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Who loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Plenty, apparently, as the two-decades + franchise keeps churning and the world awaits the next interactive installment for their favorite mutated shellbacks. For those looking for a bit more fight in their lives, Ubisoft may have the cure with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up!
Gamespot was able to snag the first trailer from the upcoming Wii-exclusive fighter, developed by Smash Bros. developer Game Arts and will hit the Nintendo Wii later this year. For those unable to view the trailer in action, just think Smash Bros., but add lots and lots of Turtles. And giant, mutated rats, robots, and quite possibly a brain or two. Looking good so far, and let's just hope the final product can better the franchise's erratic history with quality...
Yes, this might be a gratuitious post, but if there was ever a cause worth championing it would be that of legendary (for some) musician Stan Bush and his penultimate hit, "The Touch." Fans will recognize the song from the 1986 masterpiece (again, for some) animated Transformers: The Movie, while others still might recall its inclusion in the 1998 film Boogie Nights. Regardless of where you heard it, once you have you can't UNhear it, so it's nice to know that the track is now available as a FREE download in Guitar Hero: World Tour!
But that's not all. Eagle-eyed fans will also note that Guitar Hero-publisher Activision is also responsible for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen videogame adaptation of the sure-to-be-massive movie due in June. While several websites are offering various iterations of Stan Bush-inspired swag and/or prizes, we'd like to think that having a FREE copy of the best song ever recorded is good enough for anyone. Bah weep granah weep ninni bong!
Celebrate your power!
Sega has officially announced the next chapter in their Sonic franchise with a return to the racing genre, as Sega & Sonic All-Star Racing zooms to all major gaming consoles in 2010. No doubt inspired by the enourmous success of Mario & Sonic at the Olympics (to say nothing of a certain best-selling Mario Kart Wii), Sega seems determined to keep their blue mascot from doing what he does best - straightforward platforming.
But will the latest spin-off be any different? Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, of SEGA Europe Ltd certainly thinks so:
"Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is no ordinary racing game. Its huge variety of characters and vehicles, plus the ability to play both online and off set it apart from other games of this type. The team have pushed the boundaries on what you would normally expect and created a different and unique party racing title whereby you really can't take anything for granted!"
Keep reading for the debut trailer from Sega & Sonic All-Star Racing!
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A recent discovery of Japanese trademark filings confirm Nintendo has trademarked the name Wii Fit Plus (see logo above), as well as a mysterious (and possible new) franchise by the name Art Academy. While we're more than familiar with the Wii Fit brand, the discovery of the latter could hold many surprises for those looking to express themselves creativity (perhaps an answer to Mario Paint?).
Although word first came of Nintendo's alleged plan to introduce the next chapter in Wii Fit, given its month of discovery was April and the company's penchant for producing 'evergreen'(i.e. long-lasting) titles for their platforms, the speculation seemed just that.
Whether or not the recent Japanese trademark for Wii Fit Plus signals a direct Wii follow-up, or perhaps hides surprise DS-connectivity remains to be seen. While many questioned the commercial prospects of a fitness-themed videogame when Nintendo first unveiled the software during the 2007 E3 conference, the company heads into the 2009 showing two years later and 15+ million units stronger. Expect more details on both Wii Fit Plus and Art Academy when the show officially takes root next week!
With Resident Evil 5 scaring up millions of fans across the world, it looks like those who fell is love with the game's atmospheric and gorgeous soundtrack will have their chance to take a copy whereever they go as Capcom has begun selling the soundtrack online. A partnership with Sumthing Else Music Works will make owning videogame soundtracks (legal ones, anyway) easier than ever for those looking to help monetize the increasingly popular genre of music. The RE5 OST comes in at 86 tracks and spans 3-CDs worth of music from composers Kota Suzuki, Hideki Okugawa, Akihiko Narita, and Seiko Kobuchi.
Resident Evil 5 is the first of several planned soundtracks for Capcom, which also include Street Fighter IV, Dead Rising, Bionic Commando, as well as several others. With the company recently announcing that over 5 million copies of their survival-horror franchise's latest have moved worldwide, the decision to release the soundtrack now makes perfect sense.
While prices and availability may change, pick up your copy of the Resident Evil 5 Original Soundtrack over at Amazon.com!
