The demo for WWE Smackdown v. Raw 2009 is now available on the PlayStation Network. Given that I haven’t played a wrestling game since WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64, I can’t cast judgement on the Smackdown v. Raw series. Reviews are sorta mixed, it seems. Also, embedded primarily for nostalgic reasons and my own edification, one of the most infamous scenes in pro wrestling from the 1990s. (Fast-forward to 6:30 if you’re in a hurry.) To be 12-years-old again! → Read More
WWE Superstar Randy Orton wants to see more violence in video games, arguing that movie violence is far more detrimental to young kids than something like Grand Theft Auto. Yup, the pro wrestler recently defended our favorite pastime in an interview with Eurogamer, saying: Violence sells. I want to see more violence in games – the more blood the better…. The violence [in Goodfellas] is against human beings. There’s rape in movies—you see all kinds of f*cked up sh*t on film You know what was one of the most annoying conventions in school? Using an asterisk in place of vowels in “bad” words. Like, we’re all adults. If someone sees the “F word” in print, the Earth will continue to spin. But back to Orton. While defending the video game industry from self-righteous folks like Jack Thomson should be applauded, asking for more violence merely for the sack of it is silly. Violence for violence’s sake isn’t exactly a smart policy, I think. That he was able to play Mortal Kombat back in the day and never tried to rip someone’s heart art isn’t exactly breaking news. How many of you played awfully violent video games—Doom, GTA, and so on—and have been saints your whole life? → Read More
WrestleMania XXIV airs this Sunday on pay-per-view and will be the first WrestleMania broadcast in high-definition. They’ve jacked up the price this year, so if you want to see Randy “The One Man Dynasty” (wtf?) Orton defend the title in HD be prepared to fork over $70. (The standard def version is $55.) In all likelihood, I think I’ll just grab the torrent the next day. I’m not made of $70 pay-per-views. → Read More
I totally forgot to mention this yesterday, but the very first high-definition WWE pay-per-view aired on Sunday. The Royal Rumble, held at New York’s Madison Square Garden, is an annual last-man-standing sort of thing. It’s a big deal for wrestling fans. Raw also made its HD debut on USA last night. It’s broadcast in 1080i, which is as good as you’re gonna get on broadcast (or cable) TV for a while. (1080p is strictly high-def disc only now.) WWE’s been running promos the past few weeks promoting how the wrestlers, “superstars” in pro wrestling parlance, will look brighter and how every mach will be sharper. Yes, it’s called high-definition. This video shows D-Generation X talking up WWEHD. Shawn Michaels is going baldlol! Of course, my wonderful cable operator, TimeWarner, isn’t carrying USAHD yet, so I won’t be able to join in on the fun. Balderdash. ‘Redefining’ television with WWE HD [WWE] → Read More
We know a guy who knows a guy who hooked us up with the trailer for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 for the Nintendo DS, which comes out next month. The game looks to be graphically on par with the N64 games WrestleMania 2000 and No Mercy, probably the best wrestling games ever made. I could do without the cheesy rock music, but that’s the sort of thing you learn to live with as a wrestling fan. Real fans won’t be surprised that Triple H is all over the trailer; he’s still pulling the strings backstage. Triple H, a better politician than FDR? Home Page → Read More
We’re filing this one under insane, creepy, interesting, telling, and WTF. You’ve possibly heard of the WWE murder/suicide of the week, featuring popular WWE superstar Chris Benoit and his family. Yah, it’s not gadgety, but it’s about Wikiepedia, and if you like, then you’ll love! → Read More
Do I have a treat for you. It’s a picture of the upcoming LG Fusic II. Unfortunately, we know more about Vince McMahon’s death than we do about what this phone can do. Yes, we know it has a 1.3-megapixel camera, but so do every other cellphone on Earth at this point. Oh, and it supports EV-DO. We know that, too. The rest? Not a damn thing. No release date, no nothing. If you ask me, it sorta looks like the U.S. version of the LG Chocolate, only a little different and gray. Hopefully it’s not touch-sensitive, because that works so terribly on the Chocolate it’s actually depressing. The LG Fusic II Is On Its Way [Akihabaranews.com] → Read More
In a conference with Cingular/AT&T about their new service, Video Share, a mobile-to-mobile video chat service reminiscient of video chat in Europe. The service is rolling out this summer. The best part? They’re partnering with WWE and Napster for some video and music hotness. Also, we’ll be seeing a new phone from Apple – something called the iPhone – officially available in June with no delays. The reps said data and mobile use is going to go through the roof when the device launches, suggesting some sort of all-you-can-eat plan (similar to what they have for Blackberry users or their 3G unlimited data plans). → Read More
Well, sans Hulk at least. Cingular has partnered with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) to create premium content available for wrestling fans. Everything from wallpapers to ringtones to videos will be available. However, getting your fix of Macho Man Randy Savage will cost you a pretty penny. Some videos will be included as part of Cingular’s media service plan while others will require a $4.99 premium video package. Ringtones are set to sell for $2.49 and wallpapers, graphics, whatever you call them, are going to go for $1.99. All the content is available now, just watch out when Jake The Snake comes to kick your ass for not downloading his ringtone. Cingular to bring wrestling to mobile phones [Washington Post] → Read More
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