fighter

Fun air combat, but suffers from online issues

MetalStorm: Online is a free--and impressively executed--multiplayer flight sim, but with a potentially frustrating in-game economy and erratically balanced matchmaking.

The interface and basic gameplay of MetalStorm are a joy: with smart use of your accelerometer and a few thumb controls on your "HUD" (arrows for brake and afterburner, buttons for guns and missiles), MetalStorm immerses you effectively in a jet cockpit for a tense dogfight experience, with cinematic music and great-looking terrain to complete the effect. You fly a modern jet equipped with an upgradeable cannon and missiles, and you can duke it out with increasing numbers … Read more

The 404 856: Where we have liftoff (podcast)

We all watched NASA's final space shuttle launch this morning before heading into the studio, and by "we" I mean Wilson and me, because as usual, Jeff couldn't care less. Nevertheless, we're still excited about Atlantis and spend part of the first half of the show watching videos and talking about the official Atlantis fanfare written by Emmy-nominated composer Bear McCreary and produced by actor Seth Green!

We're also mourning the death of Sony MiniDiscs, checking out a new way networks are handling product placements, and singing a brand new Tang That Tune!

The 404 Digest for Episode 856

Atlantis launch a bittersweet end for space shuttle. Fanfare for final NASA shuttle mission. Sony to kill the MiniDisc Walkman in September. TV networks inserting ads and product placements in show reruns. Kidrobot launches Street Fighter toys. The missing person living in Savannah.

Episode 856 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Musical pants

Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded:

Spotify may cut back on its free music model

Google Music may compete with Amazon's Cloud Drive

Capcom will release Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition

AT&T launches the LG Thrive, its first prepaid Android phone

The white iPhone 4 may go on sale by the end of the month

Microsoft enters the local deals business in Sweden

A high school student in England modifies a pair of jeans so that they can double as a drum set

preGame 47: Inversion teaser; SOCOM 4; WWE All Stars

On today's preGame, we'll be screening the teaser-trailer for Inversion, a game set to hit consoles in February 2012. So why all the excitement now? Let's just say the live-action trailer leaves us with a few unanswered questions.

Next we'll take a look at the technology behind the next installment of the SOCOM franchise in SOCOM 4. Find out how the game attempts to max out the PlayStation 3 and how development made PlayStation Move a major factor in the title's creation.

Jeff will then take a look at WWE All Stars for Xbox 360 … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1427: Why Yahoo can't have nice things (podcast)

We're back in the bunker, everyone, talking the Japan crisis and its effect on tech supply chains. Plus, bid on the SXSW iPad 2, or if you don't have that kind of cheddar, buy Street Fightr and Sonic for iPhone and the proceeds go to charity. Obama's IP czar wants to make unauthorized streaming a felony, and Netflix throws down in a big way for original content. Plus, Microsoft hits it out of the park with IE9. I know, right? Who'da thunk? --Molly

preGame 44: Nintendo 3DS in-studio; Yakuza 4; Homefront

A very special afternoon delivery from Nintendo just makes it on today's show. Live today in the studio is the brand-new Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system, the first of its kind to display a 3D image without the need for special glasses.

It may not be available in stores until March 27, but the Nintendo 3DS has already arrived at CNET's New York offices and makes its debut on today's preGame. We'll show off the console from every angle and demo a few titles including the bundled AR Games and Mii Maker as well as Super … Read more

How do they game? Intel Sandy Bridge and AMD Fusion graphics, overview

Both Intel and AMD, the two main companies that make the vast majority of computer processors, have new platforms for 2011. AMD's Fusion and Intel's second-generation Core i-series (formerly code-named Sandy Bridge) share a common goal: to package improved integrated graphics on the chipset that work much better than the previous generation, making it possible to play better games and stream more HD content without the need for a dedicated video card.

For most people, computers with integrated graphics are the default, because they cost less. Unless you're a serious tech enthusiast, you don't want to … Read more

Will streaming make or break Netflix earnings?

After a couple of months of getting pummeled in the press by doubters at the studios and Time Warner, Netflix will have a chance today to silence its critics.

Netflix is scheduled to report the video service's fourth-quarter earnings after the close of trading. It's a safe bet that many in Hollywood will be watching to see whether Netflix's popularity with consumers has continued to soar.

In October, the company said it expected to add 2.7 million subscribers for the quarter that ended December 31, an unprecedented number for the video-rental service. Netflix predicted it would … Read more

3DS games likely to be priced at $40

At least that's the impression we're getting from the Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition product page at Capcom's online shop. Listed at $39.99, that's about an average of $5-$10 more than what we're used to paying for traditional DS games.

There was no official game MSRP announcement at yesterday's 3DS event in New York, but we did hear mumblings of the $40 price point from more than one game rep in attendance.

Thanks to William C. and Jake B. who sent this in to preGame.

The 404 740: Where your mom hates The 404 (podcast)

Apologies for skipping yesterday's show, but Jeff and Wilson were at a Nintendo event where the company revealed big news: the Nintendo 3DS will be available on March 27 for $250.

Nintendo also showed off 10 games for the 3DS that will be for sale at the release, all developed specifically for a 3D environment, like Steel Diver, Kid Icarus Uprising, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Super Street Fighter IV 3D.

CNET's Scott Stein's impression of the device involved taking issue with the 3D effect breaking as you engage the accelerometer and tilt the unit, but we'll have a more thorough examination for you when it finally launches on March 27.

In more video game news, a clever viral ad for Dead Space 2, banking on the idea that gamers love what their mothers hate, shows a group of mothers reacting to the intense gameplay. The outer space horror game will be available on January 25.

Good news for select Google Voice users: the search giant is offering the ability to port your phone number to Google Voice. Prior to this new feature, you had to memorize a unique number to give out to friends and family, but now you can pay $20 to give your number over to Google; then all you have to do is sign up for a new contract and you'll never have to send out the classic "hey this is my new number" message again.

CNET's Jessica Dolcourt also adds this tip: "Just keep in mind that jumping ship on any current mobile contract will incur your carrier's wrath in the form of early termination fees. Therefore, port wisely, young Googlers." Thanks Jessica!

Episode 740 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio | Subscribe in RSS video… Read more