Why do I bring this up? Because if  a recent statement made by Activision CEO Robert Kotick is true, then Activision games may follow the way in which those games are played: No console required to play.

The quote in question mentioned plans for a "untethered Guitar Hero," and said to expect many of their "products to be playable independent of a console."

In other words, you'll no longer require a console to play games, specifically ones by Activision. And instead, I suspect, will simply have to pug something (possibly the peripheral) into your television to play, much like how similar peripheral based devices have done.

And for that reason, I can see this being beneficial in some ways. The Guitar Hero franchise is quite popular, and this could get it into the hands of more people, which in turn, brings in more money for Activision. And as with any company, that's reason enough to bring this concept to fruition.

Though I have to wonder how the console makers would feel about this... As this would steal potential sales from them, and I can't imagine that they'd be pleased with that.

Still, the idea has some potential. Though I would suggest not taking this as truth just yet, as comments like these have been made in the past and never reach fruition. But I must admit, it sounds like a probable move from Activision. I mean, they've pretty much made it clear that they'll do anything to make as much money as possible, and since this could help them with that, I can easily see this happening. I mean, it's not like anyone's going to stop them, right?

You can get the lowdown on the game here if you're interested. As for me, I'm gonna sit here, and try to come to terms with this strange development. I'll let you know how that goes.

 
The trailer (embedded below) shows a large black mass moving around absorbing beats of the same of the same hue, while avoiding white-hued beats. Upon absorbing beats, the mass grows larger, and as it grows it seems you'll have to shrink it in order to continue avoiding white beats.
 
 

Many have said its like Ikaruga, and they're right -- it is like Ikaruga, just simplified. Though I would extend that comparison to just about any game in that genre, as it it very similar to how those games play. Which, as a fan of that genre, is a welcome change.

The game game is set for release this fall, according to the developers website, and I couldn't be more excited. The Bit.Trip series has delivered some amazing games thus far, and Void looks like it'll continue to deliver. The game is going to be at PAX apparently, so some details should arise there.

Capcom, however, doesn't seem to follow that method, though. As today it was revealed that they are working on a sequel for Okami.

The reveal came courtesy of a scan from Famitsu, a popular gaming magazine in Japan. It was posted on various news outlets, with a translation done by GameSpot. Here's what they got...

According to Famitsu, Okamiden will be an all-new adventure in the Okami universe, though it will be set in the same areas as the PS2 and Wii editions. Further, the game will follow a new, younger character several months after the events of the original. Gameplay will be similar to previous versions, and players will use the DS's stylus to draw the franchise's hallmark magical symbols.

...Perhaps it's just me, but I have a bad feeling about this. Why? Well, seeing as the visuals and music were important aspects of the game, the DS doesn't seem like the best system to release a game such as this onto. As it is significantly weaker than the PlayStation 2 and Wii (the systems the original game was released on) are. You move it to a weaker platform, and you'll lose the aforementioned elements that were so integral to the original game.

And seeing as the game takes place in the same locations as the original, these differences will become more apparent to those familiar with them (such as myself). And unless they can somehow delivers the same level of quality as the original, then the game will surely be a lesser game. Especially if the controls don't work particularly well either. As, in my experience, three-dimensional games don't work too well with a d-pad, especially when there's platforming involved, and there probably will.

Now granted, I could be wrong about all this, and you know what? I hope I am. I'd love to be proved wrong, as I'd love to see a new Okami that delivers the same level of quality as the original. And the Celestial Brush could work very well on the DS, as it would feel very similar to actually using a brush.

But at this point, I'm not sure it'll be good. As until I know that the aforesaid concerns are addressed, I can only worry about how it'll be.

Hopefully these fears can be put to rest once the forthcoming Tokyo Game Show rolls around later this month, as the game is going to be playable there apparently. Which, at the very least, should shed some more light on this game.

Following yesterday's long awaited announcement of the PlaySation 3 Slim, which is set to be released in early September worldwide at $300 (Yay! Price cut!), another rumor regarding said system has surfaced via an FCC filing.

The filing in question mentions a 250GB model of their newly announced system, which shares similarities in its product code (CECH-2001B) to the one of the forthcoming system (CECH-2000A). Leading many to believe that it indeed exists.

And that belief is only further instilled by the one responsible for the filing: Sand Dollar Enterprise. Whom, according to GameSpot, is "a Foster City, California outfit that shares an address with Sony Computer Entertainment America." In addition, the contact given in the filing was SCEA senior vice president of legal, Riley Russell. So there's no mistake; it's definitely a Sony filing.

Personally, I'm torn on this. On one hand, the immense hard drive would be nice to have, especially for one such as myself, who buys many downloadable titles. But on the other, I'd rather not pay extra (because, knowing Sony, they'll do that) for more space. And the fact that they're still going with the multiple hardware configurations, is driving me nuts. Can't they just stick with one model, like the Wii has?

Still, more space is never a bad thing. And if they pack in a game or two (i.e. ones I'm interested in), then I'll probably go for it. Well...as long as they don't end up releasing it a year or so from now, anyway.