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Says the publisher on the removal (and possible resurrection):
"Basically, we want the spotlight on Rolando 2 when it hits the App Store. We're not discontinuing support for Rolando, we're just discontinuing sales. And Rolando may return to the App Store in the future, but if and when it does we'll want to include Plus+ support for it."
As the original Rolando is the property of Ngmoco, they are free to distribute - or not distribute - the title as they see fit. However, those pining for a wholly digital-distribution model in the future may want to step back and consider what is lost when control gives way to commerce. While the discontinuing of select titles in any medium for commerical purposes is nothing new (Walt Disney's Vault, anyone?), the hasty removal of popular titles in the digital realm seems like a stumble in the first steps of a new distribution model.
UPDATE:
The nation spoke, and Ngmoco listened. Not only will the original Rolando remain put, but the company is also re-listing their original Topple game as well. The reason for the second-take? As we hinted above, its a new system that's still learning. Here's the company's spin:
Thanks to touchArcade and Ngmoco!"We did not intend to deprive you of the ability to re-download or update our games. The App Store is an entirely new animal, and we're always learning what it takes to deliver what you want. So we've learned. That's why we have decided not to remove Rolando from the App Store, and it is why Topple will return."
The Uncharted franchise, which gains a sequel later this year, is considered by many to be one of - if not the - defining franchises for Sony's third-generation PlayStation console. Not content to let their 'fortunes' sit in the world of interactive entertainment, it looks as if the continuing adventures of Nathan Drake will continue on the big-screen thanks to Columbia Pictures.
Screenwriter Kyle Ward should be familiar with bringing game stories to the big-screen, as he's already penned the upcoming Kane & Lynch adaptation starring Bruce Willis. Early word has the Uncharted film's plot closely mirroring that of the original game, in which the descendent of famed explorer Sir Francis Drake (Nathan Drake) searching for the lost city of El Dorado. Action and hilarity ensue, as the game was heralded by some as the digital successor to Indiana Jones.
Fans will probably agree that Uncharted seems well suited for the silver screen, as the original adventure was quite the interactive cinematic achievement. Although no information was given on director, stars, or even release date, we're certain that more details will be forthcoming soon. Let's just hope that Uncharted: Drake's Fortune The Movie happens, as so many game-to-film translations never make it past the title screen.
Thanks to the Hollywood Reporter!
One of the funniest, most riduclous adventures in the history of first-person shooters is getting a new lease on life thanks to Majesco and franchise creators Croteam. That's right, fans, Serious Sam is headed back to gaming consoles in full high-definition with (what else?) Serious Sam HD for Xbox Live Arcade. Because nothing I could ever say would be as gauntlet-tossing or as gloriously boisterous, here's the official spin from Majesco:
"Serious Sam HD is not your mother's generic, large-scale, orchestral scored, Space Marine-themed epic FPS with dialog that pretends it's an RPG...instead, Serious Sam HD is a grab you by the jibblies run and gun, twitch FPS: BIG guns, TONS of enemies, 4-Player Online Co-Op and stunningly superfluous HD graphics that rival retail boxed games. You've waited forever but Serious Sam is back from the nether with its award-winning game play that will remind you why you play FPSs in the first place."
Although many have brushed off the Serious Sam franchise as mere Duke Nukem knock-off, those who ever spent time in this wacky world of improbable monsters and crazy antics can attest this is...well, its mostly true. Still, with 3D Realms franchise on indefinite hiatus, it looks like we'll still have more Sam to keep our funny bones tickeld and trigger-finger itching. No release date yet, but expect Serious Sam HD sometime this summer.
Rumors (mostly fueled from several reports out of gaming site 1UP.com) have grown since Microsoft showed the stunning Natal demonstration during their 2009 E3 show about how the company intends to launch the thing, and when. With the most interesting rumor swirling about that Microsoft was bent on unleashing not just a peripheral add-on, but a new Xbox console highly probable, it didn't take long for the company's most interesting personality to confirm the news.
TG Daily is reporting the news of the new Xbox console, slated to hit retail shelves in 2010, has been confirmed by the higest-of-highs, CEO Steve Ballmer during a speech on innovation at the Executives Club in Chicago. Although not much is known, look for the next console sometime before the 2010 holiday shopping season, with the juiciest quote from the presser being the console "really, really, close" to an actuality.
Descriptions of the new machine sound as if the Natal technology will be integrated within the current Xbox archetecture, leaving the company open to selling a separate (i.e. sensor-bar related) pack to let the 30 million current Xbox 360 owners in on the motion-sensing, interactive fun. Others have pegged the new system might ship with 'slight' technical bump, which would improve graphics for new users, but not limit the experience of original Xbox 360 users.
