Finally, it feels good to be back on a regular work schedule. Unfortunately, today is bit dry when it comes to juicy PlayStation news. But the good news is that early reports are suggesting that Killzone 2 may actually be as good as advertised. Of course, it’s tough to trust a first review, but it’s still a good sign.

• If you’re a fan of Traveller’s Tales LEGO series of games you may be in luck, as rumors are swirling about both Harry Potter and Rock Band themed games in the series.
• Looking for new, old-school theme for your PS3? Check out this hella awesome, unofficial HD Gunstar Heroes wallpaper and icons.
• In somewhat more depressing news, reports are suggesting that Sony will be making major cutbacks next month, which could potentially effect its game division.
• While we still don’t know what it is, Metal Gear Solid mastermind Hideo Kojima has revealed that his next project will have a more “Western” focus.
• The first review of the much anticipated Killzone 2 has been published, with Official US PlayStation magazine giving it a perfect 5/5.

Back in the olden days when Metal Gear Solid 4 was still gestating, people wondered if maybe the title would see release on the Xbox 360 as well as the Playstation 3. Konami said, “NO, NEVAR,” and slapped its palm on the table, rattling the crystal city of sake cups on its surface. The matter was settled: Metal Gear Solid 4 would remain a Playstation 3 exclusive.

Of course, that was back when Konami was sure the whole world would buy a Playstation 3 cradle for Kojima’s baby. Since that didn’t turn out to be the case, Konami has a small case of the Maaaaaaaybeeeee’s….

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About a thousand years ago plus a day, I posted a parody “opening” for Metal Gear Solid 4 done in the style of Lupin III. Well, it’s back…in Pog form.

Meaning, of course, that someone has put together a side-by-side comparison of the two openings so that we deprived Americans can appreciate just how well done this parody is.

What’s kind of unsettling is that Lupin III is a budding serial rapist, but his lust still looks far more natural than Snake’s deadpan curiosity. He spies the woman and he smells the woman but he knows not what to do with the woman.

“Delicious woman. For Snake eat?”

I’m always interested in the events and objects that inspire a creator, which is why I find this article, Five Games That Matter In Hideo Kojima’s Life, so interesting.

(Poof! Now you find it interesting, too.)

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Have you ever dreamed of rubbing your body up against some aspect of master game designer Hideo Kojima? If you can settle for his signature, you might be in luck.

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Happy Metal Gear Solid 4 Day! Or, uh, Happy Snake Solstice, if you prefer? I just made that one up.

Do you get the day off in honour of our hero’s last hurrah? I sure as hell don’t. So here’s a Metal Gear Solid 4 blowout for you word vultures.

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The concluding line of Eurogamer’s review sums up the conflicted three-page analysis thoroughly: “We love you, Snake. Don’t come back.”

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Mischievous young crime fighter Lakupo has once again pointed out a fandom movie worth watching. Thankfully, it’s less unsettling than other fandom videos I’ve posted on this blog.

In fact, it’s a combination of Metal Gear Solid and the intro for Lupin III. Fitting combination, really.

I have a bad habit of pronouncing Lupin III’s name like his grandfathers’; that’s what comes of watching Les Exploits d’Arsene Lupin long before Lupin III.

Then again, US anime dubs have a charming habit of ignoring French accents altogether. Hence why we had to put up with “Chawd Blaze” instead of “Chaud” in the Mega Man: Battle Network anime.

Who’s right and who’s wrong in this topsy-turvy world?

GameTrailers just released part two of their Metal Gear retrospective. The majority of the video studies Metal Gear Solid, arguably one of the most important games on the original Playstation—and probably one of the most important games of all time.

It’s always a lot of fun to go through retrospectives and attach your memories to certain bits and pieces. It’s like sitting through home movies that you actually want to watch. “Awww, I was slaughtered there! Right there! I remember it so well. Snake was dead, but damn if that guard dog just wouldn’t let go of his balls.”

GameTrailers launched an exciting project today: The first part of a Metal Gear retrospective, which is…

…Preceded by that Grand Theft Auto IV ad that I am thoroughly tired of watching.

Seriously, though. I’ve gushed over GameTrailer’s retrospectives before. Metal Gear’s is off to a great start with a complete history on the MSX and NES.

Back In The Day™, Konami was pretty shameless about ripping off movies for their box art. As a result, the earliest incarnation of Snake, as Americans know him, is Kyle Reese.

Enjoy le retrospective.