The latest Call of Duty kill-fest has overtaken Amazon’s previous pre-order record holder, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King. Activision Blizzard and its shareholders must be so pleased.

In other Modern Warfare 2-is-selling-well news, Amazon tosses us another figure, saying that release-date delivery pre-orders for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 surpassed total orders for Wrath of the Lich King at the company. Which must mean this “release-date delivery” thing at Amazon is working out for them.

The only downside to this consumer love-in is the PC version of Modern Warfare 2’s customer rating at Amazon.com, currently suffering from a revenge score of one-and-a-half stars. Hey, you can’t win ‘em all.

It continues: “It ok to play n shoot bad dude n i get game n tell u to get game to kil rat an bad dudes in ur guns u kill rat. Ok great good but no ok good great just ok good great good. Get.”

This is a user review, of course. A glowing one based on the star rating.

Can you guess the game it’s about?

The answer.

Via game designer Martin Hollis’ Twitter feed.

PIC

Unlike today’s smart phones and mobile 3G cards, which require monthly fees to access the network, Amazon’s Kindle eBook reader figures in the price of 3G into the initial hardware cost, so the customer effectively pays one fee for the device and a lifetime of 3G access. Speaking at an analyst briefing following last week’s lowered financial outlook, Nintendo’s president called the Kindle’s price plan an “option for the future”.

“Only people who can pay thousands of yen a month [in mobile phone subscriptions] can be iPhone customers. That doesn’t fit Nintendo customers because we make amusement products,” Mr Iwata said. The Kindle’s one-off cost would better suit Nintendo’s customer base, he said. “In reality, if we did this it would increase the cost of the hardware, and customers would complain about Nintendo putting prices up, but it is one option for the future.”

I don’t see any problem with the handheld’s current Wi-Fi access, but then again I rarely go anywhere that doesn’t have an access point these days. I suppose if you want to be able to download new games nearly anywhere, 3G is certainly one way to go. Would you pay more for a 3G-enabled Nintendo DS?

Nintendo considers Kindle tactics for consoles [Financial Times]

The criteria: Amazon’s cutoff are towns and cities with a population over 5,000 (according to the most current census data), and they have to order “enough copies for two squads (18 people) using Release-Date Delivery.” The ranking is based on per capita orders, not whole numbers. Winning city gets a $US5,000 Amazon gift card donated to a charitable organisation serving that area.

Lots of college towns dot this board, no surprise there. As of its most recent update, the most noticeable military city I could spot is Twentynine Palms, Calif., although admittedly I don’t know where every Army installation is. The city, home to a big Marine Corps base, is in 11th place.

My pick for the town most answering duty’s call? Bedford, Va.

The Call of Duty-est Town in America [Amazon, thanks reader Blain D.]

The announcement trailer for THQ and 4A Games’ post-apocalyptic shooter Metro 2033 sets the stage for what could very well be mankind’s last stand.

THQ announced the 2010 game this morning, posting this trailer on the game’s official site to introduce prospective players to the setting. The game is based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s popular Eastern European novel, the synopsis for which gives you a pretty good idea of where the game is going.

The book is currently available in Russian and German, though Amazon has a listing for an English language version being released in February of next year, which should give you plenty of time to bone up before diving into post-apocalyptic Moscow.

The exclusive S.V.E.R. character is yours if you lay your $US5 down at GameStop. If your allegiance is to Game Crazy, you’ll get the tuned-up RAVEN fighter. The VALOR character (pictured) is still TBD. For those not initiated, these are the three mercenary factions with which you may align in this 256-combatant shooter/MMO, once it releases Jan. 26.

The descriptions of all three are at the link below.

Anyway, if all Amazon gets is a PlayStation Home space for its preorder trouble, then wow. Someone cut a bad deal there.

MAG Pre-Order Bonuses: Choose Your PMC [PlayStation.blog via EvilAvatar]

In late July, Amazon Germany leaked listed a “PlayStation 3 Konsole slim”. We got a PS3 Slim. Maybe this was a lucky guess, but Amazon Germany was correct.

