The Guild ~ Crash Pad

Episode 02, “Crash Pad” is now available on the web via MSN and Bing as well as Xbox Live.

Six people sharing one hotel room = one unhappy Guild!

Gearing up for more Who!

The latest trailer for episodes 8 - 13 of series 6 of Doctor Who has been released! Yay for more cool action clips that confuse us even more!!! =D



The second half of the series begins with Let's Kill Hitler, written by Steven Moffat and directed by Richard Senior. And judging from the snippets we've seen so far, future adventures will feature Cybermen, the Silence plus the return of River, looking a little different...

Looks great! Can't wait until August 27th!
.

Road Trip!

Season 5 of  "The Guild" is finally here.  YAY!   Codex and the the rest of the Guildies are on the way to their fiorst first gaming convention and find out, the road to geekdom is a bit…bumpy.




Video courtesy of "The Guild" and MSN

Comic-Con Premeire ~ Doctor Who Fall 2011 Trailer

The Doctor will be back soon with all new episodes. Want a peek at what's coming?

Of ~COURSE~ you do! =D

Comic-Con 2011 Premeire ~ Knights of Badassdom

Indy film meets LARP. Can't wait for this to hit the theaters next year! Visit them on Facebook for more info!
.

Comic-Con 2011 Premeire ~ SWTOR: Join the Fight

Today, an all-new in-game trailer for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, Join the Fight, premiered at San Diego Comic-Con 2011.  In it, all 8 announced starter-classes show off some of their in-game moves.

The Old Republic Now Available for Pre-Order

If you haven't heard the news and already snapped up your Pre-Order for Star Wars: The Old Republic, you can now do so.  All players who pre-order the game to get Early Game Access and as an added bonus also receive a in game item called a "Color Stone" to change your weapon effect! Supplies are limited and the order in which you pre-order and redeem your code at The Old Republic’s Code Redemption Center is the order in which we let players in during Early Game Access!!!

There are three versions of the game available for Pre-Order: 

Star Wars: The Old Republic limited Collectors Edition

Star Wars: The Old Republic Digital Deluxe Edition

Standard Edition

You can learn more about what goodies come in each by visiting the Star Wars: The Old Republic website.  As of this writing, several locations are already sold out of the Collector's Edition Pre-Order, so if you want want one, grab it while they last!  If you have any questions about how to pre-order, you can swing by Bioware's Pre-Order FAQs for more details.

Why are you still reading this?  Did you miss the part about EARLY GAME ACCESS?!  Go get your pre-order now!  You know you want to!  :)
.

More Companion PUN!

I'm a freelance writer who loves Dr. Who and puns.  How could I resist???

Photo courtesy of Too Much Pun!

Who's Who? ~ Inside the Tardis

The Naked Truth.

Another gem from College Humor. Enjoy!

Missing Who... Week 1

Week one without the Doctor. How will I ever survive 10 more?! By sharing some of my favorite Dr. Who quotes, thats how! :)  Do you remember who said it and when?

 

 Want it on a T-shirt?  Check out Cafe Press for loads fun of Dr. Who gifts.
.

Get Ready for Torchwood: Miracle Day!

Excited about the upcoming Miracle Day on Torchwood? We are! Here's a little peek at what's to come...


Torchwood: Miracle Day premieres July 8th at 10p e/p on STARZ.
.

Star Wars: The Old Republic- The Lost Suns Author Signing Event

Time	Saturday, June 18 · 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location	Austin Books & Comics 5002 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX
Hosted By	Austin Books & Comics

Get your Geek on with the first issue in the new Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ comic series signed by the author, Alexander Freed!

NEWSFLASH: 501st Legion Storntroopers from the Star Garrison will be at Austin Books & Comics for this special event, along with the fully automated R2-D2, courtesy of roboteer Jamie McShan!

Published by Dark Horse Comics, Star Wars: The Old Republic - The Lost Suns is the third limited series based on the Star Wars: The Old Republic massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

Unlike the prior two installments, Threat of Peace and Blood of the Empire, it will not be a reprint of web comic content available online, but an all-new story focusing on Theron Shan, the son of Jedi Master Satele Shan.

RSVP on Facebook

.

E3 2011 Premier ~ Star Trek: The Game

Good stuff for all my fellow Trekkies!   This week at E3, Star Trek fans got their first peek of the action packed, in-game footage for the upcoming Star Trek: The Game.  Based in the continuity set up in the 2009 reboot of Gene Roddenberry's classic series by J. J. Abrams, this game is currently set to be released in 2012 and will be available on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.



.

E3 2011 News ~ DC Universe Online

More from E3 2011! Sony Online Entertainment has released a new gameplay trailer for their super-powered MMO, DC Universe Online. And it looks like all comes back to that old war-time saying, "The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend".