The possibilities are endless, and no doubt there will be many more before the final thing is released next year. Let's just hope the industry isn't headed back to the dark day of multi-format add-ons, upgrades, and fragmented userbases. Another Sega CD/32X situation, we don't need! Look for months of speculation to come.
More on this (un)startling development as it becomes available! Thanks to TG Daily for the heavy lifting.
The past month has seen not one, but two interesting products hit Nintendo's Wii console, both with a telling look into how companies might deal with motion-control in the future. Nintendo of course led the charge with their 1:1 motion-sending add-on, the Wii MotionPlus adapter, while third-party supplier Nyko released their anticipated Wii Wand. Only it turns out the two aren't playing nice together, as Nintendo failed to provide full access to Nyko's design team so that MotionPlus adapters would function properly with the less expensive WiiMote replacement.
We reached out to Nyko and this is what they had to say:
"In our ongoing effort to be first to market with new technology, our release of Wand was prior to the launch of Wii Motion Plus and thus, we were unable to confirm compatibility. These types of compatibility problems are unfortunate but fairly common as new technology emerges. After extensive testing we discovered there is a minor issue with initial units of the Wand that affects compatibility with Wii Motion Plus. The issue is being addressed and all future shipments of Wand will be fully compatible with Wii Motion Plus. Nyko is instituting a firmware update program, at no cost to the consumer, for any user encountering the issue. A press release announcing the program and its details will be distributed soon."
Although it wouldn't be fair to fully review the Wii Wand controller until its working 100% (particularly with Wii Sports Resort just around the corner), we can say that our initial tests with non-MotionPlus gaming works just fine, and is just as comfortable and precise as you'd expect from the company that released the wonderful KAMA Nunchuk some time ago. Let's hope next time a substantial hardware change happens, Nintendo is a little more prompt in getting compatibility specs to third-party developers, especially those who have been there since day one.
With the 2009 E3 Show fast becoming last year's news, those of us less interested in the spectacle of the event and more with substance have begun to chime in. And by that we mean the actual games themselves!
Industry tracking firm Nielsen has the goods on just what tiles, post-show, are gathering the most attention. Using a system they claim "shows total positive purchase interest (definitely or probably interested in buying the title) for games that garnered at least 30 percent on this metric and will be released at least a month from now," the company estimatates consumer interest on which titles are gathering the most consumer (i.e. intent to buy) interest at the moment.
No big surprises as the top three are almost evenly split amongst the top three console makers, with Halo ODST (Xbox 360), God of War 3 (PlayStation 3), and Wii Sports Resort (Wii) taking the top three spots. The full list is just below, although Nielsen speculates the order will continue to change as release dates draw near. But for now, here's what's topping the interest charts:
Halo ODST - 53%
God of War III - 49%
Wii Sports Resort - 45%
Guitar Hero 5 - 42%
Final Fantasy XIII - 37%
Madden 10 - 35%
Guitar Hero: Van Halen - 34%
Assassins Creed 2 - 32%
Need for Speed: Shift - 32%
Need for Speed: Nitro - 32%
NCAA Football 10 - 32%
The Beatles Rock Band - 30%
We knew it was coming, but it looks as though it came a little sooner than we anticipated. When Microsoft decided to end their 'Xbox Originals' program, the plan was to make way for newer, more profitable Xbox 360 titles in the company's Marketplace environment. To help ease this transition, the company has updated their Xbox Marketplace website and added - you guessed it - links to full Xbox 360 Games downloads. Sort of.
As you can see by the included image (save and view for bigger resolutions), there is an option on the left menu for 'Full Game Downloads'...yet, clicking on it produces a blank menu. But its still there, which we can only assume means that a fuller, more fleshed-out service isn't far behind.
If you've got a Silverlight-packing web browser, head over to the official Xbox Marketplace site for yourselves and see if there's been any change. If this is just the beginning, then its safe to say the Xbox is dead, long live the Xbox!
iPhone andiPod Touch users rejoice, as your next software update is finally available for download. Just released, the 3.0 software update hopes to address several complaints and issues that users have been asking for, including several key elements that should help Apple strengthen their growing influence in the gaming industry.
Just how the latest update from Apple will affect your mobile experience depends on what platform you carry. The highlight, of course, is the new iPhone 3GS, which boasts a suite of new features, enhancements, and technical improvements that should make early adopters of last year's best-selling iPhone 3G more than a little jealous. On-the-go video recording/editing, better visuals, voice control, better digital camera, faster applications, and more.
As for the 3.0 software update itself, look for several key updates that users have been asking for, including (finally) cut, copy, and paste, landscape keyboard, immediate media purchases, and more if you're using the iPhone itself. iPod Touch users get most of the new goodies, although they'll have to pony up $9.99 for the privilege. iPhone users can update to the 3.0 software for free.