After a crushing financial report that showed the company posting record losses for 2008, Japanese electronics giant Sony continues to restructure several key elements of their most high-profile product's supply and production lines. Of primary interest would be their third-generation PlayStation console, which despite a sales increase from 2007 to 2008 was unable to help the company thwart its first annual net loss in 14 years
To help combat rising costs, Sony plans to cut its number of parts suppliers in half, which would reduce purchasing costs by $5.3 billion US dollars. This would bring the current number of parts suppliers down from 2,500 to 1,200 by next year, reducing redundancy and communications problems between the various suppliers. The measure comes outside of the company's previously announced staff reduction efforts, which would see roughly 8,000 of its full-time staff as well as another 8,000 of its temporary workers.
Keep reading for more... Read More »Previously hinted - and since insanely anticipated - the full trailer for Activision and Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 has hit online, and after viewing its 2-minutes of action-packed glory, its hard to see how fans will be disappointed. Or even naysayers, as full in-game graphics dominate its fully action-packed running time, showing off not just the game's improved visuals but adherence to great narrative storytelling. If the first real trailer that aired during the NBA Play-Offs is any indication to where the sequel will take us, its to bigger and far more intense places.
Of course, none of this is a guarantee that the final product will be any good, but something tells me dropping the Call of Duty label and pushing forward will be the best choice this new franchise ever made. Bring on November 10th, because frankly, it can't get here soon enough.
As anyone who was ever 29 years old will tell you, the final leg in one's life before hitting the big 3-0 can be a time for reflection and nostalgia. In the world of interactive entertainment, few have reached such heights, but it may startle those who grew up alongside this world of beeps and bleeps to realize just how young their digital heroes are. Today, May 22nd 2009 is the 29th birthday of one of the most, if not the most, iconic of all videogame creations, Pac-Man.
Although the game was originally released into Japanese arcades as Puck-Man, importers feared that vandals would do what vandals do best, and change the game's innocent name into something far more evocative. Thus, a new superstar and cultural icon was born with the renamed Pac-Man. As our circular yellowed friend begins his final year as jet-setting 20-something, its time to look back at his brief - but eventful - life so far.
Keep chomping away for even more 29th Birthday Fun!
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2009 has already been a good year for PlayStation 3-exclusive releases, and that trend looks to continue with the impending release of the oddly titled inFamous, a new sandbox-style action game that pits morality choices against superhuman powers.
To help celebrate the game's release and get players excited, Sony has partnered with SPIL GAMES online portals for a specially crafted, 2D Flash web game. Playable right in your browser (system specs willing), players will guide Cole, the game's protagonist through particularly beautiful 2D backdrops while he runs, jumps, zaps and heals various enemies, friendlies, and the occassional interactive object to reach his goals. While nobody is expecting the full PlayStation 3 experience, the mini-inFamous game looks better than most and certainly worth your time.
To check out the inFamous online game for yourselves, head over to one of the many portals its being offered at: www.Agame.com, www.MyGames.co.uk, www.Spielen.com, www.Spel.nl, www.Jeu.fr, www.Giocaregratis.it, www.Zapjuegos.com, www.Clickjogos.com, www.Minigry.pl, www.Spel.eu, www.Flashgames.ru, www.Game.co.in, www.Games.co.id, www.Egames.jp, and www.A10.com.
The iPhone/iPod Touch platform continues to draw interest from many in the gaming development community, but those more 'traditional' gamers looking for an experience more to their liking can be grateful that a good deal of that interest is coming from interesting places. Japanese developer Capcom, who is experiencing something of a franchise revival of their own, has pledged even more support for Apple's growing mobile platform, promising at least ten new releases by the end of March next year.
While the company has previously released their iconic platformer Mega Man 2 on the platform, Reuters lists the film tie-in Resident Evil: Degeneration as the first of the ten planned releases for Apple's platform. Porting older product to new platforms is nothing new for the company (Nintendo Wii, anyone?), but this shift in support is often followed by original content that takes advantage of its inherent (and unique) possibilities. While I wouldn't hold out for a iPhone/iPod Touch version of Street Fighter anytime soon, having respected developers like Capcom fully engaged for any platform is great news indeed.
