Rock Band DLC Coming to PS2/Wii

The folks at Harmonix, MTV and EA collectively announced their plans to make a 20-track disc of (seemingly random) downloadable songs collected from the 360/PS3 versions of Rock Band for the PS2 and Wii today, aptly titled Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1. According to their press release, the disc, "features an electrifying mix of classic hits and current favorites, including songs by Boston, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, and All American Rejects." Oooh, All American Rejects! Ok, maybe not. The price point is fair if not very reasonable at $29.99 for this smattering of rock and roll hits, though certain selections seem a bit...unclear. The finalized track list follows:

30 Seconds to Mars, "The Kill" <-----Yeah, what?
All American Rejects, "Move Along"
Blink – 182, "All the Small Things"
Boston, "More Than a Feeling"
David Bowie, "Moonage Daydream"
Faith No More, "We Care A Lot"
Grateful Dead, "Truckin’"
The Hives, "Die, All Right!"
KISS, "Calling Dr. Love"
Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Gimme’ Three Steps"
Nine Inch Nails, "March of the Pigs" <-----Woot!
Oasis, "Live Forever"
Paramore, "Crushcrushcrush"
The Police, "Synchronicity II"
Queens of the Stone Age, "Little Sister" <-----Woot!
The Ramones, "Teenage Lobotomy" <-----Woot!
Smashing Pumpkins, "Siva" <-----Woot!
Stone Temple Pilots, "Interstate Love Song"
Weezer, "Buddy Holly" <-----Woot!
Wolfmother, "Joker & the Thief"

So for those suffering from the Wii's lack of a hard drive for downloadable content and those holding fast hope for the big PS2 revival (any day now!), this disc of dlc will act as your vicarious use of the internet through modern videogame consoles. Oh, and it'll be released for PS2/Wii on Tuesday, July 15th. But wouldn't you really be better served saving that money towards a 360 or PS3? Just sayin' is all.

Hostile Takeover! EA Pushes Take-Two -- Hard

We woke up this morning expecting puppy dogs and rainbows, not news of a hostile takeover! The internet has collectively exploded with news surrounding the recent announcement by Electronic Arts of their plans for a now hostile takeover of Take-Two Interactive Games, parent company of Grand Theft Auto developer, Rockstar Games. In fact, EA specifically notes Rockstar as their target in this acquisition:

"[Rockstar and its franchise Grand Theft Auto is the] primary interest of EA's attempted purchase of Take Two games.", said chief executive John Riccitiello.

"I believe the company is fully justified in calling themselves 'Rockstar' because that's what they are in this industry.", added Riccitiello.

In an effort to handle the situation, Take-Two has asked it's investors to, "take no action at this time in response to the announcement by Electronic Arts Inc. that it has made an unsolicited conditional tender offer to acquire all of Take-Two's outstanding shares of common stock for $26 per share in cash.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, Take-Two's Board will review and consider EA's offer, and within 10 business days, will advise Take-Two's stockholders of the Board's position regarding the offer as well as its reasons for that position."

That first paragraph is comprised of words that are understandable and easy to read, it's that second that's a doozy. In so many words, the second paragraph says, "Please hold onto your stock for 10 days! Please! PLEASE! We're working on something!" As analysts have been saying since this whole debacle started, this acquisition is an inevitability. Sorry Take-Two, and good luck.

Also, here:

Fiduciary: of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust: as a: held or founded in trust or confidence b: holding in trust c: depending on public confidence for value or currency <fiduciary fiat money> (Yeah, we had to look it up. Fiduciary? COME ON!)