But a key - if underhyped- addition to the platform is intended to help give game developers better control over their creations. Included with the update is the ability to allow peer-to-peer (online multiplayer), downloadable content (DLC), and perhaps most interesting, the ability to add gaming accessories via the unit's connector and even Bluetooth. Would it be appropriate to ask for a real controller now?
Update 3.0 also adds the ability to view and rate games directly from the platform, including Don't Allow Apps, 4+, 9+, 12+, 17+ and Allow All Apps. This internal rating system is not affiliated with the popular ESRB rating platform, which many have suggested Apple might adopt for their growing game line-up. Also exclusive to game content is the ability to disable in-game purchases (DLC).
For more information or to update your platform now, log into iTunes directly, or head over to Apple's website.
If there was ever a game when a playable demo would almost seem superfluous, EA Sport's Madden would be it. But that's not stopping the annually popular football franchise, as the company has partnered with retail giant Gamestop to bring pre-ordering fans a special 20-minute demo from the upcoming Madden 10,featuring this year's Superbowl players Cardinals and the Steelers, exclusively for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms:
"Customers will receive a code at the time of reservation to relive the incredible final game of the 2008 NFL season. Codes will be in-stores by July 15 and the demo is slated to go live by the end of July on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Customers can reserve their copy in-stores or online. For more information or to find a store near you, log on to www.gamestop.com."
But what about those anxious pigskin fans itching to get their pre-release Madden on? According to gaming blog Kotaku (after unfairly chastising the company) has clarified with EA that non-Gamestop customers will be able to pick up a similar - at only 8 minutes- demo between the Giants and the Cowboys.
Madden 10 slams into Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, and Wii consoles August 14th!
As the videogame industry continues to adjust to a economic market that has left many questioning just how bulletproof the industry is, a number of key movers and shakers have found gold in one of the fastest-growing - and most profitable - markets out there, namely Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch development.
A sure sign of this current shift would be that of Simon Jeffery, president of Sega of America, who not only sees potential in this growing mobile space, he's betting his career. Jeffery will be leaving the company he has helped steer since 2004 and will soon lead the new publishing arm of growing iPhone/iPod Touch developer Ngmoco :) (Rolando, Star Defense).
With NGmoco, one of the largest and most influential publishers of iPhone/iPod Touch games, Jeffery sees an opportunity to take advantage of what he feels is a substantial shift in how developers view the development and publishing of 'blockbuster' releases:
"People have stopped talking about the $25 million games, and we're talking about the $25,000 games...That shift in gaming has happened remarkably quickly, and I really want to be part of that."
A key element to this strategy will be building and maintaining relationships with other mobile developers, forging alliances that best utilize this shared development space and helping maximize development - and profit - potential from this new digital ecosystem. Also among Jeffery's ambitious plans with Ngmoco is helping build the company's upcoming Plus Network, a social player network similar to Microsoft's Xbox Live service, only dedicated to the mobile gaming space.
Jeffery brings to Ngmoco well over twenty years of experience within the industry, which including his presidential duties at Sega of America also include stints at Lucasarts and Electronic Arts.
Thanks to Gamasutra!
Over the weekend the world's fastest-growing social-networking group opened their doors to what's been called the 20th Century's own gold rush, namely vanity URLS. As we love to jump on bandwagons, it looks like the Popzara Crew is jumping on the Facebook revolution hard and fast, and is ready to add all willing subscribers (no spammers, please) for the latest news, updates, and irrational behavior you've come to expect.
What's not to love? Point your device-of-choice over to facebook.com/popzara and join the fun!
Although it may seem somewhat superfluous to continue reporting the sales milestones of the Nintendo Wii, the recently-released NPD sales estimates for the month of May 2009 have revealed one number worth noting: 20 million.
With over 289,500 units sold for the month, the Nintendo Wii has now topped over 20 million units sold in North America, making it the fastest-selling console in the region to reach that number and doing it in just 31 months at retail. This compares to rivals Xbox 360 (15.2 million) and PlayStation 3 (7.7 million), respectively sold in the region.
With over 50 million units sold worldwide, Nintendo's home console has clearly assumed this generation's sales leadership position in the home console market. Of course, the company still has aways to go before besting the overall champ, its own Nintendo DS platform, which has topped 104 million units sold worldwide since first launched in 2004.
Yesterday came word that id Software would be hitting Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch platform, big time, with the launch of Doom Resurrection. Aimed at disproving critics view that Apple's portables couldn't supply the real-deal wrong, co-founded John Carmack talks up the platform like a kid in love. The first trailer from the upcoming game has finally hit online...what do you think?
