Blogamole › video games

By Michael Lopez

Ever wonder what’s setting the trends on the internet? Click over to the Webby Awards site and you’ll get a taste of the hundreds of links, apps, and online videos that mattered most within the past year. Everything from Angry Birds, to Funny Or Die, to viral Old Spice campaigns are getting recognized for their influence on the point-and-click culture.

"The wildly eclectic mix of nominees reflects how the internet has become the driving force shaping everything from entertainment to business," a Webby rep said in a written press release.

Since its launch back in 1995, the Webby Awards have become the standard in honoring emerging online technology. Judges for the annual event include musician David Bowie, Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington, and Twitter creator Biz Stone. Each year thousands of sites submit their links to the panel during the Webby Call For Entries procession. From there, they are narrowed down based on a strict voting process.

Many of this year’s nominees are longtime favorites of the Blogamole crowd. Twitter is up for Best Community Site and MTV’s A Thin Line got recognized in the Best Youth Site category. In the video categories, Justin Bieber got a nod for his Funny Or Die clip and Stan Lee’s Influential Issues is up for Best Variety Video.

And even though you may like skipping through those banners and pop-ups, the Webbys makes sure that the year’s best ads get honored too. Memorable 2010 campaigns that got recognized include the Doritos “Late Night” spots and the Toy Story 3 viral promos.

But of course, no internet awards would be complete without some love for the mobile apps and games. As expected, Facebook’s Farmville got a nod for Best Handheld Game, though it’s competing with Angry Birds and the highly-addictive TRON Legacy: Circuit Pulse. In the app department, Marvel got some digital love for its Comics Application and food site Yelp got a nod for its mobile reviewing capabilities.

And that is just the tip of the digital iceberg. I highly recommend clicking over to the Webby Awards on June 13 for a complete breakdown of the "musts" that need to be added to your Favorites list. Just make sure you’ve got some time on your hands because with over 100 categories, it will be a very long event.

Are you looking forward to this year’s Webby Awards? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags apps, Award Shows, Hot Stuff, Technology, twitter, video games, Videos, Webby Awards, websites

By Michael Lopez

It sure is fun watching Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz sword-fight their way through the new Pirates Of The Caribbean trailer. And now, TT Games is ready to let you actually take part in the action with a brand new LEGO Pirates video game that spans all four movies. And in case you missed the first word of the title, yes, all of the simulated swashbucklers will be made of LEGO parts.

Believe it or not, in a sea filled with realistic Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption shooters, there is still a high demand for cute lighthearted LEGO video games. In the past five years, LEGO adaptations of the Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Batman franchises have gone on to sell tens of millions of copies.

Penelope Cruz’s Angelica character design exudes confidence and even some LEGO sex appeal. Dressed in a dark captain's hat, a green vest, and black pants, her video game description actually reveals a few interesting plot points about the upcoming movie. For one thing, the LEGO site claims Angelica is (Spoiler Alert!!!!) the daughter of Blackbeard, which will make for some very interesting encounters onscreen.

Obviously bringing Depp’s Jack Sparrow into the snap-and-click world was a no-brainer. His Pirates movies have pitted him against ghostly sea captains, squid-faced Davy Jones, and now the legendary Blackbeard. So you can imagine the type of button mashing excitement having them all in one cartridge will bring.

In addition to Angelica and Captain Jack Sparrow, you can control Geoffrey Rush’s notorious Barbossa character (in human and skeleton form), and several mermaids and zombies. There will also be a cooperative two-player mode and the opportunity battle your friends, which will make for some great online swordplay.

Plus, in the game's Story Mode you can pick up ancient treasures and unlock cool Easter Eggs, including secret characters you know and love from the films. Best of all, in addition to the Xbox, Wii, and PS3, LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean will be available for the new Nintendo 3DS system, utilizing its unique three-dimensional technology. Look for it in stores this coming May.

Are you excited about the new LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Hot Stuff, johnny depp, LEGO, Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean, Nintendo 3DS, Penelope Cruz, Pirates of the Caribbean, video games

By Michael Lopez

Who needs control pads, joysticks, and buttons, when you’ve got a sleek flatscreen to run your fingers across? Sure it might not seem like your average gaming device, but the iPad 2 could give Nintendo’s Wii a run for its money, especially with its unique selection of interactive apps.

Since its release, Apple's newest tablet has proven itself to be a major hit, selling over 2.5 million units in just over a month. With its increased size and processing speed, the iPad 2 offers a lot more gaming opportunities than the standard smartphone. Plus its larger screen makes those Angry Birds and Scrabble words a lot more colorful and crisp.

And though its title selection may not be as vast as what you’d find on the Xbox or the PS3, Ipad 2’s gaming options are just as fun and just as intricate. Osmos, for example, only consists of bubbles on a screen. But trying to tap your finger to delicately move them in the proper direction can be insanely challenging (and quite addicting).

Puzzle fans may also want to download World of Goo. Created by independent publisher 2D Boy, this animated brain-teaser lets you build towers and bridges using simple gobs of ooze. Perfect for wannabe architects and slime lovers of all ages, it forces gamers to get creative with their constructions, utilizing pipes and avoiding nasty thorns.

