2007: UK’s Year of the Gamer
Reporting hardware increases of 16% and software increases of 26%, Chart-Track is convinced that 2007 was a banner year for the gaming industry in the UK.
One has to wonder if this jump is due to a general increase in game-related purchasing or due to 2007’s status as a post-launch year. I guess we won’t know for sure until 2008. My guess is that it’s probably not a launch-related fluke, as new potential gamers are born each year. In addition, the average gaming age continues to shift older (Age 23). More gamers means more gaming purchases.
Perhaps the most interesting nugget to be found in here is that the PS2, undoubtedly keeping Sony afloat right now, is continuing to outsell the PS3 and even the mighty Wii.
Here’s a rundown of the topselling titles:
1. FIFA 08 (EA Sports)
2. Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training (Nintendo)
3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
4. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami)
5. More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima (Nintendo)
6. Halo 3 (Microsoft)
7. The Simpsons Game (EA Games)
8. Wii Play (Nintendo)
9. Assassin’s Creed (Ubisoft)
10. WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 (THQ)
Brain Training? Seriously? I guess Nicole Kidman is earning her paycheck.
source: Gamedaily
Circa 1989 : The SHARP 19SC111
The sharp 19sc111 was a Combination 19″ television and Nintendo 8-bit Entertainment System. It really is an ugly piece of equipment. Is there anyone out there with one of these?
More info can be found here
LittleBigPlanet Dated for UK
This oddball PS3 platformer has been confirmed for September, and seems to be one of the few anticipated Sony titles aimed at young gamers. LittleBigPlanet was widely praised by critics upon its unveiling, some going so far as to claim that it will be good enough to justify the purchase of a PS3.
The idea is that you can build your own games within the LittleBigPlanet framework and share them with others online. The general consensus seems to be that the wait will be worth it, if LittleBigPlanet does indeed live up to its hype. I’m usually ok with delays in development like this, especially when it won’t ruin Christmas. Then again, in the wake of Duke Nukem Forever’s recent media push, any delay seems like the blink of an eye.
Lauded for its unique style and player control, it may be exactly what Sony needs to lure a certain sort of fan away from the Wii, which seems to have stolen its momentum built up by years of releasing quirky games like Katamari Damacy, Rez, and Parappa the Rappa.
source: Eurogamer
Hi there
When Kevin told me I’d be writing for a site called Electric Bandits, I immediately pictured myself seated behind a myriad of monitors in some cyberpunk dystopia, hacking into the mainframe with an outrageously contrived user interface and oversized novelty headset. A freedom fighter, if you will; a modern day Robin Hood, riding the electronic pulse and coming out with the goods. An Electric Bandit.
Dispensing with the romance, I’m Cole, an American transplant living in Yorkshire. From here I’ll be covering the UK games industry, filling you limey’s in on what’s important for UK video game enthusiasts and trying to figure out when to call it a biscuit and when to call it a cookie.
Pictured: The Traxxas 1/10 RC Electric Bandit
Post Christmas gaming bargains
Hopefully your not all too busy during the holiday period to pay attention to some good deals which are online just now 
Play.com
Play have got some fantastic deals at the moment. Heres a list of what I believe to be good games which have come down in price.
PS3 :
Fifa 08 & Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 - Both down from £39.99 to £24.99 (amazingly, tiger 07 is £5 more expensive than tiger 08!)
Sgea Rally - Reduced to £17.99
Xbox 360 :
Stuntman: Ignition, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas & Command & Conquer 3 - Tiberium Wars - All reduced to £14.99
Wii :
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves - Down to £22.99
TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Reduced to £14.99
PC :
Championship Manager 2008 - Reduced to £14.99
Gears Of War - Down from £34.99 to £19.99
Check out their monster sale here.
More Sales
- Game.co.uk have a lot of games which have come down in price but in general the best titles are cheaper than play. Still worth a look though, check out their sale here.