Crazy-cool, or just plain crazy? We'll have to wait until next week to find out for certain, but there's no doubt that a new entry in the Doom franchise is reason enough to get excited. Enjoy your stay in Hell!
It's been a big week for Apple and their iPhone/iPod Touch platform, with new hardware on the way and renewed interest from a host of developers looking to take full advantage of the platform's inherent strengths. Part of that mission is to help developers (and fans) realize there's more to the platform than simple Apps and mini-games, and holds the potential to deliver compelling, graphically-rich experiences.
Who better to help legitimize the hardware than legendary developer John Carmack? A long supporter of mobile platforms, id Software's co-founder is bullish on Apple's increasingly popular hardware:
"I love the iPhone...It's a real game platform, not a tiny little toy."
Doom Resurrection is the game Carmack and his team have to offer, and will debut next week on iTunes. Not to be confused with the upcoming 'Classic' versions of the pioneering first-person shooter, Resurrection is an entirely new chapter in id Software's popular franchise, built from the ground up for Apple's portable platform and using much of the last installment's (Doom 3) artwork and textures, albeit scaled down to fit the hardware.
Doom Resurrection for the iPhone/iPod Touch will have eight fully playable levels, roughly equaling five hours of gameplay. The game is reported to run at 30 frame per second on the iPod Touch, and at least half that on the first-generation iPhone hardware. Carmack hopes to unlock new features that take advantage of the upcoming 3.0 software upgrade, which includes peer-to-peer cooperative multiplayer and (possibly) improved visuals.
Doom Resurrection hits iTunes next week. Details and pricing sure to follow soon! Thanks to Venture Beat!
With the dust of the 2009 E3 Show settled and the industry getting back to work, one thing has become abundantly clear - motion controls are here to stay. Three years after Nintendo wowed audiences with their (in)famous demonstration and long waiting lines for their best-selling Wii console, company president Satoru Iwata isn't surprised rivals Microsoft and Sony are getting into the game, just their choice of technology.
Nintendo rejected camera-based motion technology before settling on the now-familiar motion-sensing technology instead, which combines traditional input methods with wireless IR and acceleromote-based tracking in physical form. Iwata doesn't regret his company's choice in controller tech, claiming Nintendo had originally experimented with the same camera-based technology, but rejected it in favor of their current platform:
"Until they say when they're releasing it, how much it costs and what software it comes with, we won't know whether that is the route we should have taken. However . . . I think they couldn't choose to release exactly the same thing,"
Of course, price may also be an issue for Nintendo's adherence to what is probably the most cost-effective solution in bringing motion-control to the masses. Since launch, the company has sold more than 50 million Wii units to consumers, while Microsoft's Xbox 360 (released a year earlier) and Sony's PlayStation 3 (released roughly the same time) have sold just 30 and 23 million units, respectively. A great factor in this success initially has been the console's lower pricetag, which unlike its rivals has remained fast at its original $249 retail price.
Despite impressing crowds with their versions of the camera-tracking motion technology, neither Microsoft or Sony commented on just when their versions would be available to the consumer or at what price-point. Nintendo is readying the realease of their second-generation motion technology, the WiiMotion Plus adapter, which improves the original design's tracking and accuracy. Iwata suggests the boon in motion-sensing interest validates his company's innovation in crafting a new industry standard:
"Companies whose people said that motion-sensing wouldn't work are now proposing motion sensors," he said. "To tell the truth, I expected them to come up with stuff like this last year. So in my mind they're later than expected."
He pauses, then opens his arms outstretched, with a huge grin on his face, adding "I'd like to say to them, ‘Welcome to the motion-control world!'
Thanks to The Financial Times and Times Online!
Apple's recent unveiling of their next-generation iPhone platform has many in the industry buzzing, particularly gamers. Faster-processing, in-game DLC, and most importantly OpenGL 2.0 support that promises to offer gamers better graphics and smoother frame-rates. But one of the platforms most staunch supporters thinks the changes go further than just better shading and pixels, as head of development house Fishlabs's Michael Schade is beyond optimistic:
"The OpenGL 2.0 support will push the iPhone beyond [Sony's] PSP,"
A bold, if random statement from one of the iPhone/iPod Touch's most interesting developers, known for their graphically impressive 3D results on Apple's growing mobile platform. While Schade acknowledges that most Apps may not benefit from the additional features from the new technology, he does comment on the potential shift from Apple's universal mobile platform into something PC gamers should be more than familiar with:
"It creates some fragmentation but we can still support all devices with just one SKU that detects automatically what device it's running on, and switches to the best graphics automatically."