Thanks to Reuters!
Of all its key achievements, perhaps there is none more important to Media Molecule's LittleBigPlanet than its intuitive, yet powerful set of tools for level-creation. While Sony may put the kibosh on many of the 'saucier' creations out there, the vast majority of fan-created original content for the game have thrilled players in both their scope and originality, helping give the platformer legs and replayability long after most have been abandoned to second-hand shops.
But what of the actual sharing itself? One trip through LBP's navigation system and you'll seen be bombarded with an almost overwhelming amount of options, and that's IF you know what you're looking for. Thankfully, the company has plans to help creators share their creations with fans and players in a more streamlined, easier fashion. Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans recently sat down with gaming website 1UP.com to discuss the company's plans to introduce a web-based level sharing portal, which would allow players to better advertise and share their original projects with fans and the public.
Keep reading for even more creative-based creation fun! Read More »
Already the recipient of Presidential iPods and box-set DVDs (non-PAL region), the world's most famous monarch can now claim her stake on yet another popular digital past-time- videogames. Specifically, a gold-plated Nintendo Wii, courtesy of publisher THQwhich hopes to lure Her Majesty and her own extended family into a few endless nights of waggle-induced fun.
Encased in gold and accompanied by a copy of the company's latest family-friend release, BIG Family Games, appropriately enough. So says THQ product manager Danielle Robinson of the royal present:
"But we thought that Her Majesty the Queen wouldn't want to play on any old console, so an extra-special gold one was commissioned. We hope that she and the rest of the Royal Family enjoy the game!"
The Queen can now claim to be the second-most popular world figure to house Nintendo's ubiquitous console, right after US President Barack Obama snatched one up for the White House soon after taking power. No word yet on whether the Queen and First Lady Michelle Obama will continue their burgeoning friendship via a few fast-paced games of Mario Kart Online, but we'll certainly keep you posted! Cheers!
Our apologizes for any confusion, but it appears that yesterday's open-voting for Ignition Entertainment's upcoming King of Fighters XII American art cover was strictly for the PlayStation 3 version. No problems, as we now have access to the equally democratic Xbox 360 version(s) to choose from, and following the trend we noticed with its Sony brother it seems Ignition is taking a very Capcom-ish approach to artistic design here.
The original Japanese cover (left) sports a rather disinterested looking Ash, with back-up help from other key franchise player. The newcomer (right) is more in line with what fans are used to, with a menacing Iori dominating the landscape, while others seem almost pasted in. Different strokes for different folks, and that's what makes voting so much fun!
If you're still intersted in seeing how the PlayStation 3 voting is coming along, check out the orginal post right HERE! Otherwise, head over to Ignition's official voting page and participate in the process of deciding the American box-art release for King of Fighters XII for yourselves by clicking right HERE!
Say what you will about the state of its bigger-retail brother's offerings, but things keep looking up for Nintendo's downloadable WiiWare service. From stunners like Lost Winds to the oily goodness of World of Goo, to strategy heaven in Swords and Soldiers, WiiWare is proving good things can come in small packages. Sure, there are also plenty of stinkers in the batch, but it certainly doesn't look like Press Play's upcoming Max and the Magic Marker is going to be one of them.
Imagine the creativity of the DS platformer Drawn to Life, but amplified and exploding on your television and you've got a good idea where Max is headed. Not only does it look like they've utilized the console's motion-controls (i.e. pointer) well, but the game looks visually gorgeous, easily one of the better titles for the downloadable service to date and filled with bright, colorful spurts of imagination.
No word yet when Press Play plans to live up to their names and actually let us play Max and the Magic Marker, but we'll keep you updated on one of WiiWare - nay, the Wii's - more promising looking titles. Until then, check out the official website for yourselves and see if you'll be 'drawn' into their world as well. Yeah, the game is worth a lame pun or two.Few developers carry the sort of cache that Team ICO can swagger with, what with crafting two of the PlayStation 2's most iconic and ground-breaking releases (Ico, Shadow of the Colossus). With that sort of cred under his belt, developer Fumita Ueda can afford to take all the time he needs to craft his next project, which seems to have leaked onto the internets over the weekend and straight into the 'Must Have' slots of nearly everyone who's seen it.