And everyone who thought an iPad role-playing-game was impossible, think again. Superbrothers: Sword & Sorcery is taking all of the classic medieval elements RPG fans know and love and bringing them into the touchscreen world. Utilizing point-and-click technology, this massive fantasy adventure takes gamers to the land of Trigon and mixes in an incredible musical score.

Of course, no iPad game breakdown would be complete without some form of Angry Birds. This time we’re talking about Trucks & Skulls, a unique “guy-friendly” slant on the high-flying epic we know and love. This time instead of red feathers and beaks, you’ll be hurling monster trucks through the air in the hopes of demolishing evil skeleton heads. Definitely a must-download for all iPad gear-heads.

Obviously that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also Infinity Blade, Mirror’s Edge, and a ton of other video games available. Just make sure you have a plug and an outlet nearby, because these addictive apps have been known to put a major drain on the battery bar!

What’s your favorite iPad game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Apple, Hot Stuff, iPad, iPad 2, Technology, video games

By Michael Lopez

Forget planting and harvesting crops. If you want to have some real simulation fun on Facebook, click over to Guerra Maya. Capitalizing on the massive success of social media games like Farmville and Mafia Wars, Mentez has created a virtual world based on life in ancient Latin American civilizations.

Guerra Maya taps into everything you would expect from 600 A.D. Itzan. As a villager, you can cultivate aloe plants, barter sacred birds, and (once you become a big shot) purchase Mayan pyramids. And that’s only the beginning. Devote enough hours to the game and you could even take control of the legendary Chichén Itza ruins!

According to Fox News Latino, plenty of gamers are already hooked on the concept. Over 4 million Spanish Facebook users have downloaded the program. Not only that, Guerra Maya requires credit card payments to help keep those pre-Columbian crops blooming, which means plenty of extra cash in Mentez’ pocket.

After hearing that, it’s no surprise that Mentez is now one of the most lucrative social gaming publishers in Latin America. Outside of Guerra Maya, you can see their handiwork in Facebook apps like Piratas de Caribe, Tiki Resort, and the social network soccer phenom Bola.

Have you played Guerra Maya? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Facebook, Facebook Games, Farmville, Guerra Maya, Hot Stuff, Mentez, video games

By Michael Lopez

Spring is in the air, which means warmer weather, blooming flowers and longer days. Of course, none of that matters to the hardcore gamers, many of whom will be nestled indoors and glued to their TV screens, controllers in hand. Why? Because spring also promises an onslaught of highly-anticipated video games!

The EA golf game Tiger Woods PGA 12, set to hit stores March 29, may not feature its namesake on the cover, but the simulated Masters tourney will offer plenty of new online capabilities.

Old school gamers are in for a major treat with the new version of Mortal Kombat. Now with 3D graphics, online play and numerous new “fatalities,” it mixes the classic fighter format with plenty of fresh twists. Available exclusively for the Xbox 360 and PS3, expect to see it fly off the shelves on April 19.

And what fun is gaming without a few movie tie-ins? This May, expect to see digitized versions of Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp in Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean. Encompassing all four Pirates movies, it offers 2-player cooperative play and plenty of cute interpretations of Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.

Dig The Sims much? Fans of this series have been able to control virtual people and build up intricate faux communities. Now EA is pushing the concept even further with The Sims: Medieval. Yup, your favorite 2D humans are now donning armor, crowns and jester outfits in the Middle Ages. Could there be virtual dragons to slay? You’ll have to pick up the game to find out.

And though it may not be a game per say, spring’s biggest electronic import is bound to be the Nintendo 3DS. Announced last year, the innovative handheld will become available in U.S. stores on March 27. Featuring groundbreaking technology that lets you experience 3D without wearing glasses, the pocket-sized device is expected to launch alongside three-dimensional Street Fighter and Nintendogs games.

Which upcoming video games are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Hot Stuff, Lego Pirates Of The Caribbean, Mortal Kombat, Nintendo 3DS, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Sims, The Sims: Medieval, Tiger Woods PGA 12, video games

By Michael Lopez

Don’t let the name fool you. The new iPad app Mariachi Hero is not about flamenco guitars or trumpets. The latest minigame that Sweden’s PAN Vision developed is based around smashing cockroaches and drinking tequila in the Mexican desert. Sound racist? That’s what several Latino sites are saying.

Unfortunately the expanding world of application software has opened the floodgates for some politically incorrect games developed by independent companies, or even sole designers, who have been known to push the limits of good taste. Just last month, we got Smuggle Truck, which caused a major uproar for its negative portrayal of illegal immigrants.

Mariachi Hero isn’t quite as overt as Smuggle Truck, but it's still littered with stereotypes. The lead character is a cigar-chomping “bandido,” complete with exaggerated features and a multicolored poncho.

The entire premise of the game involves you keeping a repetitive beat with your iPad to avoid getting attacked by “cucarachas” and walking tortilla chips — yeah, we don’t quite get that one either. Even beyond the racial undertones, the game is getting panned for just not being fun.

