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How would that even work? Is there an exhaust pipe or something for that?

About the Wii, an entire generation of gamers is growing up playing that thing. It's a huge part of the future gaming scene.

The reason the minigames are different probably has to do a lot with the controls. The matching game in particular would be a headache without a mouse.

I'd say on most DRM measures, yes, but being online all the time can be an issue for a much larger group than a disk check, or invasive software, or even an initial online activation. For example, my PS3 has a spotty connection. It's too far from the router. If I could never play games unless I had a connection, it would be a worthless device. As is, it usually spends a minute trying to connect and then tells me certain services are not available, but the game itself is fine.

That's a big trade! Definitely an upgrade in goal and D for the Leafs. They should be a lot more competitive next year. I'm not sure how this will play out for the Flames. The Ducks had two good goalies, so it's not a huge shake up for them and probably frees up money.

I'm all for getting rid of DRM, particularly the kind that wants you online all the time. I think you are hurting your argument by arguing over the semantics of piracy.

These are the quotes that turned this into a piracy discussion and led to my response: So neither Nightshape or I brought up piracy, just to clarify.

Why would you waste your time arguing over the use of the term copyright infringement instead of theft then?

Quite a few people have hinted at it.

Coming soon, Jersey Shore - The MMO!

I think I saw this for free in a copy of PC Gamer. But that magazine sucks, so I didn't get it.

Without any combat screens from the Amiga, I can't really see a difference. I still think the Dos version looks ok.

This type of definition is the reason I prefer to just call it theft, because in the bolded part you are basically trying to justify the act of 'copyright infringement'. The 'copyright infringer' is still taking something that does not belong to them. They are still breaking the law. The pirate is benefiting in the same way that he/she would if they had stolen physical property, and so even if it is legally not defined in the same way, copyright infringement and theft share plenty of similarities. Basically you are splitting hairs here.

"Glad to see Garrus got rid of that stick up his butt, but now he's using it to beat people to death."

You were implying that if Nightshape says downloading copyright content is theft, then we should listen to him because he works on games (he's been hired by someone now has he? Good for him). Not so, and the law doesn't actually define copyright infringement as theft. Perhaps that is how you roll down under, but in the US we have the NET act. 5 years in prison and $25,000. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NET_Act Of course a geeky kid sitting in his basement downloading a couple games isn't going to be much of a target for law enforcement. The resources it takes to track down every bit of piracy isn't considered worth it, but that does not make it legal or put it in a moral gray area. It's wrong and there is no justifying it.

I don't believe I mentioned anything about Nightshape defining or making the law. That has already been done, it is illegal to pirate software. I am pointing out that Nightshape is a victim when someone does pirate software he has helped developed. It is his work that is being used without proper compensation.

Yeah, that is still pretty vague. Plus that just means that Irrational might not be behind a new Xcom, 2k is the one who owns the IP I believe, so it might just mean another developer is on it. It seems like there are rumors of a shooter, which was tied to Irrational but sounds unlikely, and a strategy game which is tied to Sid Meier. I only care about the strategy game.

Meh. Does the world need a streamlined realtime XCOM remake? Well, Sid Meier's name was bandied about with the possible re-make of Xcom. If he really had any say in its creation (heck, even a 2 minute conference call) then I think it might stand a chance at capturing some of the original magic. Just look at how Civilization IV and the remake of Pirates turned out, they modernized a classic without losing the soul of the originals. http://www.gamerzines.com/pc/news/sid-meier-xcom.html Here is an interesting and possibly baseless rumor that says there is an Xcom shooter and a strategy game in the works. Huh.

I'm all for arguing with Wrath, but I think if the President signs something he is supporting it. But is he the driving force behind it, the one most responsible for its existence? Not necessarily, that would be the drafter.

Steam is offering all the Xcom games for $2 this weekend, so I figured I'd give y'all a heads up. It has the original and Terror from the Deep, which are classics, and Apocalypse, which is a very solid game as well. There is an action one and a flight sim one that I never played (Enforcer and Interceptor, I think) but for two bucks, I'm willing to ignore the lemons. I think Tropico is for cheap too.

If Alpha Protocol manages to make a release by April, and it is anywhere near as good as I think it will be, then I will be extremely happy with the most recent crop of RPG's. It's been a very steady string, with DA, ME2, and *fingers crossed* AP.

Isn't the Macbook Air like $1000 more though?

Oh yeah, Gabriel Knight goes back to a time where games weren't only made for teenage boys who want to shoot stuff. 'Tis a shame.

I'm pretty sure Killian sports a handlebar mustache and wears sleeveless down jackets in real life, so I think he got it spot on.