Gamers have long marveled at people like Mike 'TSA' Damiani for their insane achievements, high scores, and speed runs, but there hasn't been an official source to refer to... until now, that is. Guinness World records, in association with Twin Galaxies, has released a book entitled "Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008", which features just what you might expect.

"The Gamer's Edition offers you the unique chance to have your gaming achievements recognized by the world authority in record-breaking." - Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief, Guinness World Records

The book features arcade game high scores, timelines detailing the history of gaming, specs given for each major console, tables and charts, full color photos, in-depth descriptions of popular games across all genres, and a multitude of facts and figures from the video gaming world. The book is more accurately a gaming encyclopedia, and it does what it does well.

You'll also find the occasional interview with important figures in the gaming world, such as Tommy Tallarico, Cliffy B., and, believe it or not, Lil' Poison! If you've got $20 to spare, the book is an excellent value. The only problem I see is that the sales statistics will quickly become outdated (naturally), but this is a problem with all print media. So in all due honesty, it's tough to criticize the book based on a fault of the entire medium.

For serious gamers, the book should be a definite pick-up. It is especially great for "stat whores" who love poring over numbers and figures. Even casual gaming aficionados might enjoy reading up on the history of gaming.

"Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008" retails for $19.95 in US and Canada, and is available in all major bookstores.

Everyone's getting excited for big hitters like Mario Kart Wii, no doubt. Okami, for example, is being talked about incessantly, with fans hoping it will be more successful on Wii than PS2. But one game in particular is getting overlooked. A very "big-name" game.

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

To classic gamers, Ninja Gaiden will evoke memories both pleasant and not-so-pleasant. We all remember loving the music and thoughtful level design, but we also remember breaking a few controllers in frustration. Those early NES games were hard. Then came the series reimagining on Xbox, simply titled "Ninja Gaiden". It was the first one in 3D, and like many franchises before it, the jump to the third dimension was mostly unproblematic.

Then the PS3 got a sequel, along with a remake of the original Xbox title. What's next for good ol' Itagaki and Co.?

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. Think the DS is "underpowered"? Think again.

Check out some screenshots here.

Though it may not look impressive from screenshots, trust me; this thing looks like a Gamecube game. I've played the demo, and I was absolutely blown away. The production values were through the roof!

Now, what about the gameplay? Controls?

The game plays a little like Phantom Hourglass... stylus-only. Before that dissuades you, know this; I wasn't enamored with PH's control scheme, but Ninja Gaiden's is practically flawless. Especially during the battle sequences.

3, 4, 5 enemies coming at you, and you hack and slash with your sword with tons of ninja moves... it's really, really fun. It's like Streets of Rage or River City Ransom in 3D! From the demo I played, the only control issues I ran into were during the "quiet" moments, when there were no enemies on screen. It's sometimes a little tough to navigate Ryu.

But that's enough for now. We'll have a more detailed report for you soon though!

With the recent announcement that Factor 5 is on board with Wii development, a rumor has emerged that their inaugural project will be a new Kid Icarus game for the Wii. It will apparently sport the same 3D render of Pit that appears in Brawl... no other info was divulged.

Personally speaking, I'm hoping for a God of War-type game. A dark, Greek mythology-inspired, action-adventure game is just what the Wii needs. Also, knowing Factor 5, the graphics will be the absolute best the Wii can pull off. What do you guys think?

Source

Though no concrete details were revealed, a portion of a JoWood press release (in German) for Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None (Wii) mentions a Sam & Max game for Wii...

• JoWooD plant weitere seiner erfolgreichen Lizenzen aus dem Adventure Games fur Nintendo Wii zu adaptieren. Eines der nachsten Projekte: Sam & Max. Als Adventure des Jahres, gewahlt von den Lesern des deutschen Computerspielmagazins "PC Games" (zu finden in der aktuellen Printausgabe 2/2008), gehen Sam & Max bald auch bei Nintendo Wii auf Verbrecherjagd.

Point and clicks seem to be thriving on Wii/DS...

Source

Full Press Release

Straight from the good guys at NeoGAF comes information about Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

With Bioware on board as the main developer, I can't help but feel excited. Granted, a turn-by-turn Sonic game is bound to raise a few eyebrows, but Bioware knows how to make RPGs. I'm confident this one will be yet another stellar game from the reputable studio.

• Cover story with nice artwork
• In-game graphics have a water color look, all hand drawn
• Four party members at a time
• Each character has special skills: Tails, for example, can float over things
• Eleven party members total: The seven known are Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Rouge, Shadow, Big the Cat
• Controlling the game is done fully with the stylus
• You will be able to split your party into teams at certain moments
• Rings are used as currency
• No random battles, you can see all enemies on the field
• Turn-based battles, choose commands for everyone in your party before they actually follow through
• 'Elite Beat Agents'-style special attacks
• Team attacks (similar to Chrono Trigger)
• 'Fatigue Points' instead of MP
• You can choose which attributes to increase when a character levels up
• You can purchase and level special attacks
• Two acts: The first takes place in standard Sonic areas, the second takes place in a darker world
• Remixed classic tunes
• Fully animated cut scenes
• simple dialogue trees
• Side quests

A bit of the story was also unveiled:

Sonic is on vacation from defeating Eggman 2 years ago. He gets a call from Tails that Knuckles has been kidnapped by a group called the Marauders, and that 6 chaos emeralds are missing. Eggman will not the main villain. Bioware wants to make him a creditable bad guy again. Something was also said about a 'twist' between Eggman and Sonic that goes back to the earlier games.

Source

Hey all! I'm the newest staff writer here at HookedGamers. Just thought I'd introduce myself here...

Ever since the beginning, I've been as big of a Nintendo fan as they come (though not a fanboy -- those suck!). My first console was the N64, but don't use that against me -- I'm pretty well versed in classic gaming lore, and I've played most of the NES and SNES repertoire. I've also played a fair few Genesis, TG-16, and other console games... basically, if I had to sum it up, I'm an open-ended gamer, but due to things beyond my control (read: lack of money), I own mostly Nintendo consoles.

But enough about that... my favorite genres are RPGs, action-adventures, fighting games, and, above all, NICHE GAMES! I want my love for niche games to be known, especially for one certain franchise...

Fire Emblem.

Yes, it's my favorite franchise, well... ever. Better than Zelda, better than all those games. I may occasionally receive flak for my rampant Fire Emblem love, but I don't really care; nothing can beat Fire Emblem. Granted, I'm not always in the mood for the games (hence me not playing Radiant Dawn in the last month)... but usually, I can't get enough of them.

On the non-gaming side of things, I'm a professional classical, flamenco, and Brazilian guitarist. I've been playing for almost 10 years, and it's been a blast so far. I've even recorded an album!

But yeah, instead of going into this introduction further, I'll just finish off with "What am I playing right now?"

SNES: Illusion Of Gaia
N64: Rayman 2
GCN: Viewtiful Joe 2
DS: Contra 4 (just beat Phoenix Wright 3, though... one of the best games ever)
Wii: Zack & Wiki