The L.A. Times has an interesting piece on Disney’s California Adventure overhaul, which includes major video game elements.

The biggest change is Toy Story Midway Mania, which lets players put on 3D glasses and interact with characters from the Toy Story movie. From what I’m hearing, it sounds like the biggest, most complex arcade in the world.

It follows the path Disney has been taking for its rides, trying to get that gamer generation back into theme parks. Frankly, I like the trend. The Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters was the ride I liked the most. It seemed to be the most forward-thinking of the attraction’s there.

It’s basically the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride except you shoot things, rack up points and get a picture e-mailed to you at the end. Disney even posts the high scores for the day. It’s not bad.

And here’s a tip: If you really want to rack up those high scores, pray for a slight hitch in the ride. Sometimes Astro Blasters pauses for some inexplicable reason (probably to let a person with a disability on) when that happens, blast away as much as possible at the highest scoring monster. It’s something to think about for folks going to Southern California for vacation.

If you have trouble keeping track of Wii Friend codes, then Facebook may be the answer. The Wii Friend Number app lets you plug in your console code, and it will help you connect to other Facebook friends who input their number.

It seems like a cool concept. Social networking + clumsy set of layer of unwanted security numbers may make using the Wii online slightly enjoyable. Then again, I don’t know many folks who bother with their Friend code …

Eh, at least, the application has a separate folder for all those OTHER codes you need. Cough, cough, Mario Kart Wii.

Via Joystiq

If you’re having trouble finding all the jumps and billboards in Burnout Paradise, Criterion has the solution for the PlayStation 3 owners.

According to the developer’s Web site, the title’s newest feature The Burnout Save Game Analyser will be able to help gamers find out what they’re missing and guide them to spots that need finishing.

Hey, this is about as easy as it gets. All players have to do is download the new Bogart update, plug in a USB cable or Memory Stick and analyze the game at criteriongames.com. It will draw you a to-do map. Ha,
The next thing you know, Criterion Games will have a feature that lets them finish the game for you.

Via Joystiq

I’ve been sick with Grand Theft Auto-itis for the past day, and during my time exploring Liberty City, I’ve learned a couple of things.

1) Never try to do anything while drunk. It will end very badly. I know sometimes you go to the bar and park really far away. Rather than stumble that city block, you’d rather carjack someone and drive home. Well, don’t do it. This is instant death for two reasons: A) the police will catch you and you can’t stumble-drunk your way out of it and B) drunk driving is a pain. Apparently, cops don’t mind you driving like a maniac when you’re sober but if you start drink and driving watch out. They have drunk-driver radar.

2) If you ever need to jack a police cruiser, ambulance or fire truck, try dialing 911 on your cell phone. You get an automated voice,and you can pick one in a jiffy.

3) Toll booths are for suckers. Just cruise right passed them and get on with your life. Of course, you’ll be chased by police, but running out of that one-star wanted level is easy. Trust me, waiting for folks to go through is a waste of time.

4) Building up relationships is a good thing. Some of your friends have special abilities that get unlocked when you’re liked by them at more than 75 percent. Little Jacob, for instance, comes around and sells you guns on the cheap.

5) Keep your eye out for random encounters. There are characters located throughout the game that have fun side missions. This is a game that rewards exploration.