- The gamestation sale page is a bit unorganised. There are 10 pages of items but you cannot seperate the games into their respective system so you need to go through all of the pages which is a bit of a pain. Most games on sale are pretty old too (eg. 07 sport titles). Check out their sale here.
- DVD.co.uk have quite a few good deals on just now. XBox 360 owners migh be interested in their 2 for £25 offer, PS3 owners will be happy to see games such as Stuntman down to £17.99 and the playstation eye down to £17.99 whereas Wii owners will be pleased to see Resident Evil 4 down to £24.99. Their are links to the sale at the top of the home page.
If you have come across a good bargain in the shops or online please let us know
Hope you all have a great Christmas
Just a quick post to wish you all a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Happy gaming!
Some PlayStation 3 accessories to consider
Got a playstation 3? If so, then you might be looking to purchase some accessories to enhance your gaming experience.
Heres a few which are worth considerin. Enjoy
Official Wireless Sony Black Sixaxis Controller
Unless your Billy no mates, one of the first thing’s you’ll want to buy is an extra controller and the official Sony controller is by far the best.
It’s cool, it charges via usb and the battery lasts for ages - what more can you ask for!
Price : Some shops are selling the controller for as much as £35 however you can pick it up for £27.99 at Play and Amazon.
Official PlayStation 3 Blu Ray Disc Remote Control
If, like me, you use your PS3 to watch DVD’s frequently then the official Blu Ray remote is a must. The basic PS3 controller can be used to watch DVD’s but it’s cumbersome at best. The remote works perfectly and it’s sleek black design is sure to please most people. Recommended for those who watch a lot of films on their console.
Price : Retails for £14.99
Vertical Stand with USB Hub
I purchased the 4gamers vertical stand from amazon a few weeks ago. Some of you may question the need for a stand at all but I have been very pleased with it. It keeps your ps3 secure and the additional usb port comes in very handy (the stand actually has two usbs but you need to use one usb on your ps3 to connect the stand). The blue neon light might not be to everybody’s taste but there is a button to switch it off so don’t let the neon put you off from buying it.
Price : Retails for £14.98 at Amazon
HDMI Cable
Got a High Definition television? Well you’ll need a good quality HDMI cable to connect your ps3!
Price : Price varies and depends on the length and quality of the cable.
PlayStationEye Camera & EyeCreate
I’ve not personally come across a game which has been enhanced by the use of the PS camera however for £25 it does sound like good value for anyone who wants a camera for their ps3.
Price : Retails for around £25
Bluetooth Headset
Wanna chat with your online buddies? Then you need to invest in a bluetooth headset!
Price : Prices vary and depend on the quality of the headset.
Racing Wheel
Something which I’m sure racing enthusiasts will want to invest in. I’ve personally never owned one but I’ve heard that they are pretty good.With GT5 just around the corner, iit’s something which I’m sure a lot of ps3 gamers will consider.
Price : Prices vary between different driving wheels.
Controller Dual Charging Dock
When I first came across the dual charging dock I thought it was a waste of money as you can just charge your controllers through a usb cable. However, 40gb ps3 owners who only have 2 usb ports will strongly consider this. For only £8, it’s a good buy in my opinion and a good way to store your controllers neatly when your not playing.
Price : £7.98 from Amazon
Arcade Fighting Stick
The hori fighting stick is a must for tekken fans.
Price : Usually between £25 and £30
Overview
Some accessories are essential whilst others will make your gaming experience that little bit better. There are a lot of accessories I haven’t covered in this article but the main thing to remember when buying anything on the web is research. Check out reviews for anything you are thinking about buying and shop around to get the best price.
What ps3 accessories do you own?
Electric Bandits Launched
Hello and welcome to a new blog which is dedicated to gaming.
We will be bringing you news, views and a look back at how gaming used to be! If you have any suggestions or ideas for the blog then please let us know
Kevin