We say, if you really want to get your virtual Español groove on, check out Juanes in the latest Rock Band game.

Have you ever encountered an app you thought was racist? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags apps, Chisme, iPad, Mariachi Hero, Smuggle Truck, video games

By Michael Lopez

Colombian-American actress Paula Garcés certainly seems to have a lot of range these days. She’s had leading roles in outrageous comedies like the Harold and Kumar movies, heavy dramas like The Shield, and now fantasy video games like The Heroes of Newerth (HoN).

Since its release nearly a year ago, Newerth has received more than 12 million downloads. Sure, fans say they love it for its role-playing challenges, otherworldly locales and magical warriors, but we think there’s one other element helping keep those gamers logged in — Paula’s lookalike character, Aluna!

Actually inspired by Garcés, Paula brings more to the staff-wielding heroine than a chipper voice.

"I wanted to bring the Aluna character to new mediums and HoN is a perfect fit," Garcés explained. "The HoN fans will appreciate Aluna's unique story and welcome her as a hero in the game."

And welcome Aluna they have. Already profiled on Curse.com, the character possesses plenty of unique abilities, such as emerald lightning, power throw and déjà vu, which allows players to travel to different points in time.

Aluna’s increased HoN popularity has also persuaded her alter ego to hit the road for a few video game conventions. Paula is scheduled to appear this week at the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco.

Are you a fan of Heroes Of Newerth? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aluna, Heroes Of Newerth, Hot Stuff, Paula Garces, video games

By Michael Lopez

Popular video games often attempt to mirror major political events happening in our world. They can vary from Iraq combat simulations to covert operations in Latin America. But every now and then, a shoot-'em-up scenario can hit a little too close to home. And that just happens to be the case with the upcoming PS3 title Call Of Juarez: The Cartel, which Mexican authorities hope to ban.

Just having the name Juarez in the title can stir up emotions for Mexican-Americans. In recent years, the small border town has turned into a battle zone between drug cartels and law enforcement, leading to thousands of deaths and a city plagued with fear.

Although The Cartel isn’t set to be released until the summer, legislators in Chihuahua, Mexico, are already asking federal authorities to ban it.

"It is true there is a serious crime situation, which we are not trying to hide," Chihuahua congressman Ricardo Boone Salmon told Fox News Latino. "But we also should not expose children to this kind of scenarios so that they are going to grow up with this kind of image and lack of values."

Another congressional leader, Enrique Serrano, emphasized the point.

"Children wind up being easily involved in criminal acts over time, because among other things, during their childhood not enough care has been taken about what they see on television and playing video games," Serrano said. "They believe so much blood and death is normal.”

But perhaps the most curious thing about Call Of Juarez: The Cartel is that no one can actually confirm what the game’s plot is about. The third in a series of Call Of Juarez titles, Cartel is described on its website as “a bloody road trip from Los Angeles to Juarez, Mexico,” challenging players to “take justice into your own hands.”

Does that mean battling modern-day drug lords? It isn’t entirely clear. Previous Call Of Juarez games took place in the 1800s and channeled the experience of being a gunslinger in the wild west. The Cartel may follow that same formula, but due to increased sensitivity and violence in the now infamous city, perhaps they should have just called it something else.

Do you think the Call of Juarez games promote violence? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Call Of Juarez, Call Of Juarez: The Cartel, Chisme, Cultura, Enrique Serrano, Mexico, Ricardo Boone Salmon, video games

By Michael Lopez

Way back before Xbox Kinect remotes and Wii dancepads, electronic thrillseekers had to spend their time staring at green and black Apple II screens. Worse yet, the computer games of the early 1980s were oftentimes (dare we say it) “educational.” But they were still entertaining, so much so that two of the all-time classics, The Oregon Trail and Where In The World is Carmen Sandiego?, are making their way to Facebook.

Manufacturer Blue Fang Games hopes these old favorites will enjoy the same success as other Facebook gaming apps, such as Mafia Wars and Farmville. And they very well could. According to Yahoo News, web searches for Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiego have jumped up to more than 500 percent in the past week.

YouTube trailers advertising both titles have certainly helped build buzz. Long gone are the shoddy graphics and drawn-out keyboard commands. The new versions of Oregon and Carmen feature colorful scenery, easy point-and-click features and plenty of the flair that made the originals great.

Based on the real-life adventures of American pioneers, the 1981 game The Oregon Trail let players take the role of wagon leader on a trek from Independence, Missouri, to the Pacific Northwest, providing great insight into the lives of 19th century settlers and plenty of cool ways to die (with dysentery being the most popular).

Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?, on the other hand, allows you to explore the entire planet. First released back in 1985, Carmen came with its own almanac and sent gamers on a globe-trotting journey based on geographic clues. And it was one of the first video games to feature a Latina lead character.

We imagine the new Facebook versions will be just as addictive and just as educational, particularly on the subjects of history and geography. The Oregon Trail hits the social network on February 2, followed by Carmen Sandiego exactly one week later.

Which classic video games would like to see rebooted? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Carmen Sandiego, Education, Facebook, Hot Stuff, The Oregon Trail, video games, Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego