Toronto Thumbs

FanExpo 2010
Section A - Arrival and Elbow Rubbing

When Kirk, Mike, and I decided to attend FanExpo Canada 2010, we were not sure what we were letting ourselves in for; there has been so much said about the previous events that would be cause for severe intimidation (to less stalwart individuals, of course). Seriously, being able to talk directly to some of one’s favourite celebrities (after possibly lining up for a long time) would be a squeee-issuing prospect. Primarily, we decided to go to support our good friend Shaun Hatton, who is one of the correspondents from The Electric Playground; as the weeks went by since we registered, though, we had lined up a few interviews and will deliver some interesting tidbits to you all. Shaun’s panel was on the Saturday, so that was the day that we registered for; and we planned to be there for the long haul.

Read the rest »

Posted in News Bytes | 2 Comments »

X’10
Introduction

Today I had the pleasure of attending Microsoft’s X’10. X’10 is essentially a holiday preview event; a showcase for games and hardware that will be available for purchase in the near future. A lot of fun was had; I really enjoyed myself. However, there is a lot to write up, and I am pretty wiped.

You will have to satisfy yourself with Toronto Thumbs’ X’10 photo gallery for now…

Click here to check out our X’10 gallery! »

Posted in Events, Microsoft, News Bytes, Xbox 360 | 2 Comments »

Syd-Tacular!
Mr. Bolton Goes To FanExpo

Syd Bolton, curator of Brantford’s Personal Computer Museum, will take the mic with Victor Lucas and Scott Jones to talk about the history of video games! The panel will discuss where video games have been, where they are, and where they are going, and promises to be full of knowledge and good times!

If you can make it out to FanExpo at the end of August (specifically, August 29th at 11 AM), then don’t miss out!

Posted in Events, Fandom, News Bytes | No Comments »

Excited
Tales From Space: About a Blob

I am going to be interviewing Drinkbox Studios about this game very soon, but I need to gush. I am a sucker for games with a great story and this looks to be an awesome experience. Tales From Space: About a Blob is about an innocent creature that grows and grows until it eats the planet. It’s a puzzle-based platformer for the PS3 that looks like a lot of fun! Stay tuned to this space to read about what they have to say about it.

Click here if you want to check out the dev blog! »

Posted in News Bytes, PlayStation 3, Previews | No Comments »

Wake Up!
Watch For the Signal

The Signal (the first game add-on for Alan Wake) is available today on Xbox LIVE. Grab your flashlight and head into the world of writer Alan Wake, where reality and nightmare meet in unexpected ways; will Alan’s mind hold against the latest mystery? Follow The Signal to find out!

For those who purchased new copies of the game, a token card is included with which one may download this add-on. Otherwise, it is available for 560 Microsoft Points. This game has met with many a positive review, so if you own it, check out the new content! A new trailer is available for viewing on the Alan Wake page as well, so…

Click here for Wakey Wakey! »

Posted in LIVE, News Bytes, Xbox 360 | No Comments »

Counting Down
Microsoft Kinect Gets Canadian Release Date

Those of us who are drooling in anticipation for Microsoft’s controller-free gaming can now start counting down; Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360 will be hitting the streets of our proud nation on November 4th in a variety of flavours. Also interesting to note is that there is a new Xbox 360 4GB arriving in retail locations on August 3rd. Check out some of the combinations available (all prices in CAD ERP):

• Xbox 360 4GB (Flash Memory) Console, Kinect, Kinect Adventures game - $299.99
• Xbox 360 4GB (Flash Memory) Console - $199.99
• Kinect (with Kinect Adventures) for existing Xbox 360 owners - $149.99

Looks like an exciting time for those who are currently part of the Xbox family, as well as for those who wish to join!

Posted in Kinect, News Bytes, Xbox 360 | No Comments »

COMICS!
Assassins’ Creed Comic Coming Soon!

As if the Assassin’s Creed  franchise wasn’t awesome enough already, Ubisoft has announced that a comic book mini-series is in development and will be released this fall. Word is that Cameron Stewart and Karl Kerschl are working together to make this happen. These two Canadian comic book powerhouses were recently in St. Petersburg, Russia, to do some research for the project.

Gee, I wonder what the setting will be for the new comic series?

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Tag! You’re it!
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Any fans of the recently released Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies should take note: select EB/Gamestop locations across Canada will be hosting a Tag Mode event on July 31, 2010 between 14:00 and 16:00. Tag Mode allows players in range of each other to exchange custom greetings and treasure maps; unlocking grottoes in the game is made much easier by Tag Mode.

Folks attending the event will be able to download an exclusive map and can enter to win a Midnight Blue Nintendo DSi XL.

Click here for participating stores »

Posted in Events, News Bytes, Nintendo | 1 Comment »

ZOMG!!
Patapon 3 Multiplayer Demo

Yesterday I downloaded the multiplayer demo of Patapon 3 from the PSN Store. I played through the intro stage on public transit and I seriously think that people must have thought I was crazy because of the look of sheer glee on my face. I don’t normally buy into a game during an intro stage to a demo; my acceptance comes into the meat of the demo. But man, this game looks like everything Patapon 2 had with even more DON CHAKA!

I will report more on this later…

Posted in News Bytes, PSN, PSP | 1 Comment »

Online Gaming Goodness
Just the PHAX, Ma’am!

Is random online gaming something that has jumped the shark for you? Want to play for more than just bragging rights? Well, Toshiba and PHAX Gaming have a pretty cool solution. This national online gaming league for XBox, Wii, and PC Gamers, that is free to join until next May, will allow you to play for over $30,000 in cash and prizes; not only are there placement prizes, but a draw as well.

I think these online gaming leagues add a lot to multiplayer. It’s certainly worth taking a look-see.

Click Here For Toshiba Gaming »

Click Here For PHAX Gaming »

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