Andy Trimlett

In this version, which supposedly features "new, action-packed sequences" where you get to "fly as Harry Potter, play Quidditch, mix up magical potions," and even duel, according to John Fenno, the game's product manager. Games based off of movies are rarely worth a salt, but according to John there is a crew from the movie dedicated to ensuring the game lives up to the standards of the movie. And the bespectacled magician's creator, J.K. Rowling, is even overseeing the project, so I'll cross my fingers for this one. This new installment of Harry Potter is made for the Wii, so if they can manage to really take advantage of the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wiimote - making it feel like you're really mixing potions, for example - then they'll be well on their way to making a winner. The broom race seemed to be a good start, so we'll see.

Harry Potter and Zubo

Straight from the marketing department, according to MK creator, Ed Boon. & I have to say, that is not a great start for creativity, but since it is internet fashion to beat up on MK, I'll leave that alone. & Boon told me, "We've been making MK games since 1992, which is a long time. & At some point around MKIV, we talked about & 'wouldn't it be cool if we made a versus game with one of our competitors?'" & He mentioned Street Fighter and Virtua Fighter, but ... there's a game called Street Fighter, there's a game called Virtua Fighter, and we thought it would be cool." & That would actually be pretty cool. & But I imagine the corporate war that would ensue would be bloodier than anything in the MK universe. & And, according to Boon, that project "never really panned out." &

How Does Scorpion Beat Superman?

After needlessly crossing the length of downtown -- at the brilliant suggestion of a friend of mine -- we showed up to our first press party of the evening at 9:30 p.m. & The company throwing the party shall remain nameless. & But suffice it to say, I hope their new video game will be better produced than the party they threw last night. & I counted nine people in the bar. & It still makes me hurt inside.

Party Fight. Sony Wins.