Phantasy Star Online was a game that made Sega Dreamcast really popular in 2000. The game then went to nearly all gaming platforms popular during that time: PC, GameCube, and Xbox. Now, the Sega game is back - this time on the Xbox 360 as Phantasy Star Universe.

Last time, we mentioned that the free demo (with a free GUARDIANS License) was available on the Xbox Marketplace until October 18. If you haven't downloaded it yet because of the massive 950 MB size and want to see some sort of preview, you're in luck my friend.

We just got this video via-YouTube where a person named Pinksage is playing Phantasy Star Universe during Digital Life. It may seem that it it's easy to get lost in the game's surroundings, but we guess that once people get a hang of the game, it'll be a cinch to conceive a player, chat with strangers, create a party, and go on missions. Want to try it out?

Check out the video below and feel free to comment on anything regarding the game on the Comments section.

Thanks to godfree for the heads up!

Last time, we reported on how Aaron Ruby, book author and writer for Next Generation, was disappointed with the ESRB System. He now gives his personal suggestions on how the system could be more effective to the buying public and less controlled by the people in the U.S. Gov.

1. Make the rating systems transparent, clear, and more in tune with the kind of media it is assigned to rate. In the article, he suggests that there should be a simpler rating system instead of having 5 categories of violence. He's suggesting one with increasingly restrictive ratings.

2. Gameplay oriented rating methods. Last time, playing games before reviewing was presented as a viable suggestion, but some naysayers mentioned that going though WOW and EQII was impossible. Aaron recommends that the raters be allowed to access any part of the game under any kind of level. Cheat codes, level skipping, etc. would be useful under these circumstances.

3. Add technology to new-gen consoles/PCs that can restrict certain rated games from playing. The writer also complains that the three major next-gen consoles have not installed this parental control technology on their platform. He advices that the three giants focus more on cultural wars.

4. Institute a system of online privacy seals. Rather than just rate particular websites, the board should find a way to indicate games with online components to be privacy safe. This means that with all the hackers these days, most people can obtain personal info or can monitor online activity without your knowledge.

He ends his article by saying this: "To some a project like this may seem like rocket science, but in an industry chock full of rocket scientists, this is should hardly be an obstacle." Well, do you think all of his suggestions are feasible or is he just aiming for something unreachable? Do you have other recommendations? You can discuss it here by commenting below.

Unreal Engine gets better-looking trees. With so many games licensing with Epic Game's Unreal Engine 3 (Gears of War,  Splinter Cell: Double Agent, etc.) the company just keeps getting bigger and stronger by collaborating with other great graphics software programs to further enhance the engine. Last October 5, Interactive Data Visualization, Inc., (IDV) inked a partnership contract - the Integrated Partner's Program (IPP) - with the graphics giant.

IDV is the producer of the SpeedTree programming package. It generates virtual foliage for various games and simulators. Examples of games with this program are Saint's Row, Project Gotham Racing 3, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006, and more. Yes, the graphics engine will get a boost in plant and tree animation.

The IPP was established by Epic Games to ensure formal business relationships with fellow companies which complement the Unreal Engine 3. Once signed, the companies get access to the Unreal Engine 3's source code and in exchange, they'll  give high level technical support to any affiliates who need it, keep their implementations updated with the graphics engine, and work with Epic Games' promos. This program will allow licensees to incorporate 3rd party middleware into their games. So next time you see a forest with detailed leaves and branches in a game, it could be Unreal Engine 3 and SpeedTree.

Fable was one of the better games in the Xbox. It won E3 2003s Best Role Playing Game Award. What endeared Fable to most, was the massive character customizations. If the Hero ate too much and did little, he'll eventually get fat. He can also wear different kinds of clothing and haircuts, and he can have a wife and child. Besides the outward appearance, the character can also change his inner soul. He can shift allegiance from good to evil or vice versa. Truly, it was one of those kind of games you talk about even after the Xbox has gone.

Since it was such a big hit on the old console, gamers were expecting a sequel to come soon for the new one, the Xbox 360. They were even given a CG preview last (and probably final) E3 2006. Unfortunately, that was a few months ago, so we decided to check up on their blog to find out the latest from the game. Unfortunately, it's not all good.

From what we've gathered from their publisher's blog, they were having problems with the First Playable (FP) version. This is considered as another milestone event wherein the game will show some functioning areas. The objective here is to sort out all the kinks before they try their hand at creating an Alpha (one provided to game journalists for preview). Then something bad came up from the shadows...problems were rising like zombies in a Romero Film.

Most of the troubles were with running the FP itself. According to the blog, as one hitch was shot down, another came up. We guess it's back to square one for the Fable 2 Team while they overhaul the FP. Since it took the first game three years to develop, we're expecting that this one goes through the rigorous gauntlet of tests as well, before it gets to Alpha. Let's hope it gets out soon. The game will most likely be released late 2007.

Aaron Ruby, the underground gaming culture's spokesperson, has a score to settle with the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ESRB has been independently applying and enforcing ratings, ad guidelines, and online privacy since 1994. The writer stated in his opinion column that the system applied to rating games should be different from those currently applied to TV and Movies. How do they give out ratings anyway?

They read and watch. After filling out a questionnaire on what the game's about, the game developers submit it with a footage of the most extreme scenes from the game. The three trained raters (not expert game players--check their site, it's true) from the board then hands out the rating based on what they read from the form and see from the vids--this was the reason why Aaron was disappointed with the board.