Dubbed 'Project Trico', the first glimpse of Team ICO's next project seems to take elements from past releases and blend them together, combining the companion-style gameplay of Ico with the monstrous (not to mention monsters) of Colossus. The results look epic, to say the least, but its a sure bet that we'll be seeing more of this mystery game over the summer. Until then, enjoy the first video before it disappears, courtey of those surprisingly prescient folk at PlayStationLifeStyle.net.
Ready for the next round? Ignition Entertainment, publisher of the impending King of Fighters XII fighter for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, apparently loves democracy so much they've decided on another go. While the publisher made inroads with the notoriously fickle SNK fanbase by allowing them to cast their online votes for which cover would grace the North American release of the game, apparently that wasn't enough.
On the left is a wholly original piece of KOF artwork, rendered in the latest style for SNK/Playmore's HD-powered fighter. Of course, fans will notice the strikingly similar style and positioning that recall Capcom's latest fighting masterpiece, but considering the aim to bring the franchise to the masses, they could have done worse. On the right is the last round of voting's winner, whose own fate will be determined by forum-dwellers and obsessed fans. Hades, indeed.
So which box will win the coveted spot? Or are we looking at the increasingly popular 'multi-box art' scenario to help collectors find even more joy in their lives? Check out the hot voting action and cast your votes on the official Ignition Forums right HERE!
Music games are all the rage, so why aren't there even MORE of them? Despite the logistical problems of having multiple Rock Band, Guitar Heroes, and the odd 'Miscellaneous' game on the shelves, it seems that few developers have really used the Nintendo Wii's natural advantage of having motion-sensing controllers - namely, drumming. Although the game Drum King has been floating around for some time, a recent re-branding and partnership with industry rag Rolling Stone magazine looks to set themselves apart.
While developer 505 Games is well-known for their younger fair, the company hopes the name-brand recognition from Rolling Stone will help attract more eyeballs on retail shelves in the increasingly overcrowded market. So says Adam Kline, president of 505 Games of the upcoming Rolling Stone: Drum King release:
"We're thrilled to be working with a music and entertainment pop culture icon to bring some of the greatest music in rock ‘n' roll history to this game. This partnership with Rolling Stone puts 505 Games at the forefront of the growing crossover between music and video games on one of the hottest gaming platforms available today."
Will they have what it takes to bring hardcore drumming to Nintendo's console? Keep reading for the full track-listing and see if your favorite band (or at least covered version) made the list.
Read More »
Sure, the Wii's library may be bursting with mini-game compilations, but there's really only one that gets the whole world moving. Of course I'm talking about Wii Sports, which depending on who you believe is either the best-selling game ever, or simply the most innovative release of this generation. Either way, look for many more trips into Nintendo's Wiimote-schooling athletic department when the sequel/upgrade hits the console this summer.
But while we've known for some time that Wii Sports Resort would feature an assortment of new activities (power cruising, swordplay, and even some hot disc dog throwing), it looks like two older games have snuck into the new game for your 1:1 motion-control enjoyment. Joining the fun will be a fuller-featured - and presumably more accurate - game of golf, and a visitor from the company's own Wii Play, table tennis (aka ping pong). Both versions look and should play substantially better than previous versions, although we'll have to wait until the final version to pass judgment.
Check out the rather stylish demonstration videos for yourself, and get ready to reserve some time at Wii Sports Resort (with WiiMotion Plus) when it hits retailers July 26th!
Rumors come and rumors go, but confirmations are (we hope!) forever! Although many thought the smashing crossover of Capcom's troupe of familiar faces with Japanese animation company Tatsunoko would never leave its home country thanks to nightmare-inducing legal issues, it seems the clouds have parted and angels have sung. Capcom has finally let the cat out of the bag and made the whole thing official, as Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes is making its way stateside for the Nintendo Wii!
Other than the confirmation, next to nothing is known about the localized version of the more traditional 2D (with 3D graphics) fighter. As mentioned above, the legal rights for the various Tatsunoko characters are in various publishers hands, so its not even a given that all of the (popular in Japan) characters will make the voyage over. Or if new characters will be added to the roster, or if much-needed online play will be added. The possibilities are endless, and given how well fellow fighter Street Fighter IV has faired, its anyone's guess. If I may, the Wii needs games like this.
