The Wall Street Journal recently did a run-down of different video game rental services. For their review, the team purchased subscriptions from GPlay, GameLender, GameFly, Intelliflix, and RentZero. There wasn't much said that would dethrone GameFly as the industry leader but the review team was particulary impressed with GameLender's impressive collection of titles, numbering well over 7,000.

Read more at http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000820052061/


Listening to: Common - "I Used To Love H.E.R."

I know I've been AWOL for a while but what better way to return than with a new review of a video game rental site? This site, however, is only for our Canadian gamers. JiffyGames.com has recently launched with over 2,000 titles to choose from and support for five major consoles including the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GameBoy Advance, and PSP.

JiffyGames ships out of Vancouver and their games usually reach members in 2-4 days. Of course shipping is free and there are no late fees. However, one feature you'll definitely want to take advantage of is their refer-a-friend offer. Basically, if you "recruit" a new member you'll be paid 100% of your friend's membership fee. If your pal joins for $17.95, you get paid $17.95. See how it works? Pretty sweet, huh?

If you're in Canada, I definitely recommend checking out this site. If you would like to read our full JiffyGames review click here. And again, I apologize for disappearing... It's just that I don't get to hang with family too often. Well, I'm back now so that's all that matters. And for what it's worth, I did miss you guys. *sniff*


Listening to: Total - "Kissin' You"

There's more good light to shed on the video game rentals site, GameFly, and this time it's coming from Can Magazine. If you were thinking about joining GameFly you should have no problems finding enough reviews and information about them. Take a look at the article if you want to read more.

By the way, I've never heard of these guys at CanMag. Does anyone know if they're a decent publication?

Sorry for the lack of updates guys... This has got to be one of the busiest weeks in history. Throw in the typical college worries, a major website project, and of course -- the opposite sex, and you have my week in a nutshell. Most of my breaks come in the form of me watching my roommate play Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas... Which is a hilarious game, by the way.

Well, I could talk about my issues forever but that would make for one boring post. So, why not take this time to vent about your week. I'm sure someone had a more hectic week than mine. Or, maybe this was one of the most boring weeks you've ever had. Either way, share your story with us. Trust me, this will be some good therapy.


Listening to: Common - "Go" (Excellent CD. Undeniable Hip-Hop Classic)

I want to know how you were introduced into online video game rentals? Was it from a friend or did you see a commercial. Did you type in "game fly" looking for fishing lures only to be greeted by a video game rentals website? Whatever your story is, I'd like to hear it. C'mon... Don't be shy.

The largest video game tour in the country makes a stop in Cincinnati's King Island amusement park. The - MTV2 Presents NesQuik GameRiot, Powered by Xbox (try saying that five times fast) - will be in Ohio from 6/15/2005 to 6/19/2005. If you're a GameFly member make sure you're in attendance.

GameRiot will give you the chance to beat the professional video gamer, Matthew "Zyos" Leto in a game of Halo 2. Take him down and you'll get $100 and a contract with Major League Gaming. (Who said sitting on the couch never amounted to anything?) And here's the sweet part: If you score three kills against the "Zyos" you'll win a 6-month free subscription to GameFly where you can enjoy the bliss of unlimited video game rentals. Not too shabby!

The next GameRiot tour stop will be in Hartford, CT at the Webster Theater, June 21. I'm just curious... Has anyone attended this tour yet? These things always seem to skip Birmingham. Heck, the tour barely stops in the South.

I was reading an article about how online DVD rentals are changing the face of the rental industry. The article mentioned the merger of Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video which was attributed to their interest and focus on video gamers.

As a result, stores that are solely dedicated to renting video games have sprung up -- one being the BlockBuster ran' Game Rush,' and the other Hollywood Video's 'Game Crazy.' It was implied that these game-only stores are around because "Internet video game rental is just not that popular." Do you think this is an accurate statement or not?

Listening to: 4th Avenue Jones - "Over Loaded"

Lately, I've been visiting some message boards to read up on the latest buzz on video game rental sites. Yeah, it's the hardest part about my job but someone's gotta do it. Anyway... Every forum that I visited had one thing in common -- compaints about GameFly's turnaround times.

GameFly continues to operate and ship from one distribution center -- and it's in LA. If you're a GameFly subscriber in Miami, good luck getting your games before Christmas. Now, there are tips that can expedite shipping times, such as keeping your rental queue stocked, but the turnaround times are still too high in the eyes of many gamers.

