Disney Epic Mickey Interview with Warren Spector: “We Wanted to Make Mickey an Iconic Hero, Like Mario”

With only a few weeks to go till the highly anticipated release of Disney Epic Mickey, we got a chance to sit in on a developer call with Warren Spector. Warren is the General Manager and Creative Director of Disney Interactive Studios' Junction Point. He is responsible for such titles as Wing Commander, Thief and Deus Ex. So how did he go from those games to a Disney game? Check out the interview to find that out along with some exclusive information about the upcoming title.

Community Voice #21: Who’s PlayStation’s “Mascot”?

When I think of the big three console companies, generally an image comes to my mind for each - except Sony. I mean, epic exclusive games come to mind, sure. But not really a character that I'd consider an "icon" or "mascot" to represent the entire brand. Kevin Butler is a champ and a recognizable figure - and perhaps he counts, he is in ModNation Racers after all... But let's talk a video game character from a leading franchise. Is there a one main mascot/icon that immediately comes to mind for PlayStation as definitively as Mario, Link, Kirby and Donkey Kong do for the big red giant? Keep in mind, Crash Bandicoot also hasn't had his own game in years!

Holiday Gift Guide for Family Gamers

Dashing through crowded stores, trying to find the perfect gift that will bring joy to not only kids of any age but their parents as well... This feat can make even a grown man cry in defeat. Many popular video games released are aimed at both ends of the consumer spectrum. Kid-friendly games that lack appeal to parents and mature-rated games that are aimed directly for the adult gamer; while some titles fall in between, few are able tol appeal to both kids and adults. Spawn Kill's next shopping guide includes a list of games and accessories that should be worth looking into when shopping for today's electronic version of family game night.

Hit the break to see the full shopping list, and don’t forget to stay tuned later this week for our next guide, Spawn Kill’s Holiday Gift Guide for Busy Gamers.

Community Voice #20: Xbox Dashboard and Live Changes: Yay or Nay?

Preceding the massive Kinect launch, Microsoft has started rolling out changes to both their Xbox 360 Dashboard and pricing tiers for their Xbox Live Gold service. Starting with the revamped Dashboard, Microsoft has launched a new ESPN3 app, "streamlined" functionality, and an improved voice codec surely aimed at all the people that will be using their Kinects to chat with friends. Along with these changes came a higher price scheme for Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Microsoft's defense of said price hike was a simple, "we need more server space to provide you exclusive content" (like ESPN3).

These changes leave a lot of subscribers wondering if they're indeed "worth it." I personally think so, seeing as how I do plan on getting a Kinect, and have already used my ESPN3 app to check scores and get news without having to change the channel. That being said, the cost increase seems a little bit much. Microsoft is a tech company and should in theory be able to provide said content without too much stress on their resources. It almost feels like they're lying just to cover their butts as people begin to express their frustrations with the higher prices.

Enough about what I think, I'm more curious to see what you, the reader, think. Do you like the new content? Does said content justify the price increase? Sound off and let your voices be heard!

Every Kratos Kill Ever: God of War 1

Before the first God of War game was released, most people had a pretty clear idea of Greek mythology and the history of the ancient myths. Maybe we learned it from our first-year class in college, maybe we got all we needed to know watching Disney's Hercules or the lesbian adventure Xena: Warrior Princess. Regardless, the mythology seemed set in stone (and probably was in the case of many stories), and to go and change it on us this late in the game seems ridiculous. However, that's exactly what Santa Monica Studios did with the invention of Kratos, gaming's most beloved serial killer and the slayer of all we know about Greek mythology. With the release of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, I thought it might be handy as a quick reference guide to take a look back at the God of War series and remember just how much of Greek mythology Kratos has butchered.

Community Voice #19: Boss Fights: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em?

Boss fights: nearly all games have them. But do all games need them? Personally, I'm not a huge fan of boss fights, and I especially dislike when a game adds them in out of some obligation to a set of unwritten game laws rather than doing what fits the game.

However, I will acknowledge that a good boss fight in the right game can be a completely epic and transformative experience. Still, too many boss fights are boring, hackneyed, or cliche. Still others jack the difficulty level up so dramatically from what you have been playing thus far that rather than offering a fun challenge, they feel much more like a chore. And games should never feel like chores, right?

Staff Picks: Our Favorite Horror Games

In honor of Halloween, the Staff here at Spawn Kill have gathered 'round the pumpkin to pick our favorite scary and horror games. While some of our picks may be expected, you might find a few treats you didn't see coming on our list. Hit the break for everyone's pick for favorite scary game, and be sure to leave your picks in the comments! As usual, unlike us, you don't have to settle for just one!

Tips for the Thievius Raccoonus

Five years have passed since Sly Cooper and his gang plotted any thrilling capers. The remastered, high definition collection for PlayStation 3 is locked behind bars until early next month, but once it hits shelves, gamers might find their technique a little rusty. Every sneaky raccoon needs a few tricks under his explosive hat, so brush up on your skills with this guide. Consider it Master Thieving 101.

Community Voice #17: The Best and Worst Video Game Quotes

Video games and movies share some similarities, one of them being the copious amounts of one liners that our favorite characters seem to have at the ready. Always perfectly placed, these witty quips seem to have a way of enhancing the gameplay just a little bit more. Whether it be my personal favorite from Duke Nukem "I've got BALLS of STEEL" or some other game changing quote, there have have been numerous examples of top notch one liners used in the gaming world.

Top 10 Hottest Rides of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

The Need for Speed series has had its ups and downs when it comes to the gameplay. That being said there has always been one consistent positive: the cars. With an uncanny ability to give players the chance to sit behind realistic representations of their favorite real life cars, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is likely to be no different. Below you're going to find the top ten cars I'm excited for in the newest game, based solely off their real life counterparts. With the Need for Speed crew's attention to the most minute of details this time around, I'm sure this list wont change at all once I play the game itself.