But will the American version live up to its gravity-defying, seizure-inducing Japanese original? Check out the official Popzara Impression for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes for yourselves and see if you've got what it takes!
Putting an end to those nagging 'mystery patents' that flooded the hearts and minds of Square-Enix conspiratists a few weeks back, the company has lifted the lid off their develop pot and finally revealed the big mystery - Dragon Quest Wars is coming, and its for the Nintendo DSiWare Shop. But even more surprising is that the game won't be a full-featured RPG as others in the franchise, but rather a two-player board game.
While franchise off-shoots are nothing new for the series (Slime, anyone?), look for some familiar Akira Toriyama-based character designs to help compliment the WiFi online multiplayer action. But most surprising is the genesis of the actual game's development, which is handled by Intelligent Systems, a wholly Nintendo-owned studio and the ones responsible for the Fire Emblem franchise. Whether this guarantees that Dragon Quest Wars will be a Nintendo DSi-exclusive remains to be seen, but likely when the game hits the platform this June for 500 Nintendo Points.
Thanks to 4Gamer.net...because we like to give credit!
With Capcom ramping up their support for the PC platform (or more specifically, Games for Windows), it shouldn't come as any surprise that gamers would be curious if their current rigs can handle the expected deluge of zombies, commandos, and of course hadokens. On that last part the company was nice enough to release the requisite Minimum/Maximum specs that are suggested to run the game, which in the case of the PC version of Street Fighter IV will make all the difference. Know this.
Minimum PC Specs:
OS: Windows XP
CPU: Intel Pentium4 2.0GHz or higher
RAM: 1GB or higher
HDD: 10GB of free space or moreVideo Card: DirectX 9.0c/Shader3.0 or higher compatible, NVIDIA GeForce6600 series, ATI Radeon(TM) X1600 or higher or higher, VRAM ：256MB or higher
Sound: DirectSound compatible, DirectX 9.0c (or higher) compatible
Input Devices: Mouse, Keyboard
Maximum PC Specs:
OS: Windows Vista
CPU: Intel Core2Duo 2.0GHz or higher
RAM: 2GB or higher
HDD: 10GB of free space or moreVideo Card: DirectX 9.0c/Shader3.0 or higher compatible, NVIDIA GeForce8600 series or higher, ATI Radeon(TM) X 1900 or higher, VRAM ：512MB or higher
Sound: DirectSound compatible, DirectX 9.0c (or higher) compatible
Input Devices: Gamepad (Xbox360 Controller for Windows)
Naturally those interested in having any chance to compete online will probably want to invest in the right equipment, as even the idea of CPU-caused slowdown would be unthinkable to a dedicated World Warrior. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game were never in doubt, as their streamlined hardware never made compatibility a concern. This is somewhat ironic, as the game was originally produced for the Taito Type X2, which itself is based on Windows/PC architecture.
Capcom has previously announced the game will be available in both retail and download formats, with the stand-alone game going for $39, or bundled with the excellent MadCatz FightPad for $59. It should be known that the PC version is compatible with both the Xbox 360 controller (via wireless adapter) and the standard corded MadCatz FightPad. Street Fighter IV for the PC ships July 7th!
Not so much an announcement, but really a confirmation, Activision has finally revealed the long-rumored Tony Hawk skateboard peripheral that will be shipping with the next installment in the franchise, Tony Hawk: Ride. Not much is known besides this hoverboard-looking peripheral, except it will ship either alongside or bundled with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii versions of the game.
The official website hints at a big (and we can expect substantial) reveal at E3, but until then you can submit your personal information for the latest updates. With Nintendo selling millions (almost tens of millions) of their own Wii Fit + Balance Board and EA looking to also bite into the action, the race for plastic board peripherals is heating up in the strangest way possible.
Nathan Drake fans, better start the drooling now, as a brand-new and beautiful trailer for the upcoming Uncharted 2: Among Thieves sequel has hit online and is indeed striking. Watch Nathan strike baddies, a few faces, and of course the requisite one-liners in a single-player mode that looks substantially improved from his first adventure. The trailer isn't entirely new, as its the same footage that was first aired during the GDC earlier this year, only now its cleaner, smoother, and irresistibly better suited for all your slow-motion, frame-by-frame obsessiveness.
