because C.C. Sabathia carried the team through August and September, but added no big names this off season. The Cardinals fell off the map in 2008, but have everyone healthy this year and look to start on a positive note. Houston is ageing, but still show signs they could play. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are dismal and show no sign of improving. The Pirates are so bad that they could hold the worse record ever once all is said and done.
Winner- The Brewers lost C.C. to the Yanks so they are out of the picture. Houston needs more starting pitching if they want to compete. This division race should come down to St. Louis and Chicago. The Cardinals have the best player in baseball, but Albert can't carry this team by himself. The Cubs have good pitching and hitting and look great on paper. Pick: Chicago Cubs

West- Last year the Dodgers won the west, and did so by trading for Manny. At the time they were in third, but Manny lifted the club to the promise land. The Giants have o.k. hitting, but their pitching is phenomenal. Although the Rockies were in the World Series 2 years ago, I believe they will go back to their old ways. Arizona finished in a close second, and look to put up a fight this year. The Padres are the Padres and I can't see them turning their franchise around from a miserable 2008 season.
Winner- After the Dodgers lost Lowe to Atlanta, their pitching isn't that great, but they did resign Manny Ramirez. The Diamondbacks have decent pitching, and their young lineup could spark a run. San Fransisco has the best pitching in the division, and you can't win games without solid arms behind you. Pick: San Fransisco Giants

Wild Card- The Phillies, Braves, Dodgers, and Cardinals will create a tight-nit race for the last playoff spot. The Braves will diminish in their hard division, and the Dodgers pitching won't bring them to the promise land. The Cardinals offense will carry them the whole season, but you can not win with hitting alone. This leaves the defending W.S. champion Phillies, who have a solid core of guys that proved they could get the job done. Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

American League

East- This is probably the toughest division in the MLB. The Yankees spent half a billion dollars this off season on 1B Mark Teixeira and pitchers C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. The Boston Red Sox took the Wild Card spot in the AL last year and they show no sign of slowing down. They signed veteran John Smoltz, and beefed up an already impressive pitching staff. The A.L. champion Rays shocked the world last year, beating out the Sox and Yanks to claim the East their own. Their pitching staff and young bats are still in tact and they will still reek havoc on the division.
Winner- The Yankees production will be overshadowed by A-Roid and his antics, and they will have to put this behind them to be successful. Although the Tampa Bay Rays won the east last year and put themselves on the map, it will be hard for them to repeat their miracle season. Pick: Boston Red Sox

Central- The White Sox took the division last year. Their team remains the same as they look to repeat. The Twins have the pitching, but their bats concern me if they want to be competitive. Detroit fell off the map after reaching the World Series a few years ago. The Tigers, Royals, and Indians teams do not look too impressive and I expect them all to battle for last place.
Winner- This race should come down to Chicago and Minnesota. With Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau on you're team you cant go wrong. And with their pitching being solid, they should put up a good fight. The White Sox have big bats like Jermaine Dye and Wilson Betemit, and solid pitchers like Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreres. When push comes to shove, I believe the Twinkies will come through. Pick: Minnesota Twins

West- The Angels won the division last year with big bats and decent pitching. Not to mention a lack of competition. Seattle looks to improve as they signed Griffey Jr. The A's and Rangers did not improve really at all and are probably going to have another miserable season.
Winner- Although Seattle might put up a fight, the Angels have Vlad Guerrero. They won the division by 21 games last year and will probably do the same again. Pick: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Wild Card- This will be a close one. It will most likely come down to the Yankees, Rays, and the White Sox. I don't know if Tampa Bay can create a run like they did last year. The Sox will most likely fade toward mid August. The Yanks have an all-star lineup and solid pitching, so I expect to see them in the postseason. Pick: New York Yankees


World Series- After it's all said and done, the Mets have filled all of their voids, and look to be the favorite in the National League, while their cross town rival Yankees have the tools to do the same damage in the AL. We have another NY subway World Series on our hands. And as it has been proven in the past, "money doesn't buy championships", the Mets will come away with the title as the MLB's best. Pick: New York Mets

N.L. MVP- Albert Pujols, St Louis Cardinals
A.L. MVP- Mark Teixeira, NY Yankees
N.L. Cy Young- Johan Santana, NY Mets
A.L. Cy Young- C.C. Sabathia, NY Yankees

And there is the complete 2009 MLB season preview. It is going to be an exciting one, and I look forward to things getting started.

The U.N. is planning to sit and discuss with executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick and actors Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos about how the show deals with war, terrorism, human rights, and morality. I love BSG as much as anyone but don't they have wars to stop and shit? You know the world is fucked when the people we elect to lead us through the dark times turn to a group of people who work on a sci-fi tv show. They don't even write it for Christ's sake. Maybe the U.N. knows something we don't though. While we're all paying attention to the complete and utter disaster that is the world economy, Cylons could be infiltrating every facet of our lives, simply biding their time until they destroy us. I'd rather that be the case then to think our leaders are just pissed they missed Comic Con. The only thing worse than this would be if they announced some ridiculous celebrity way past their prime to attend.


Oh wait. The panel is going to be moderated by Whoopie Goldberg. FUUUUUUUCCCCKKKK.