Itunes's GameCenter is a good idea executed poorly. GameCenter is basically Xbox Live for the iTouch/iPhone. You have a username, freinds, games and achievements all controlled from a central hub. This is controlled by Apple. Think of it as an Apple sanctioned Open Feint. The games on it, although limited, are great ranging from favorites Angry Birds and Tetris to newcomers like Plunderland and UFO on Tape.
Now there are a lot of bad things about GameCenter. It activates very weirdly as it only activates when you start a game and it only does that periodically. Achievements are not officially sanctioned by Apple so games achievement number, achievement points and value vary wildly from game to game making it very annoying to keep track of achievements. Also for all you iTouch owners GameCenter only works with an internet connection so unless you're at home you'll probably lose achievements if you decide to game outside the house.
Despite the difficulties, GameCenter is a great concept that if fixed could bloom into a great gaming interface for all Apple mobile devices.
Written by Matthew Byrd: Gamertag: ColonelByrd95
2. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer beta dated
The Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer beta which is a PS3 exclusive was dated this week. Aspiring assassin's will be able to test out the multiplayer on October 4th. Beta invites will only be given to people who have pre-ordered the game.
1. Apple launches gamecenter
This week Apple launched the Appe GameCenter- a hub for all the games for the ITouch and IPhone. The gamecenter includes social networking, leaderboards and for the first time, achievements. Although only a few games are available for gamecenter now- more will be added soon. IPad owners (like LOG's Taylor Bayless) can expect gamecenter at some point in November.
You'll probably notice only two news items this week. That's beceause as fall begins there will be less news items and more games coming out so expect more shorthanded weekly updates in the coming weeks.
5. Dead Space 2 multiplayer announced
Dead Space 2 developer Visceral games announced this week that the highly anticipated (mostly by me) game will feature multiplayer mode. While no further details were given, it can be assumed that the inevitable, soldiers vs. necromorphs mode will be available. Rumors are persisting that the multiplayer will be Left 4 Dead esque. More details to come.
4. Killzone 3 gets a release date
The highly anticipated (and hated by LOG's Kaillif Ammen) shooter got a release date this week at PAX. Fans will be slaughtering Helghast's on Febuary 22nd 2011.