The original Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was - and remains - one of the PlayStation 3's very best titles. Can the sequel equal, and perhaps top it? Find out when the game hits retail later this year!
Various gaming and tech blogs have already begun to post what may be the first look at the long-rumored, but highly plausible slimmed-down PlayStation 3 console. Dubbed the 'PS3', the newer console would take design lessons from its predecessor, reducing the original's extremely large body into a highly compact, less expensive unit. It may seem like a lifetime ago, but it was only in the year 2000 that Sony introduced its smaller, slimmer PSOne variant of the original PlayStation game machine, five years afer the original machine. The Slimline PlayStation 2 was released similarly in 2004, making it four years after the original console launched.
While Sony has made declarations in the past that such a redesign/price reduction isn't in the cards, recent financial releases have confirmed their third PlayStation console continues to underperform and miss projections. Decreased manufacturing costs and other price reductions may have a slimmed down, less expensive PlayStation 3 (or in this case, PS3) in the future, and whether these 'leaked' images give us the first look at such a machine remains to be seen. But Sony could use such a boost, and coupled with an increasingly attractive software line-up could give them the edge that has so far eluded them this generation.
Rather than reduce our bandwidth to a coffee stirrer, take a look at the other blurry photos for yourselves at the source. Are we in for a mega-reveal at the 2009 E3 show, the likes of which we haven't seen in years?
Who says print media is dead? The latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu sports a two-page advertisement that appears to confirm the wild speculation that's gripped a portion of the online gaming community for some time - just when will the next Kojima Studios project be announced?
Soon, at least that's what the mysterious and foreboding image seems to imply. A desolate backdrop and sporting the date 2009.5.18, which is mere days away from reality. So while the wait is on, it won't be long. And thus begins the wild speculation, as fans will no doubt conjecture if a new Metal Gear is on the way, or perhaps its time for a Snatcher resurrection. Rumors have pegged a new Zone of Enders for a new generation of spaced-out fighters.
Look for any news of any new Kojima projects as they come in! Or head over to our friends at 1UP.com for some super-sluethy investigation of the images in incredibly obsessive detail!
With the WiiWare service celebrating its first year in business, Konami is celebrating a brand-new exclusive entry in the Contra series - at least in Japan. Contra: ReBirth hits Nintendo's download center today, and it didn't take long for some spicy footage to hit online.
The first look at the game seems to confirm its Super Nintendo roots, from graphics to gameplay, to those amazing sound effects and soundtrack. What Mega Man 9 began in this retro-modded world looks to continue in ReBirth, which should make the many Contra fans out there very, very happy. Now how's about that North American release, please?
Keep reading for even more insane Contra action clips!
Read More »
If the original Red Steel helped teach (however awkwardly) users to waggle, the sequel is going one step further and making full 1:1 motion required. Red Steel 2 will require Nintendo's WiiMotion Plus attachment, due this summer and retailing for $19 seperately.
Says Jason Vandenberghe, creative director of Red Steel 2 in the latest issue of Nintendo Power:
"It's a huge risk. We have no idea what the penetration rate for Wii MotionPlus will be. We assume high. We would like it to be high. I would love to say to you that it'll be compatible with just a regular controller, but the gameplay simply isn't there without MotionPlus. That core experience just isn't there without it."
Huge risk indeed, or potential third-party blockbuster that could help Nintendo's new attachment penetrate the 50 million-plus world of waggle remotes. Although its easy to see a good portion of Wii owners picking up Wii Sports Resort and thereby obtaining a WiiMotion Plus attachment, those gamers looking to avoid a second mini-game adventure will have to pony up an addition $19 just to correct the original Wiimote's deficiencies. This would effectively make the 'full' Red Steel 2 experience a whopping $69, a risky proposal indeed.
Will original Wii owners adopt true 1:1 control this Summer and beyond, and help make further titles like Red Steel 2 and others offer a richer, fuller experience?
Thanks to NintendoPad!
