Archive for February, 2007

Japanese gaming site Impress Watch reports that Sony (Japan) has released a statement explaining why the Euro version of the Playstation 3 may have a drop in backwards compatibility. Apparently this PS3 will use a combination of Hardware and Software. The Graphics Synthesizer that can be found in current PS3 models are going to be replaced by some other form of hardware and as for the Emotion Engine CPU? Well, it’s being completely replaced by software emulation.

Personally, this just opens up more questions. What does this say about Sony’s plans? Are they going to lower the price sooner than normal? Maybe it’s the conspiracy theorist in me, but I get the feeling Sony is planning something big in the next few months.

Better get yours now while it’s hot! There’s 2 versions available; Legendary and Collectors. Click the link above to check out the details.

While perusing the internet I found this Xbox 360 release list posted on an Italian gaming site called http://www.spaziogames.it
Now MOST of the games that you see on this list are already announced. I was very surprised to see games like Devil May Cry 4, Banjo & Kazooie and Shenmue III on this list. A lot of the list is accurate but most of the stuff on it COULD be a result of rumors. Read the rest of this entry »

Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to offer downloadable multiplayer map packs for Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The first map pack will cost 400 Microsoft Points™, with pricing on the following packs to be determined later. Lost Planet, which carries a “T” rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), can be found on retail shelves around the world.

“We’re committed to bringing new content to the thriving community of Lost Planet fans,” said Charles Bellfield, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “The development team is steadily working on additional environments to provide players with new ways to enjoy the intense Lost Planet brand of action.”

The first pack is planned to be released via Xbox Live® Marketplace on or about March 9 and contains two new multiplayer levels: “Radar Field,” a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides a peak vantage point, and “Island 902,” a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas. Additionally, “Battleground,” a multiplayer map originally offered exclusively to those who purchased the Collector’s Edition of the game, will be made available for free to all Lost Planet players. The next two packs, as well as the free Battleground map will be made available in the coming months.

Re-reading some recent Penny Arcade material, I noted a simple but very important phrase about playing games for fun rather than dominance. It struck a real chord.

There’s no real reason to worry about the industry forgetting about the single-player experience, not as long as Nintendo makes games. What is worth a second look is balance. On one hand you’ve got stuff that’s clearly all about the lone gamer that manages to utterly beg for a multiplayer component (pick a Nintendo title – almost any will do). On the other, there’s games like Lost Planet, which is a pretty enjoyable 1P ride, but has some fairly serious problems in multiplayer. Shall the twain never meet? Don’t wave Gears of War in my face, it’s not there yet either… though it’s one of the more promising starts in that direction. Read the rest of this entry »

Amazon is taking pre-orders for the upcoming PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5. I’m sure if you are a VF fiend like myself, you’ll want to get this game on day 1! Price is set to $59.99.

Virtua Fighter 5

GH2 Will break all Xbox Live downloadable content records!  Here’s a quote from Red Octane’s publisher:

“With its large integrated hard drive, Xbox 360 provides an incredible platform for facilitating downloadable content,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing, RedOctane. “We believe there is no better title to feature micro-transactions than a music game like Guitar Hero II, where the content is the basis of your experience. The relationship with the Xbox Live Marketplace creates endless possibilities for exclusive content.”

“We’re still in the process of confirming the final details and continue to secure more licenses though nothing has been announced at this time, we can definitely say nobody will be disappointed,” said Ted Lange the associate producer in an interview with IGN. “We are planning on having more online content than anyone has ever seen in a game to this date.”

It looks like cult-classic Treasure shooter Ikaruga is coming to Xbox Live Arcade, after a download for the game appeared on Microsoft’s debug version of Xbox Live.

read more | digg story

During the 3GSM in Barcelona, Microsoft unveiled the latest version of it mobile phone operating system, Windows Mobile 6. This new system features an upgraded platform that makes e-mail, contact and Office documents look like a PC or laptop image. To ensure confidential information remains secure, Microsoft officials say security features include the ability to remotely wipe all data from the device if it lost or stolen. Windows Mobile 6 is scheduled for consumer release in the second quarter of 2007.

Totally360.com has posted some new screens for EDF 2017 coming soon for Xbox 360. Can’t wait to play this gem. Here’s hoping that Sandlot does a RAD sequel on the next gen platforms!

Capcom Puzzle World will include three classic puzzle games from Capcom.

• Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
• Block Block
• Buster Bros. Collection

Capcom Puzzle World have been retouched and updated for the PSP system’s 16×9 widescreen aspect ratio. This latest compilation is the first PSP system title to feature a screenshot mode, allowing gamers to take a snapshot of their victory in Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo or any of the Buster Bros. titles. Players can also import personal pictures into Capcom Puzzle World that can be used as game backgrounds for all three Buster Bros. games. Players can also infiltrate other systems by virally uploading high scores onto their opponent’s handheld. With an intuitive ad hoc multiplayer mode, one or two players can face off in gem-breaking pandemonium or team up for frantic bubble-busting fun.

This new gem from Capcom will only run $29.99. Capcom continues to do old school right!

This video is HOT! Check out how the lighting gives the game a very realistic look. This is one area where most sports games fail. Glad to see some extra effort is being put into the video game bling. Let’s hope the gameplay lives up to the graphics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc1cyowiFs0

Coming in March there will be some updates and bug fixes for Lost Planet pushed to Xbox Live.  These are all minor and nothing to scream about.  It’s good to see Capcom putting in work to make their gamers happy!

Lost Planet Updates

• In the pre-game lobby, a country flag icon will be shown next to the Gamertag of each player. This will be especially helpful for determining location of the match host.
• In the pre-game lobby, an icon will be added next to each player’s Gamertag, indicating connection strength, speed and rating.
• In Team Elimination, Post Grab and Fugitive modes, an indicator will be added next to the Gamertag of the person who is speaking.
• At the post-match Results screen, an indicator will be added next to the Gamertag of the person who is speaking.
• At the post-match Results screen, Gamertags of the players who have left the session will be darkened.

Bug Fixes

• Sometimes in Fugitive mode there would be multiple Fugitives instead of just one — Fixed
• Occasionally, if an error occurred on the lobby screen, another lobby screen would be displayed on top of it — Fixed
• Sometimes when there was a long delay/lag, the game would hang at the transition screen going from the lobby to the game and then reboot — Fixed
• Sometimes when there was a long delay/lag, depending on the console, certain players in the match would become invisible for the duration of the match — Fixed
• Sometimes post-match Results screens would show players who did not participate in the match — Fixed
• Starting a taunt animation during a reload shortened the reload time as an exploit — Fixed