The Week In Review: June 30-July 6

This week was certainly hectic in the world of video gaming. With the E3 on our doorsteps, many companies revealed new things to keep us occupied, while the really important news, at least we hope, will make itself known during the annual show. So what did happen this week?

First of all, the camera for the Nintendo DS has been revealed. The device will be inserted into the handheld's GBA slot. For the sake of convenience, the device will be mounted, and the first title to be confirmed for the new device is a game called Face Training. Essentailly, the game, such as it is, will illustrate various silly faces on the screen, which the player will then try to mimic in real life. Let's just hope that in future games, the camera will be used in more intelligent applications.

Moving on, it appears that force feedback technology may finally be making its way to the PlayStation 3. With the fiasco between Immersion and Sony settled, talks have started about re-integrating the essential technology into the PS3 through a feature called "Touchsense." Touchsense will allow vibrating at different intensities, and at different locations on the DualShock controller. PS2 games will also be able to rumble like there's no tomorrow thanks to a future firmware update. Neither the price nor the eventual release date have yet been revealed, though we are expecting Sony to make an announcement during its E3 press conference.

Capcom has released a new trailer for its upcoming Wii exclusive Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, an on-rails shooter set during several of the more memorable events in the popular survival horror franchise. The game looks promising, to say the least, and it will be interesting to see what else is shown of the game next week.

And speaking of new media, Bungie has revealed the first picture from single player portion of Halo 3. At first sight, it may not seem like a big deal, but once you check all the detail out on the Chief, your jaw will drop.

Oh, did I forget to mention that the picture is in-game? Because it is. Good luck with re-locating your jaw.

Turning our attention back to Sony's console, the PS3 version of the oddly titled Beautiful Katamari seems to be in jeopardy. According to IGN, Namco Bandai, as a result of apparently poor console sales, has terminated the project…for the PS3 at least. Now the Xbox 360 exclusivity of the game seems certain, but a Wii version is also possible. Who would have thought a year ago that a Katamari game would be released on a Microsoft console, exclusive or otherwise?

In other disheartening news for PS3 owners, EA has confirmed that the console's version of Medal of Honor: Airborne has been delayed from August 28, a release date still expected for the game's Xbox 360 and PC versions. Officially, EA cited a need for additional polish as the reason for delay, as well as a desire to ensure that the Sixaxis works well with the game.

Finally, notorious lawyer Jack Thompson, known for his constant uphill struggles against the gaming industry and community, has been committed to psychological check-up, and has been suspended for 91 days from working. The Florida Bar, which is in charge of monitoring lawyers in Florida, has received several complaints about Thompson's behavior in the court cases involving Bully and Grand Theft Auto. Who's crazy now, Mr. Thompson?!

That's all for this week, be sure to check out our E3 coverage live from Santa Monica!

Jul 9, 2007 - 9:27 am | 9 comments
Mate Bors