One of the most attractive features of writing App software/gaming for the iPhone/iPod Touch platform is the relative compatibility across the various hardware versions. Apple's 3GS represents the biggest shift from that universality to date, and it will be interesting to see how developers can harness the increased power of the new hardware - without alienating the millions of current users.
Thanks to PocketGamer!
As Apple continues their ambitious gamer-outreach program in the portable sector, it looks like their - no pun intended - core user is about to get a big boost from one of the largest digital-delivery networks, GamersGate. The company has announced that Mac-compatible games are now available for download, and they couldn't be happier.
Says Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate:
"For years, digitally delivering games to Mac users has often been overlooked by the gaming industry...With the increase in the popularity of gaming among Apple users, we've been getting requests worldwide for our library of accessible, client-free titles on Mac computers. Our mission is to offer a convenient solution for all gamers and offering Mac titles is another step in that direction."
The company is starting off with a bang, with launch titles including the award-winning World of Goo, the Hearts of Iron series, the Europa Universalis series, Flatout 2, and others. The Mac-oriented games join one of the industry's largest digital-delivery networks of over 1,100 titles from publishers such as EA, THQ, Ubisoft, and more.
Interested in filling your fruit machines with more than just editing software? Point your PC/Apple computers over to www.GamersGate.com and see if they've got what you need!
They say its the player who controls them, but judging from initial sales of EA Play's latest installment of the best-selling SIMS franchise, its them who controls us. The Sims 3 has sold an astounding 1.4 million copies for the PC/Mac platform in its first week of availability and a boon for the home computer gaming market, and EA's best-selling PC game launch in history.
Says Rod Humble, Head of the EA Play Label:
"With more than a dozen press awards, strong reviewer scores and positive feedback from The Sims community, we are thrilled with the success of The Sims 3 launch and the early sales indicate that we have another hit on our hands...The volume of items created with The Sims 3 and downloaded online is a testament to how passionate The Sims players are. It's their world now, we can't wait to see everything players create and share."
But the Sim-tacular success doesn't end at home, as the mobile version for the Apple iPhone/iPod Touch platform also sold like gangbusters. Selling for $9.99, the portable version sailed to the top of Apple's Paid Apps position in over 37 countries worldwide within two days of launch, the third game in EA's catalog to reach the position.
EA also mentioned that over 7 million downloads of player created content have been moving across the digital divide, including the Sims themselves, houses, and even stories. Developed by Will Wright, the franchise has moved over 100 million units since launching in 2000, making it one of the best-selling franchises in videogame history. With numbers like these, it doesn't seem likely that's about to change anytime soon.
From Hot Coffee to Guantamo Bay, controversy seems to follow the videogame world like bees to honey. But as developers seem increasingly want of new, fresh ideas they seem content to bottom-trawl any and all source for inspiration, and when said source involves religion, you can bet the sparks will fly. Or maybe they won't.
One of the less-reported stories of the 2009 E3 show was the apparent protest of EA's upcoming game based (loosely) on Dante's epic The Divine Comedy, i.e. Inferno. Judging from early screenshots and video clips the game appeared to have more in common with your standard God of War-rip than anything resembling classic literature, but it seems the parent company wasn't leaving anything to chance. Barring any real controversy, the company took to something much easier; they created it.
The Associated Press is now reporting that the 20+ person protest against EA's Dante's Inferno was indeed staged, built to incite religious ferver that bastardizing the original source material might have otherwise missed under normal circumstances. Holding signs intended to portray the apparently Christian protesters as zealots, brandishing slogans such as "Hell is not a Video Game" and "Trade in Your PlayStation for a PrayStation," the event was meant to drum up support and (we imagine) free publicity by simultaneously exploiting people's relgious beliefs and the press's apparent desire to exploit them.
While viral marketing has become somewhat common-place in this age of non-sourced media and the traditionally lax scrutiny of the blogosphere, to blatantly misrepresent any particular group as stereotype - i.e. relgious fanatics - as uninformed zealots is both disrespectful and speaks volumes to how EA feels towards their many fans. As we have yet to play the final version of Dante's Inferno, the jury is still out on the game. EA's intolerance, however, fails miserably. Those responsible should be ashamed, as people of faith - as well as gamers - deserve better.
Photo Credit: 1UP
All good things must come to an end, and if you've been one of the many Xbox 360 owners who has been enjoying the somewhat small line-up of Original Xbox games that Microsoft has made available on their downloadable service, that time draws near. Reports are coming in that the company has "finished" its portfolio of titles from their original console, and will be replacing the service with its recently-announced downloadable full retail Xbox 360 games. As the original Xbox console ceased production to make way for its successor, so will its line-up of software to make way for its successor's software.
