CNash

Hmm, let's see. The Sonic games (the first two are OK but Sonic Chaos is the best of them), Psycho Fox, the Great series of sports games, Robocop vs. Terminator, the Wonderboy series, Asterix, Line of Fire, Marble Madness....

So we're all staunch anti-Europe activists, then? All of us? Don't make such stupid generalisations. These slanging matches between MS and the BBFC are just bitterness on MS's part over losing Manhunt 2 potential sales; they advocate PEGI, because PEGI is determined only by publishers (i.e. you can't be refused a PEGI rating), and they hate the BBFC because they're an independant body (so they can't be easily controlled or paid off) and legally binding (their opinions actually matter).

As for the ratings, I'd have to agree with the BBFC that PEGI is confusing. What the hell does a spider icon actually mean?

There is definitely a guitar and a drum part. Listen to the song carefully; white out the lyrics in your mind. It's understated, but it's there.

It's a good idea to have all games rated under a legally binding system (although, as has been said, the BBFC ratings are already legally binding), but kids will still be playing games rated at the highest levels - and it will be because their parents don't care enough about what they're buying.

I work in a video games store, and so many times I've seen parents who'll think nothing of letting their ten-year-old get GTA et al, but quite vocally stop them from picking up a DVD movie that's out of their age range. I make a point of asking (and in fact I think I'm legally required to) "Are you sure you want your son to play this 18-rated game?", and they just absently nod their heads.

Yarr har fiddle de dee
Being a pirate is alright with me
Do what you want 'cos a pirate is free
You are a pirate!

He's back on form; his Silent Hill review was funny, but this one had me with a perpetual grin.

That's a photo of Helen Mirren in the film The Queen, not the actual Queen... :)

I don't see why someone can't make a custom firmware iteration that would enable unsigned code but not include an ISO loader. That would solve the homebrew scene's problem of being labeled "pirates", while still allowing legitimate use of the PSP's full capabilities - like its capacity to play every PS1 game and not just the ones that Sony spoon-feed to PS3 owners.

Whether or not such a "piracy-free" CFW is successful would be the true test of users' credibilty.

Was I the only one thinking "To have a 17-year-old son, Wil must've conceived him at age 17 himself"? To allay fears (think of innocent, 17-year-old Wil's reputation as a budding young star): he's his stepson.

ssuk: Funny you should mention Sega's Vintage Collection audio and Steve Snake in the same comment... a quick look at the credits list for Sonic lists one Steve Snake under "YM2612, SN76489 Emulation". And if you didn't know, those model numbers are the G/MD's sound chips.