This time the Fatherland’s Amazon site, there is a 250 GB Xbox 360 Elite bundled with two wireless controllers and Forza Motorsport 3. All yours for €279.99 (AU$480). The biggest HDD Microsoft is currently selling for the Xbox 360 is 120GB.

There has been no official of such a bundle from Microsoft. Maybe this is another lucky guess. Maybe Amazon Germany is correct. Again.

We are following up with Microsoft.

Xbox 360 – Konsole Elite 250 GB inkl. 2 Wireless Controller + Forza Motorsport 3 [Amazon.de]

Evidence of an impending PlayStation 3 price drop? Not necessarily. But the availability of some PS3 models is on the decline, while incentives to clear out older stock increase. At the very least, its a better deal on a PlayStation 3 bundle that’s due to become a bit less valued, as Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is just a few months out.

PlayStation 3 [Amazon - thanks, xxnike629xx!]

The GameStop Casual Digital Store, located at http://www.gamestop.com/casual, features the hottest and not-so-hottest casual PC games for purchase, download and play. Powered by RealNetworks, the store features casual and independent titles, from Nancy Drew to Plants Vs. Zombies, with thirty-one titles available for half-off to celebrate the launch of the new service.

“As the leading video game and entertainment software retailer, we continuously look for ways to bring our passion for gaming to the customer visiting us online,” said Tony Bartel, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing. “The new Casual Digital Store accomplishes this goal by appealing to an ever-expanding customer demographic looking for value in addition to trusted guidance to ensure they receive the best gaming experience possible.”

It sounds a great deal like the casual game download service Amazon.com launched in February, perhaps indicating that while GameStop isn’t worried about Amazon’s trade-ins, it isn’t too keen on being left behind when it comes to digital distribution and the casual market.

No matter where you preorder Champions Online you’ll gain access to the open beta test on August 17th, 30 days game time, and five in-game microtransaction dollars, but after that it all comes down to where you pick up the game. Want access to the early-start preview weekend? Then you’ll want to buy from GameStop or Best Buy, depending on whether you want an in-game pet or special costume pieces.

Wal-Mart preorders are for those who prefer real-life swag, with a lenticular cover, and iron on patch, and a zone map packed into its exclusive limited edition package, while Amazon is the place for those who value avatar looks above all, with three exclusive costume pieces on offer.

I am really beginning to hate this practice. It seems completely silly and arbitrary to me. It also makes me wonder who is negotiating these deals, as I cannot see why any fan would chose Amazon or Wal-Mart over the stores offering early access to the game. Madness, I tell you. Check out the full list of benefits below to help you determine where you’ll buy Champions Online come September 1st.

GameStop

GameStop customers who pre-order Champions Online receive access to the Early Start Program. Battle an alien menace, collect exclusive items, and join the early start weekend to get a jump on the action! GameStop customers also receive the exclusive Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and Experimental Anti-Graviton Generator flight travel power at character creation for an early boost in mobility.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart is offering an exclusive Limited Edition Package with collectible lenticular cover that includes an exclusive zone map, iron-on decal and an additional ten in-game micro-transaction dollars! Check online and in-store for more details and other potential offers.

Best Buy

Best Buy is offering their customers the fun and functional Lil’ Champ Pack. These persistent pets are iconic, knee-high characters from the Champions universe! Best Buy Customers receive their own Lil’ Champ. In addition, Lil’ Champ owners also receive a functional damage resistance item. Best Buy pre-order customers will also receive access to the Early Start Program and head start weekend.

Amazon

The High Roller Pack is perfect for players who insist on the finest accoutrements for their avatar. With three unique, exclusive apparel options (harlequin headpiece, black knight helmet, grenade chest strap), and an additional five in-game micro-transaction dollars, you’ll have plenty of options to push your “High Roller” look.

All

All Champions Online pre-orders receive guaranteed access to the Champions Online open beta test on August 17, exclusively offered by IGN.com. Additionally, all retail purchases include 30-days of free play and five in-game micro-transaction dollars.