According to the writer, "I find it alarming that the ESRB does not bother to base its ratings on the entire experience of playing a game, instead relying far too much on submitted clips..." He ends his piece saying that the Truth In Videogame Ratings Act (which we touched on a few days ago) is proof that the rating system has failed.

We see his point here, game developers may influence the rating by submitting footage they want the board to see. What's the alternative then? According to some people in the community, the board might as well play the game. They might not finish it 100% but it will give more info than just reading a piece of paper or watching some vids.

As gamers, we'd like to get know how you feel about the way the ESRB gives its ratings. If you don't agree with it, what would you suggest? If you do, how can it be improved? Feel free to comment below.

Here is Sam Fisher's proper ship bombing lesson #1: When people come knocking on your cabin, always make sure you look through the peep hole or slide a mini-camera under the door. You can never know who's on the other side. This is especially important if you're about to plant an explosive on a ship you're trying to escape from.

The in-game video shows the graphics's detailed look and smooth movement. It's so realistic, you can even see some scars on the back of Sam's shaved skull. We also liked how he moved while hanging outside the window railing. We can safely blame the Unreal Engine for these beauties. Besides the graphics, the added options on nearly everything had a nice touch.

Choices in so many places. We were given guides on how to react to the environment; for instance, we were given alternatives on how to open the bathroom door - all-out or stealth (in most cases, it's better to just go under the radar). You can see them all and more, once you download the video. Although this was just a snippet of what Splinter Cell: Double Agent can do, we're expecting more great things as the game ships out on October 19.  

Download: [Splinter Cell: Double Agent In-game video]
Buy: [Splinter Cell: Double Agent]

Some Xbox 360 gamers felt a bit left out in the cold with EA on the few options of stadiums and leagues in FIFA 07. Well, the game developers have bumped up the list from seven leagues to 27, that's got to help uplift the Xbox 360 owners hurt feelings. Let's cross our fingers, click the heels of our ruby shoes, and hope they add more before the release date. Regarding releases, we got more info for the game straight from EA's mouth.

The two big upgrades in the game would be the enhanced ball physics and massively improved graphics. Regarding the ball gameplay, it'll have independent physics, making it nearly unpredictable once it leaves a player's foot. Shots and passes are now more natural and unique. So when your opponent kicks the ball, expect the unexpected.

The graphics engine has been designed just for this game and now the players have brand new traits and double the number of attributes. They'll look and act like the real players we see every week. So don't expect Rooney doing a Ronaldinho samba dance anytime soon.

The full article awaits after the jump!

Doing your holiday shopping list? Well, we got one more list for you to see before you max that credit card. EA just released their Holiday lineup during the X06 at Barcelona, and here are the games for you to pick & choose to shop for the one you love: your Xbox 360.

FIFA 07--it's got independent ball physics, unique player movements, better graphics, and a great online feature. If you want to be in the sidelines rather than upfront, there's a Manager Mode where you can develop your players and strategies before you step into the field. Game will be out by October.

NBA LIVE 07--the freaky skills movement is on, as the Total Freestyle Control will make defenders lives a hard one. Defense has been beefed up in this game just to make it more interesting. ESPN is an exclusive partner and will be giving up-to-date news online. It's out now.

Need for Speed Carbon--customizing your car shouldn't take more than a few seconds in this game--it has the new Autosculpt technology to ensure you get what you want. Tweak to your heart's content. Out by November.

NHL 07--a game that has photo-realistic graphics won't go wrong, add the new Skill Stick system and you're ready to go smash the other opponent's face in. Remember no sticks boys. Out now.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07--it's got 21 new courses to offer and 50 golfers to choose from (no, it's not Tiger 1, Tiger 2...). UCAP technology just makes Tiger more realistic than ever but it doesn't make losing to him any less painful. Out by November.

Half-Life 2--the entire single player and first two episodes of the continued story in one game. Time to shoot me some critters. Out by 1st Quarter of 2007.

Superman Returns: The Videogame--fly like your favorite superhero and beat some major baddies along the way in this movie-tie-in. Up, up, and away! Out by November.

Looks like you got a lot  of sports and some cool games to choose from this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Since when did Carrot Top become a Mecha pilot? Is he through with all the shenanigans and smoky comedy clubs? Is he finally going to hit back against his critics and detractors? You may laugh at him, but he's about to blast you away with his carrot juice gun.

No, this is not the (in)famous carrothead, but rather one of the mecha pilots for the upcoming Xbox 360 game by Banpresto, Super Robot Taisen XO. So far, from what we've read in the net, this game is supposed to be a port of Super Robot Taisen GC from GameCube. This current version will have a live versus mode, 19 more units from different shows, and additional scenarios.

The game will be out in Japan November 30. Let's hope they choose to send this one stateside. While we await their decision, let's watch a video via-Gamespot. Go Mazinger Z!

Download [Super Robot Taisen XO video]

In space, no one will hear you scream. It's supposed to be a scientific fact that since there's no air in space, there's no way sound can travel anywhere. Yet, here we are hearing booms, missile swishes, laser beam-y sounds, and explosions all over Project Sylpheed. LOL! And we love every second of it.

This game is just out there--we mean waaay out there in space. What do we get out of it? A lot of beautiful anime images, dogfighting spaceships, and intrigue. Could you ask for more? In order to make it really look and play well, this game needs the right team to move it along. It's got quite a development group backing it up. Let's hope that it means it's a better product. You know the saying, " Too many cooks in a kitchen...?" If you need more info you can read our previous article. Wait for the game to come out this December.

As you've probably seen before, we were treated with wave after wave of Project sylpheed images. Well, here's a tsunami your way. Enjoy!

More screenshots await after the jump!