While many may mark this transition as part of the evolutionary process/transition from retail-to-download delivery systems, given Sony's recent admission that not all of their back catalog of PSP software may be compatible with the next iteration of the hardware, it does give pause to just what the consumer sacrifices in the way of progress. The Xbox 360 console was not 100% backwards compatible with Original Xbox software, and Sony has already demonstrated they were willing to break console generation connections when they removed the feature from current models of the PlayStation 3 hardware.
Will full digital-distribution mean the end of building libraries of software that can be played indefinitely? As all major publishers consider this relationship between hardware and software compatibility, it may behoove others to consider the implications. Nintendo's DSi hardware - which removed its Gameboy Advance slot - also removed some titles and accessories from playing, while the PSP-Go model indicates that console manufacturers may not consider the consumer's initital investment in software a priority. Perhaps this may cause the consumer to reconsider that investment at all.
During a super-secret E3 roundtable discussion, Nintendo's czar of gaming goodness, Shigeru Miyamoto, revealed new artwork for the next home-console game in the venerated Legend of Zelda franchise. And now the internet has it, and its not letting go! Big, bright, and strikingly beautiful, snag yourselves a copy by right-clicking or doing whatever it is you image-thieves do above for a larger version.
The next Legend of Zelda for Nintendo Wii is (possibly) due in 2010, although knowing the publisher, that's almost certain to change! Until then, discuss among yourselves what the above imagery could mean: could the mysterious female character, in fact, be The Master Sword herself? Are we looking at yet-another buddy adventure? The possibilities, as always, are quite endless. Enjoy!
There's no doubt that Sony made quite the splash during their 2009 E3 conference while announcing the PSP Go, but apart from the sticker-shock pricing of $249, many questions regarding the new unit's compatibility - or lack thereof - with the millions of existing UMD discs went relatively unanswered. In speaking with tech-blog Gizmondo, it seems the reason there wasn't mention of this is because...even Sony doesn't know yet. Says John Koller, Director of Hardware Marketing for Sony:
"We're in the midst of putting together a good will program. We'll be unveiling that soon [because] we actually think there's a significant group that will be upgrading from the 1000...In the past, we've seen a 20-25% trade-up factor, and I assume that's going to be the case here. We've modeled that. So we're looking at a good-will program-a short term good-will program that would continue for years afterward."
Short Term that lasts for years? Gizmondo intimated that Koller also speculated the company will model their UMD-to-PSP Go model on their current Portable Copy system, in which Blu-ray films can be ripped to watch on the portable platform. Unfortunately, Koller also mentioned the company is "looking at what kind of games will be offered" when allowing users to actually play the discs they purchased.
Are we looking at selective-play (i.e. Xbox 360-style backwards-compatibility) for the PSP Go? It certainly sounds like it, which means those looking to invest in the new portable unit when it ships to retailers October 1st may want to rethink stocking up on current PSP UMD titles. Either way, for such a substantial mid-cycle hardware refresh coming so soon, it's curious that Sony wouldn't have a working model in place at this stage.
Thanks to Gizmondo!
Tired of that black Nintendo Wii yet? Well, better get used to seeing our ebony friend around, because it looks as if the Japanese market is about to get a fusion of electronic gaming nirvana with the announcement of the Black Wii/Monster Hunter 3 super-pack. For the mere pittance of 33,000 yen ($342 US) fans will be able to pick up Capcom's latest addiction, packaged with a new black Nintendo Wii and black Classic Controller Pro. The game will also be available - sans console - in both white and black Classic Controller Pro bundles for the substantially cheaper price of 8,490 yen ($88 US) when both items hit Japanese retailers August 1st.
As always, no word if such a package will ever hit American shores, but considering the how popular the Monster Hunter franchise is in Japan (at least for the PSP), it will be interesting to see how impactful this bundling fun is.
If juicy red DSi consoles aren't your thing (and why not?), it looks like Nintendo is taking all that leftover black finish and applying it to their Wii consoles. We've all seen the fabled Black Wii console since the very start, but now the company is making it official. Hitting Japanese retailers August 1st, the Black (Kuro) Wii comes packing likewise black Wiimote, Nunchuk, and even the new Classic Controller Pro. No word yet if the black finish will match the corresponding DSi's interesting texture.
No word yet on a North American release, but you know its coming. Now with a black Wii, black PS3, and black Xbox 360 (Elite), one could theoretically have a nearly invisible family of current-generation consoles while playing in the dark...spooky! Now where's our Special Edition NES-Style Wii console, Nintendo?
Because you asked for it, Nintendo is readying the latest - and perhaps most requested - color to their growing box of designer portables with the juicy red DSi, ready to hit Japanese retailers on July 11th. The company made a brief, but memorable, splash with the Mario-branded DS Lite console last year, but has since settled on more traditional colors for the best-selling portable powerhouse.