And the Resident Evil franchise keeps moving on, this time right onto Apple's increasingly popular iPhone/iPod Touch portable players and is based on the recent straight-to-home animated film, Degeneration. The latest adventure for Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield has the star-crossed duo returning to the Harvardville Airport to rescue civilians, solve puzzles, and splat more than a few undead zombies.
The gameplay seems more inspired by Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles than Resident Evil 5, as the game uses a fully 3D engine to immerse players in this 3rd-person survival horror shooter for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Laser-targeting from past games returns to help make difficult shots easier, while players can shake and tilt the system for melee attacks and reloading on the fly.
Originally released last year for the N-Gage service, the iPhone/Touch version of the Resident Evil: Degeneration weighs in at 9.5 megs and is available now for $6.99 at the iTunes store. Visit the official website right HERE, and keep reading for a ghoulish gallery of screenshots!
Read More »Goodness, how I love a good bad movie. No pretensions, no worrying about quality...just good, plain silliness and absurdity taken to new heights/lows. Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus is definitely such a film, and I'm not sure if actually watching the whole thing after the trailer is necessarily. Someone (Ace Hannah) thought this up and directed it, someone (Deborah Gibson, Lorenzo Lamas) starred in in, and you haven't lived until you've seen a great white shark jump from the sea and attack a 747 airliner...in the sky! It's madness!
It may sound Japanese, but its surprisingly not, and you can bet this one is direct-to-dvd, but that's not really much of a surprise considering it's being released by The Asylum (of COUNTDOWN: JERUSALEM and TRANSMORPHERS: FALL OF MAN fame). Just watch the trailer, decide for yourselves, and revel in the fact that at least these people have jobs.
Although many have tried, the videogame world has yet to produce one truly BLOCKBUSTER film adaptation. But with the upcoming Prince of Persia feature film, that trend may be over and we may be seeing our first real look at the film that does it. Snippets of the 2010 summer spectacular have hit online, showcasing star Jake Gyllenhaal in seriously buffed-up mode and plenty of swordplay. How faithful the final film will be to the game is unknown, but this shouldn't worry purists much as the series itself has undergone many iterations and revivals over the years.
Directed by Mike Newell (The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time looks like its going to break the streak and may finally open hearts and minds to the possibilities of good game-to-film translations. But we'll have to wait until the film storms theaters May 28th, 2010!
Before the conversation veers from "Wow, Disney 2D animation is making a comeback!" and into the muddier waters of "Why has it taken Disney THIS long to get a black princess...?", let me just say I'm in favor of the former, but respect the latter. Since taking over key roles in the company, it looks like John Lasseter's promise to restore hand-drawn artwork and animation to Disney's repertoire is taking root! The trailer for The Princess and the Frog puts strong emphasis on the connection to classic, post-1989 and pre-1995 works (i.e. Little Mermaid to Lion King) to drive the point home that the Mouse House is rocking again, which is fine by me.
Look for the full trailer to air before Pixar's UP, and The Princess and the Frog hits theaters December 11th!
It may be short, but is it ever sweet. In less than 17 seconds, we get our first look at in-game footage from Modern Warfare 2, destined to be one of this year's biggest (and most deserved) sequels. Look for arctic landscapes, underwater battles, and...snowmobile action? By now any number of blogs and websites have posted the micro-clip (its not exclusive), and we'll go with Joystiq for linking purposes.
But if its real Modern Warfare 2 action you're looking for, mark your calenders for May 24th, as that's when Activision is promising a 'World Premier' worthy of the franchise. Until then, bask in 17 seconds of gaming goodness and dream of November shipping dates...
Before you even ask - yes, it's real. Nintendo's strange hybrid of documentary/commercial hits online with all the force of a ten-pound kitty-cat, but its also busting guts like a certain King Hippo. Gone are the days of two impossibly polite, bowing Japanese guys and here comes the funny - its the mockumentary 'comeback' film for the very real comeback of (what else?) Punch-Out!! for the Nintendo Wii
Watch a real-life Little Mac (looking nothing like his digital counterpart) straining and training alongside candy-eating Doc Louis (looking absolutely like his digital counterpart) and busting short-wearing dummies and more. Its outrageous fun, and makes a fan long for a fuller, more complete version.