In an interviw with IGN, Game Director Mark Anderson reveals what players can look forward to Game Update 4; which is set to be released  later this year:

If you're into all things Kryptonian, I think you'll be very pleased with not only Game Update Four but also the next few updates. We've got to give the Man of Steel his due, and he can't be contained to a single update. To start off, we take you to the Fortress of Solitude where Brainiac continues on his march to absorb all that the Earth has to offer. With an army at his doorstep, Superman needs all the help he can get to stop Brainiac from using the powers of his home world against the people of Earth, even if it means developing a fragile alliance with one of his greatest enemies. This is the start of our next series of 8-player group content, and it's got some really jaw-dropping stuff.

E3 2011 Premier ~ Star Wars: The Old Republic, "The Return"

The start of the 2011 E3 Gaming Conference means lots of good stuff for gamers this week.  To start us off, today Bioware released a new SW:ToR cinematic trailer, The Return.

For over a thousand years, the Sith were thought to be extinct after a grave defeat in an ancient war. But a select few survived, fleeing to unknown regions to escape Republic forces. In the centuries since, the Sith have prepared; rebuilding their Empire for the day they would make their return to reclaim what was once theirs and take their revenge on the Republic.

BioWare, the makers of Star Wars: The Old Republic, promises lots more information coming from E3 in the next several days. Check back here for more updates, and be sure to visit  the Star Wars: The Old Republic website for even more great stuff about The Old Republic!
.

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey... Stuff

This Saturday, The Doctor will be spotted in two different part of his own time-line.  More confusing "wibbly wobbly, timey wimey" stuff?  Nope.  Just a weeklong lag between the episode airing in Britain (S6-E7) and the one airing in the US (S6-E6).

What  I actually find kinda amusing is that in several recent interviews, Moffett has condemned fans for revealing *spoilers* about the show... yet with the new broadcast schedule, the same episodes are now a week out of sync instead of only one day?  We Whovians are a curious bunch and LOVE to talk about our favorite Time Lord.  Of course there are going to be *Spoilers* abound after Episode 7 airs to the masses on BBC One.

 /rant off

Ok, back to the good stuff.  In one short day, no matter where you live, New Who will be on the telly.  Here's a look at what we have to look forward to!

Episode 6: "The Almost People", which airs on BBC America Saturday evening, is the second part of "The Rebel Flesh" (S6-E5).  It's an action packed episode with quite a surprise at the end.  Two actually.  I'm not going to say any more about this episode because I've already seen it and don't want to risk giving anything away  Yes, I've seen it, because I am an impatient little cuss.  Ummm... I mean I try to stay on the cutting edge and make sure I'm in-the-know for all my followers.  Yeah, ummm... that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. =)



Episode 7: A Good Man Goes to War is set to air in Britain on BBC One this Saturday. The last episode before a 3 month break, this mid-season cliff-hanger promises to finally reveal who River Song is... though I have no doubt it will raise a lot more questions then it answers.

Be warned though! If you have not seen "The Almost People", the following video WILL contain... you know.  Say it with me.

***Spoilers***

=)

.

The MMO Spotlight ~ EverQuest II: Children of War

Yesterday marked the release of Sony Online Entertainments 60th free game update for Everquest 2. Much of the new content is targeted at end-game players looking to challenge themselves, including 4 new raid zones. Here's a look at some of the new content...


 
If you're more of a PvP kinda player, the new additions and improvements to the Battlegrounds system look promising. A new battleground map and match type “Vanquish” are now available. The new Champions’ Respite lobbys (accessable by portals near existing battlegrounds NPCs in major cities) are up and ready to allow players to organize pre-match and create cross-server battlegrounds groups.

There are also new Heritage Quests and Tradeskill missions to explore.  And did I mention that Ratongas have been spotted in Qeynos?

You can learn more about GU60 and all of the new stuff available in game at EQ2 Players.

DC Universe Comics to Reboot in September

This week's hot news in comics comes to us straight from DC Entertainment.  In an interview with USA Today, the rumors and silence regarding DC's post-Flashpoint plans for their flagship line of comic book titles were put ro rest.  DC Comics has finally confirmed what many of their fans have suspected; the fictional shared universe of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lanterm and more will undergo a revamp of their oft-rewritten 76 year-plus history of shared continuity.

Some need-to-know for Collectors: 

• All DC Universe titles will also be renumbered with new #1 issues, including the industry's two longest-running titles - Action Comics and Detective Comics.

• DC also announced they plan to make all of their titles available for sale in digital format on the same day as their publlished counterparts, starting with Justice League #1.

The first officially announced title and creative team of the new era was revealed as well. DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns will be teaming as artist and writer, respectively, on Justice League #1, launching August 31st and starring Batman, Superman,Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman. 

In September, another 51 first issues will debut, introducing stories that are grounded in each character's specific legend but also reflect today's real-world themes and events.  Lee spearheaded the costumes' redesign to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.  "We really want to inject new life in our characters and line," says Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee. 