Most DVD rental services operate tens of distribution centers. Netflix, I believe, is over 40. Even GameFly's nearest competitor, Gamerang, operates five. GameFly has a safe stronghold in the video game rentals industry, but how long will it last with only one distribution operation? So, the question remains... When will GameFly add more shipping locations?


Listening to: Total ft. Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim, Da Brat - "No One Else (Remix)"

I stopped by IntoTheGame recently and was greeted with a beautiful redesign of their homepage. The color scheme and palatte is the same for the most part, but the layout changes have made a wonderful difference. When you get a chance, stop by and take a look around.

I take it that many of you don't know about their service but it's definitely one you should check out. In my opinion, their service is a wonderful alternative to GameFly and other "big name" video game rental sites. Read our IntoTheGame review to find out more about them.

P.S. If you haven't noticed, the wonderful guys at IntoTheGame.com have linked to our review on their homepage. Just one more of the many reason I think IntoTheGame rawks!


Listening to: Shrek 2 on HBO

The video game rentals site, GameFly, has released their rental charts for the week ending June 6th. The list hasn't changed drastically since last week's chart. In GameFly's overall chart, Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith held on to it's #1 spot. The #2 slot continues to be filled by God of War. A new entry, Advent Rising, ascends to the #3 position.

In the console-specific Xbox chart, Star Wars maintains the #1 position. Coming in second is Advent Rising. #3 is held down by the first person shooter, Doom 3. PS2's list begins with the console-specific game, God of War. #2 belongs to Star Wars, and Area 51 rounds out the list at #3.

The console specific charts for the GameCube, GBA, and PSP can be found on Gamasutra's article.

Apparently, our GameFly review has been helping out a few folks. I got a wonderful surprise when a gamer contacted me to inform me that he appreciated the review. I'm just glad that someone was able to benefit from the work that goes into making a great service.

Yeah, it's good to get money -- wait -- it's "great" to get money, but when someone recognizes your work it does something to you... Kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Yeah, I know I'm being a puss, but hey, I'm allowed one puss moment a month.

If you're thinking about joining GameFly then I encourage you to take a look at the GameFly review. Word on the street is that the review rocks. If anyone esle has read the review and would like to comment on it please feel free to do so.


Listening to: ESPN (while my roommate wastes power by keeping the TV on while he sleeps.)

I do a lot of posting on this blog... What can I say -- I can talk a lot at times. However, this time I figured I'd invite you all to talk a bit. I would like to know how your GameFly experience has been so far. Love it? Hate it? Jury still out?

Either way, I want you to share your stories with us. Your comments might be helpful to a gamer who is considering joining -- or *gasp* leaving -- GameFly. Alright you GameFly Groupies... Let the commenting begin.

GameFly has introduced some new video game arrivals for June. This month's first game for the PS2 is Digimon World 4.

Yeah, ummm... I won't be renting this game anytime soon but some of you might have kids that you would like to rent this for. Personally, I wouldn't want something like this near my house. And judging from the member ratings, no one else does. As of now, Digimon World 4 is sitting at a spectacular rating of -- 5.8. Hmmm, I wonder why. Let's take a look at the game description for some clues:

Access to the Real World has been closed and it is up to the Digital Security Guard to restore order back to the Digital World! The Digimon are back for more digital adventures in Digimon World 4! Play as your favorite Digimon from the hit TV animation show using a new real-time battle system. Unlock Digivolved Digimon as you master your Digimon skills and techniques. Play single-player mode or play with up to four players in multiplayer mode.

That explains it... It's lame! If anyone has some uplifting comments they'd like to share about this game, feel free to leave them using the comments link below. Moving on...

GameFly also received a pair of games for the Xbox, one of them being, what else... Digimon World 4. The second title is Advent Rising. Unlike its release-date counterpart, this game shows some promise. The game has recieved 28 votes from GameFly members for an average of 9.0. Not too shabby. I might actually be tempted to play this game. Has anyone played this title yet?


Listening to: Memphis Bleek - "Alright" (A 9th Wonder classic)

Corey Nicholas Rudl, 34, died today at the California Speedway in Fontana. Corey was widely considered to be a pioneer and innovator in the field of Internet marketing. His infomation helped me in my efforts greatly. I pray for peace and comfort in the lives of everyone affected by this tragedy. My heart goes out to you all.

http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4562562/detail.html

-Deon D. Gordon