It may be somewhat farcical, but its also the funniest thing I've seen all weekend. The only question is whether the actual game can live up to its own legacy, which I guess we'll find out when Punch-Out!! hits retailers May 18th!
If there's one thing that Nintendo's increasingly popular download WiiWare service has made possible, its quick 'n easy remakes of classic games. Just ask developer Hudson, who has seen their star rise as they've resurrected one classic franchise after the other for the Wii's Nintendo Point gobbling service.
Fellow Japanese developer Konami seems onboard, and what better game to remake/reimagine than the classic side-scrolling action-fest Contra? Apparently someone thought so, as Contra: Rebirth has just been announced on the company's Japanese website, less than two years after the incredibly Contra 4 for the DS. Not much is known, although according to the site the game will sport two-player action an, despite sporting some very Super Nintendo-plus quality visuals, should play similar to the NES classic. SOLD.
More information about Contra: Rebirth as it becomes available. The game hits Japanese WiiWare consoles May 12th, with a US release sure to follow afterwards. Now the only question that remains...will it include the Konami Code?
5 million copies into the battle, it doesn't look like Gears of War 2 is stopping the fight anytime soon. Following its Xbox brother Halo 3's footsteps in the Map Pack route, Epic's extremely popular chainsaw-loving action game is set to receive a very special compilation that should seem familiar to blushing brides the world over. "Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection" is a little old, a little new, something borrowed, and definitely blue...as every add-on for the game gets packaged in with all-new content "Dark Corners", which is filled with new multiplayer maps, modes, and even a deleted campaign from the original sequel.
Our favorite egomaniacial developer, Cliff Bleszinski, will be onhand (via the game) to introduce the new campaign "Road to Ruin", and users who pick up the retail version will be treated to a new Xbox Live theme, collectible poster, and strategy guide. The bonus content will also be available via download, so whatever your options are, its time to bring the fight back to the front worldwide on July 28th. Check out the official description just below:
Read More »Ubisoft's Red Steel was - they tell us - the most successful third-party launch title for Nintendo's Wii. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most forgettable, as the unresponsive control and lackluster visuals were soon abandoned in favor of other waggle-games. But it did sell very well, more than enough to justify a sequel and, we hope, improvements all around. Last week Red Steel 2 was made official, promising all sorts of good things, drastic changes, and even cowboy action.
The first leaked trailer seems to confirm this is happening, as the game sports an entirely new look and (from what we can tell) feel, and the cowboy motif is played up to 11. The rest of the trailer is exactly like the first game, with the smug human having too much fun controlling his digital doppelganger. Could be fun, and we're not going to take this opportunity to completely insult the Wii console or how they'll never look as great as our egos would like (we'll leave that to others). We play games, not agendas. Enjoy the trailer and let's hope the new game improves on the original!
The past few months have helped introduce another 'truism' to the internet. Any and all news for Nintendo's upcoming Punch-Out!! remake/sequel brings great success and rabid interest, and its with this in mind that we're happy to help spread the word that two familiar faces from the franchise's past are making appearances in the new game. The original bad-boy from India Great Tiger (and we presume his devasting Piston Hurricane) joins "T.K.O from Tokyo" Piston Honda in the sure-fire hit due for the Nintendo Wii later this month.
What's left to say? Word is trickling in that even more character goodness is due for the final release, so keep those eyeballs peeled and waggle-arms lubed and ready, because Punch-Out!! is nearly here!
Go, go, GoNintendo!
For some, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will never die. Despite lackluster reaction to 2007's all-CG theatrical revamp, plans are underway to bring an entirely new (and live-action) origin story of the four mutated shell brothers back...in live-action form. Seems as though that's not all the turtle action on the horizon, as an entirely new 3D remake of the most famous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game. Konami's Turtles in Time is on the way!
Details are scarce, but look for the 3D remake to appear on Xbox Live Arcade and (possibly) WiiWare, with minor aesthetic changes and with any hope, the original gameplay left intact. This could be fun, just so long the original game's wild arcade-spirit is left intact. Word has the game just about finished, so its possible a 2009 release is in the works. Awesome!
Want to see more polygonal turtle action? Thrash your way over to Ninja Pizza for even more bodacious images!