DC is also making all of the re-numbered titles available digitally via apps and a DC website the same day they arrive in comic shops. It marks the first time a major comics publisher has done so with its popular superhero titles.

Date Night with The Doctor

Feeling a little blue without a new Doctor Who episode this week?  Well, lose the frown and slip into something spectacular, because BBC America has something special lined up for all of their State-side Dr. Who fans.  A 24-hour Dr. Who Marathon!

Catch up with the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory and relive their latest adventures. The 24-hour marathon kicks off at 6am EST this Saturday, May 28th and runs through Sunday, May 29th only on BBC America!
.

The Summer of Supers

From comic book heroes to high fantasy legends, the 2011 Summer Movie List is a geeky dream come true. Check out the trailers for this summers hottest geeky movies, all in one place for your viewing pleasure.

Release dates are always subject to change, but as it stands, we Geeks can look forward to a new movie every few weeks throughout the summer.

• Thor (In Theaters Now)
• Priest (In Theaters Now)
• X-Men First Class (In Theaters June 10th)
• Green Lantern (In Theaters June 17th)
• Harry Potter (In Theaters July 15)
• Captain America (In Theaters July 22)
• Conan the Barbarian (In Theaters Aug 19)

Which of this summer's line-up are you looking most forward to? I know at my house, it will end up being a battle between X-Men and Conan.  Now ~THAT~ would make an interesting movie. *grin*
.

Get Your Game On at the Retro Arcade

Bored? Looking for some mind-numbing fun to pass the time? Out of quarters?  Then swing by the GYGO Retro Arcade and play some of your favorite games from years gone by.  You know... games like this one!

You can currently find Pac-Man, Frogger, Super Mario, and Bejeweled in the arcade, but I'm looking to add one more...  And that is where I need your help!  What game would you like to see added the the GYGO Retro Arcade? Just click to vote.

The PUG Problem

Whether you spend most of your time soloing or are a member of an active guild, most gamers will eventually find themselves facing the PUG (pick-up group) problem. Maybe you logged in to find everyone on your friends list already grouped up. Or perhaps you prefer the single life but find that you need of a group to complete an epic quest or to help you acquire some legendary loot. No matter what the reason, you find yourself sporting a looking-for-group tag and hoping to find a few other competent players to quest with. Unfortunately, what you are most likely to find is a group of players with dissimilar play styles, skill levels, and personalities. As a result, joining a PUG can be frustrating to say the least. However, remembering a few simple tips can help the experience be a pleasant, and even rewarding one instead.

Communication is Key

Whether your group decides to use voice chat or to communicate via the chat box, it is critical for a PUG's success that the players communicate with each other. A PUG is not a well oiled group of friends who can anticipate each others moves and understand each others play style, so you will have to talk to one another. If voice chat is not an option, create macros ahead of time (if your game allows) for frequently used phrases, or to let others know when you are performing a useful spell or action. And if you suddenly realize that your couch is on fire and have to go put it out, be sure to tell rest of the group you're gone. Stealth AFK's are not cool, no matter how short. Letting the rest of the group know you need a quick break will be much better received then the group wiping because they pulled a horde of undead orcs without you.

What's Your Objective?

If you are entering an instance with a purpose, whether it is killing a particular boss, completing a certain task, or you are simply looking for a specific loot drop, don't hesitate to be upfront about it. Other players may not have the same objective as you, so letting them know why you are there is critical in being sure you get what you need out of the experience.

Know Your Role

In low level or casual PUG's, being familiar with how to play your role isn't as critical. In fact, they're usually a pretty good place to start honing your skills and polishing your play style. But if you plan on entering "The Uber Epic Dragon Chamber" with a PUG, then it's best to know your role... and to hope the rest of the group knows their role too. Does the tank know how to hold aggro? Can the healer stop DPS-ing long enough to keep the group alive? Is you're scout running knife first into groups of hostiles? You can usually tell how competent players are in their roles while clearing the early trash mobs, but sometimes it will take facing that first boss to know for sure.

What about Loot?

Loot can be one of the most frustrating aspect of PUG's, especially if you end up grouped with someone who rolls need on everything. When in a PUG, it is considered good form to only roll "need" if an item is an direct upgrade that you can use. As for everything else, plan to either roll "greed" or "pass". Some players may have different ideas about how loot should be divvied up though, so it's always a good idea to clarify what the loot rules are early on. If you are looking for a particular loot drop, mention that you plan to roll on it up front. If it drops however, depending on how desired the loot is, be prepared to roll against other group-mates who might be looking for it as well.

So when you find yourself in need of a group of convenience cobbled together for the express purpose of completing a quest or instance, putting together a PUG using the above tips might be the perfect solution to an all too frequent gaming problem.

Continue reading on Examiner.com The PUG Problem - Austin Girl Gamer | Examiner.com
.