No word yet when this juicy number is set to hit North American shelves, but you can bet that it will!
Although past efforts to render the Castlevania franchise into fully 3D adventures have generally failed (big-time), it looks like Konami is getting serious with the just-announced Castlevania: Lords of Shadow for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. As has become the standard, development duties have moved to Spanish developer Mecury Steam and - most surprisingly - will be headed up by Metal Gear honcho Hideo Kojima.
The game itself looks and feels like God of War, only with the gothic-inspired scenery the franchise is known for. Hopefully they'll keep the epic soundtracks in place, and as the debut trailer (see above) clearly shows, the emphasis is squarely on the action. Looks good, and possibly great, which should make those who doubted whether Castlevania could ever leave the world of 2D think twice.
It has been hinted, denied, and now (apparently) confirmed via Major Nelson's own Twitter account, but it certainly sounds like the Xbox 360 is finally getting the debut adventure of the Perfect Dark franchise soon. Will it be the original game? Sequel to the lackluster Xbox 360 original? I think we all know the answer to that, and here's the the Major had to say:
"In the booth. Just saw Perfect Dark on XBLA running 1080p. It is coming to XBLA this winter. Free theme coming tomorrow!"
Perfect Dark running at 1080p resolutions? Surely he couldn't be talking about upscaled Nintendo64 graphics, could he? It sounds like not every secret has been revealed so far at E3, so stayed tuned for more Joanna Dark action as soon as it becomes available, and hey, free themes are always nice!
Hardly a surprise, Capcom does confirm that one of the most iffy rumors of the year is actually happening for US Wii owners, as Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is headed to North America sometime this Winter! As expected, one character has been removed (who could it be), but adds a whopping five more (and who could they be?) to the roster, bringing the total up to an impressive 26. Also worth noting is that the game will remain exclusive to the Wii, and not migrate to other gaming consoles.
Also to look for is online play for worldwide matches, Ranked/Friend/Battle modes, mini-games, 'enhanced' (i.e. dumbed-down) control, as well as Classic and Gamecube controller options. Check out the original game impression right HERE, or scroll below for all the details on a game we thought we'd never see stateside, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars!
Features:
* 26 fan-favorite characters from the Tatsunoko and Capcom universes face-off in this stylish 2D fighter
* Tag-team battles and customized two-character fighting techniques produce a wild, dazzling spectacle
* Wi-Fi Online gameplay allows worldwide matches
* Four battle modes include Friend, Rival, Free and Ranked Battles
* Match-ups are not restricted to just "Friends"
* Earn Points and Titles (for Title Creation) for all to see
* All-new VS gameplay mechanics creates a new way for fans to return to the series
* More than 20 Mini-game provide additional multiplayer fun
* Enhanced control schemes offer a simplified control scheme option and allow use of the Classic Controller and Gamecube Controller
To prove that "not everything got out" (Sony's official E3 tag-line, apparently), the company continued their Final Fantasy-theme by announcing the most popular entry in the franchise would be hitting the PlayStation Network...today!
That's right, Cloud fans, you can now go and pick up the original Final Fantasy VII for the PS3/PSP while navigating Sony's online store, which is also set to receive more than 50 other titles before the end of the year. That's plenty of content, and should keep you busy for some time!
Despite the fact that part XIII isn't even out, Sony wasted no time in pulling one of their biggest guns with the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV is on the way to the PlayStation 3...and only PlayStation 3. And its online.
With Microsoft scoring the console world's biggest RPG last year with Final Fantasy XIII, Sony took the 2009 E3 as a good time to poke fun at their current-generation rival (not to mention chance to throw the "exclusive" tag around) with the next chapter of Square-Enix's popular franchise. Look for the game to be an MMO-RPG, much in the vein of their own Final Fantasy XI, which we assume includes an online monthly subscription fee.
It looks as though the recent release of Resident Evil: Director's Cut was just a precursor to the real meat 'n potatoes, as Sony announced that Capcom's survival-horror franchise would finally be making an exclusive appearance on the PSP platform.
Dubbed Resident Evil Portable (we presume this will change), there's no details about how the game will play or look, or which storyline arch it may follow. But look for the game to drop sometime in 2010, which of course isn't soon enough for the more diehard fans of Capcom's franchise.
The next 'true step' in Meta Gear Solid is on its way to the PSP (and we presume PSP-Go) with Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Set 10 years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3, it looks as if 'younger' Snake is back in action and melodrama as only he can in what series creator Hideo Kojima calls an entirely new creation.
More on Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker as it comes in!
