PS3 Netflix Gets EZ Mode

Last week, Fast Company reported that 61% of the total 15 million Netflix users have used the services streaming option in the past year. That's a huge jump up from last year's number of 37% of users streaming movies. I'm sure much of this can be attributed Netflix's reach. You don't have to be stuck in front of a computer to stream a movie these days, options like Boxee, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 allow users options and ease when streaming. 

As awesome as it is to have Netflix streaming on our gaming consoles, we can't help but think that it's a bit watered down. Sure, the service allows us to access instant cue, new additions, several genres, and what's been suggested for us, but one of the most important aspects has been missing until very recently. PS3 is the first to strike with a search function of the service's streaming catalog. 360 users will have to wait until November for this handy upgrade. Wii owners, who the hell knows. Enjoy it while you can PSNers. I guess they had to do something to offset having to pop in that stupid disc every time you want to stream something.

Zombie Mario is One Ugly Mama Mia

Continuing the recent trend of throwing zombies in scenarios they don't belong, Flickr user mrksaari has successfully mashed up George Romero and Shigeru Miyamoto to create these Super Mario Brothers zombies. The whole gang is here; Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach. Unfortunately no zombie Bowser. That would possibly be too awesome to capture on photo. 

Dead Rising: Case 0 is Raising The Bar on Game Demos

Your typical game demo consists of a section lifted out of the retail copy of whichever game you're being lured into buying. Oft-times this will be one of the earlier stages of the game, so you can get prepped on story without feeling too lost or having any major plot points revealed. And oft-times these demos feel detached and carelessly thrown onto your plate, just to say "Hey! Check it out! Buy, buy, buy!" Dead Rising: Case 0 is different, in that it wants you to feel like it's an investment.

Sure, its a five buck download, but it's not your typical demo either. It's a prequel to the actual game, following protagonist Chuck on his mission to save his freshly bitten and slowly turning daughter from the zombie infection. Not only does this demo set up the story for where the game will initially pick up, but your experience, weapons, and whatever clothing you happen to find will transfer over to the main game. Well done Capcom, not only are you doing something refreshing with the token idea of the game demo, you're also justifying the five dollar entry fee. I'm still unsure if I want to spend $60 for Dead Rising 2, but I'm pretty sure I'll pay the fiver to try out Case 0.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Gushes Over Itself

Ubisoft has released another killer Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer trailer. This tells you, in quotes, how awesome it's own multiplayer is. Can't argue with it, because it does look good. And like the previous ACB multiplayer trailer, it's very well done. One thing that bothers me, is that assassinations are supposed to be performed quickly, quietly, and mysteriously right? This multiplayer assassinating thing has dudes backflipping, drop kicking, and slitting throats with a flourish in broad day light. Assassination FAIL! 

DC Universe Online to Get Alternate Universes?

I'm not completely sure of what's going on in DC Universe Online's latest trailer. What I am completely sure of, is that it kicks ass! Batman is decked out in heavy armor, Cyborg is blasting a massive energy weapon, Wonder Woman is sword-fighting with Deathstroke, Joker is in battle gear, Harley Quinn is possibly dead, Flash is.. Well, running away.. And Superman has five o'clock shadow and red eyes. That has to mean he's evil, right? 

What if this is some sort of alternate reality, where the good guys are bad, the bad guys are bad, but the storyline and game play is awesum?! I was never a fan of DC Comics because their stories put me to sleep (I will admit Blackest Night is dope) but if DCU Online does some crazy alternate reality shit, I'll have to at least try it out. 

Infamous 2's Cole Is Getting a Makeover

OMG you guys, it's make over time! *squeal*

Apparently, the folks at Sucker Punch have their ear to the ground. About three weeks ago, I complained about how silly Cole looks in Infamous 2. Sucker Punch, who develops the Infamous series, must have taken my complaints personally because they're redesigning Cole. Good move Sucker Punch, good move. 

Currently, there are no shots of what the redesigned human conduit will end up looking like, but SP reassures us that they're hard at work rebooting the character design to one that doesn't suck. It's kind of refreshing to know that a developer is listening to the complaints of it's customers, and applying fixes so proactively. Kudos, fellas! While we patiently await Cole to emerge from the stylist's chair, here's an uneventful trailer to tide us over, showing Infamous 2's comic style cut scenes.

via Game Informer

Scott Pilgrim and PS3 vs. The Xbox 360 Community

It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that the incredible looking XBLA/PSN game Scott Pilgrim vs. The World will be a PSN exclusive.. For two weeks. That's right, Sony has landed the exclusive rights to 4-player online coop beat 'em up for a full two weeks before Microsoft can get it's filthy rich hands on it. This annoys me, because I wanted to be able to play the game on day one, and I'm sure as hell not going to buy it for PSN, because it's still not impressive enough for my cooperative cohorts to move away from what I think is the superior service, Xbox Live. 

via IGN

Update on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 3:32PM by Ernie

Well, apparently this article is moot. I finally got the memo that Scott Pilgrim vs. The World will not have online cooperative multiplayer on either XBL or PSN. Bummer!

Red Faction Origins says "This is How You Promote A Game"

THQ has joined forces with cable television network SyFy to release Red Faction Origins, a two-hour live action movie that bridges the gap between Red Faction Guerrilla and Red Faction Armageddon. It's a Red Faction orgy! 

According to popular gaming site Destructoid "Origin's screenplay was written by Andrew Kreisberg (Vampire Diaries, Boston Legal), based on a story by Paul DeMeo (The Rocketeer, The Flash)." Not familiar with these guys' bodies of work, but SyFy puts out some.. Interesting movies. Let's hope Origins is worthy of the Red Faction name.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich of the Gods

Okay, this clip is absolute fucking genius! Have you ever wondered what if Kratos was a college student, and his quest for revenge and redemption led him to face off against the peanut butter and jelly sandwich of the Gods?! Me neither. Thankfully, some guy did, and the result is hilarious. It's much better then that yawnfest, Wes Anderson's God of War. 

Watch and be amazed.

Final Fantasy 3:16

I used to be a hardcore Final Fantasy XI player. I'm talking about missing two or three consecutive days of work so I can farm Yagudo necklaces and be a the most badass THF/NIN EVAR! That was a long time ago. Since then, I've moved on to less time consuming MMOs, such as World of Warcraft, and when that became too possessive of me, City of Villains. Now I refuse to play any MMO due to the time investment required for it to pay off. Until Star Wars The Old Republic drops. Then I'm quitting my job and never showering again!

I'm getting off track here. The point I wanted to initially make, is that Stone Cold Steve Austin is a playable character in Final Fantasy XIV. Yes, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin 3:16. WHAT? The Stunner. The Thesz Press. The beer drinking bottom line is in Final Fantasy XIV 'cuz Stone Cold says so. Don't believe me? See for yourself:

via Kotaku