Final Fantasy XIII New Trailer

For you gamers out there who happen to be waiting for the next installment of Final Fantasy, you’re in luck. About a few hours ago, Square Enix released a new trailer for their most anticipated game soon to be released on the PS3. Basically, the new trailer consists of new in-game cut scenes and its battle system. You can view the trailer here (you can view it in high-definition) but for those of you who have slow bandwidth connections out there and can’t understand a word they are saying, an English subbed trailer was uploaded on GameTrailers.

Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XIII will be released on the Playstation 3 sometime this year in Japan while a 2010 release is expected in North America simultaneously on the Xbox360.

Starcraft Course?

Can I say “Holy crap!” without displaying the obvious fascination on my face? I guess not, so, holy crap! Apparently there is a new course in UC Berkeley, focusing on Starcraft studies. Okay, this must be the most interesting cross between games and education, but I’m not a professor nor an educator so who am I to question this sort of approach?

Starcraft

Course Description:
UC Berkeley students with an interest in real-time strategy games and the competitive gaming landscape are encouraged to participate in this class.
This course will go in-depth in the theory of how war is conducted within the confines of the game Starcraft. There will be lecture on various aspects of the game, from the viewpoint of pure theory to the more computational aspects of how exactly battles are conducted. Calculus and Differential Equations are highly recommended for full understanding of the course. Furthermore, the class will take the theoretical into the practical world by analyzing games and replays to reinforce decision-making skills and advanced Starcraft theory.
Class will start with lecture and usually include a special discussion topic having to do with the day’s lecture to inspire new and original thought. At the end of lecture, there may be time to analyze student-submitted replays to illustrate a point or to improve analysis. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class and is due at the beginning of each lecture.

Course Learning Objectives and Goals:
What may look like complex topics are just ways we want you to think more deeply about the game to derive a greater satisfaction from playing. Furthermore, this understanding should have applications in real life, to further synthesize new information from limited inferences. The primary goal is for students to learn, enjoy the art of competitive StarCraft, and have fun. Overall, students will be applying critical thinking, quick decision-making, and game theory skills throughout the sessions. Students will also learn what to look for in a replay or game to learn most effectively.

Prerequisites:
Students should be familiar with all units and some basic StarCraft strategy. All students should of course enter the class with an open and analytic mind.
Starcraft: Brood War

You can read more about this course at their official site. It comes complete with the course’s syllabus containing the course description, course outline, and the grading breakdown.