Sony's 2009 E3 Conference got off to a bang with their (second) most anticipated hardware refresh, the PSP-Go! Apart from an entire hardware annoucement itself, cheaper PSP dev-kits, and loads of new media-sharing features, the most sought-after information was about the actual unit's launch price. While many speculated that the UMD-free console would come in under the current PSP 3000's retail price, Sony unveiled something quite different.
Most disappointing is the PSP-Go's price-point: $249 in the US. This is the original price-point for the original Sony PSP back in $249, and a steep uptrick from the current PSP's relatively painless $169. While some may tout the price fair, considering the new unit's feature-set, but with a smaller screen and no substantial hardware refresh features, time will tell if consumers will agree.
The PSP-Go is set for release to retailers on October 1st.
Perhaps the biggest surprise from Nintendo's 2009 E3 Conference was also the most unsurprising; an all-new, third-person (and more) return to form for the famed Metroid franchise with the surprisingly action-packed Metroid: Other M for the Wii console and developed by none other than Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden franchise).
The first footage was explosive to say the least, and drew by far the largest cheers from an otherwise stifled show from the Big N. Those who doubt Nintendo's programming list for the dedicated and 'hardcore' should find much to love here, as Metroid: Other M looks packed with far more action and intensity than ever before.
More details as they become available!
Two Marios in one year? It certainly looks that way, as Nintendo has announced for the first time in their history two separate Mario titles will be hitting the same console with Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Nintendo Wii.
The footage from the upcoming sequels shows what looks to be largely similar gameplay elements from the critically-acclaimed original Super Mario Galaxy, although new charactesrs (Yoshi!) are now available and ramping up the charm factor to universally high levels. More details on Super Mario Galaxy 2 as they become available!
Not to be outdone by Microsoft's surprise announcement that the Xbox 360 would be joining the social revolution, Nintendo has announced that soon DSi owners would soon not only have access to the fastest-growing social network community, but would be able to upload and share photos on the service.
While not earth-shattering, the ability to use Nintendo-branded hardware to share personal information with millions of non-Nintendo using owners represents a huge leap of faith for the company, and how this is implemented should be quite interesting. More as it becomes available!
Nintendo answers their critics (and naysayers) early in the 2009 E3 show by announcing the next game in the Mario franchise, the interestingly titled New Super Mario Bros. Wii. 4-player simultaneous action, 2D platforming, and lots of that Mario goodness you've come to expect from none other than Miyamoto himself.
Look for pretty chaotic action, which includes 4-player action, multiple costumes (including a few new ones), and plenty of familiar faces that should seem awfully familiar to fans of the company's own Smash Bros. franchise. The game itself looks like a drastically cleaner version of the massive DS hit, with bigger and more varied levels.
Look for more on New Super Mario Bros Wii as it becomes available, as the game is slated to ship by the end of the year! Wa-hoo!
Despite leading some to believe that the upcoming Halo 'expansion' would be a value-served adventure, it looks as if Microsoft is filling the Halo Void on the Xbox 360 console hard with the release of Halo: ODST, due this fall. The game is apparently a full-retail release, complete with full and special-edition retail pricing. Standalone copies will set you back $59.99, while the Special Edition (plus wireless green controller) will run a whopping $99 for the full set when the game drops September 22nd.
Of course, all this is moot for the most diehard of Halo fans, who have been without a new retail game since September 2007. Full details for Halo: ODST just below, followed by even more shots from the upcoming retail boxed set!
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Perhaps the biggest non-surprise at the 2009 E3 Conference came in the form of a little franchise called Metal Gear Solid... but where's Solid Snake? Series creator Hideo Kojima was on hand during Microsoft's conference to make what many fans have been waiting for - the Metal Gear Solid franchise is hitting the Xbox 360!
Metal Gear Solid Rising has been made official, but there's a ceveat; there's no guarantee that Solid Snake will be making the trip over. Instead, it looks like everyone's favorite MGS patsy Raiden will be returning, although whether in complete or mangled, cyborg form remains to be seen. But for now, let the rumors rest and realize that Metal Gear Solid is hitting the Xbox 360.
As the 2009 E3 show plods forward, the seasoned gamer could happily predict many of the show's larger 'surprise' moments. But one genuine surprise snuck out during Microsoft's Conference, as the sequel many thought we'd never see was made official. Crackdown 2, looking beefier and bigger from the CG film shown, is indeed hitting the Xbox 360 console, and this time the city is infected...for real!
Following the take-no-prisoners approach from the excellent original (best known for housing the Halo 3 beta), Crackdown 2 looks to storm the console with as much grit and destruction as the first, and its only appropriate that fellow sequel Left 4 Dead 2 was immediately announced afterward. No details on either, except of course for the 'exclusive' label. More as it comes in!