MattK

Despite incredibly oddball Japanese games like Katamari Damacy making it over to shores, some Japanese games don't receive the same following. Sengoku Basara was released in North America on October 25, 2005, but with many significant changes. Whereas the original Japanese game was a fictionalized telling of the Sengoku period in Japan, the localization removed all historical references in favor of a pure fantasy setting, altered various gameplay modes and designs, and renamed the game "Devil Kings". This was a misguided effort, as the game failed miserably outside of Japan. While sequels, spinoffs, and anime have flourished, the series was all but ended overseas...until now. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be released on October 12 and October 15 in the US and Europe, respectively. From Capcom's Press Site: The producer of Devil May CryTM 4, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, brings you the newest installment to the BASARA series, Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes, on the PlayStation®3 and Wii. A fun, action-packed and accessible title set during a tumultuous period of Japanese history, Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes follows players as they fight their way to the dramatic battle of Sekigahara. Players will take control of more than a dozen samurai heroes, each wielding their own unique weapon, in huge battles against hundreds of opponents that grow ever more challenging. On their journey to the final battle, players will learn how to unleash spectacular BASARA Arts and utilize Hero Time to wipe out as many enemies as possible. Victory in battle will not only deliver new territories but the natural resources of that region, which can be used to create various accessories that make heroes and their weapons more powerful. Each unique playable character is aided by a supporting general who makes it easier to lead the player’s army. Players will see the battle from the perspective of each hero with the ultimate goal of re-writing history to rule all of 16th century Japan. In the dynamic new “Heroes’ Story” mode player’s decisions impact history. Based on choices made by the player, friends become enemies and enemies become friends, creating a whole new history. This new strategic element to the game forces players to fight for control of the battlefield and ultimately for the fate of the nation. In Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes it’s not just samurai heroes you will compete with on the battlefield. Each enemy has other means of attacking, including some gigantic weapons such as The Rising Sun machine, Motochika’s latest devastating weapon that crushes everything in its path and the Death Carriage which uses its blazing fast maneuverability and fire launcher to bring enemies crashing down. Key features • Fight your way through hundreds of enemies across many exciting battlefields using cool combos and over-the-top special moves until all heroes have gathered at the decisive battle of Sekigahara. • Features more than a dozen playable samurai heroes, each with their own unique battle styles. • Upgradeable weapons allow players to improve or add special abilities. • Battle against Gigantic enemy weapons such as The Rising Sun, Tiger, Drillatron and Death Carriage. • Team up with a friend in offline co-op play to crush opponents. • Dramatic “Heroes’ Story” mode alters history based on the player’s decisions.

Teaser trailers are a tricky treat. Designed to evoke knee-jerk excitement upon initial announcement, they can also evoke more confusion than concept, and such was the case with the teaser for Mega Man Universe, that depicted a claymation Mega Man, Ryu, Sir Arthur, and even the "mega man" from the original US cover taking on various classic baddies. Exciting? Definitely. Confusing? No doubt. Keiji Inafune, one of the creators behind the blue bomber, admits the teaser may have been a bit TOO teasing, so he offers us a minute of gameplay that...seems to just give us more questions than answers. But the game is definitely showing its roots, as the footage appears to take heavy influence from Mega Man 2, arguably the most critically acclaimed entry in the series, as we are treated to 2.5D renditions of Metal Man's, Crash Man's, and Air Man's stages. Also, many of the classic baddies from that era show up to hassle our hero, who moves a lot like the Mega Man in "Mega Man: Powered Up!" but with a less chibi design. And of course, the teaser at the end just continues to heap speculation and wonder. More info is expected to be given at this year's Penny Arcade Expo. Video courtesy of Gamevideos.com

Sure they just announced the game a few days ago, but with 10 years and both Marvel's and Capcom's rosters having grown by leaps and bounds, speculation as to who the new and returning challengers will be has already got fans on the net speculating. While only 6 have been revealed so far (3 on each side, and all fighting game vets except for Chris Redfield), the trailers and promotional posters almost act as teaser reveals for the characters yet to be revealed. Think you recognize any? Hit the jump for speculations from Kotaku. While Marvel vs. Capcom 3 will most likely not reach the 50+ characters of the previous game, that's hardly something to be upset about, as most of the fighters were palette swaps and clones, many of which were ported sprites from games as far back as 1994. The trailer shown in spawn's post shows a completely new fighting and graphics engine, so a bit of scaling back will not only ensure that every single fighter, both new and old, will get the special treatment, but also a tighter focus, and most assuredly a finer product. While the image below are still just speculation from Kotaku, educated guesses are more than welcome.

Video Games | Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 | Captivate 10: Debut Trailer XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii Captivate 10, Capcom's game showcase, has already thrown down the gauntlet to itself with the announcement of the decade-long anticipated Marvel vs. Capcom 3. However, they were only just getting started, as Capcom has followed up that exciting announcement with the debut trailer of Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2. While Nathan 'RAD' Spencer's swing into the true 3-D realm with Bionic Commando was met with lukewarm sales and even more dismal reviews, the 2.5D revamp of the NES classic that served as a prelude to the next-gen sequel was warmly received by both critics and gamers alike. So it's no surprise that the XBLA/PSN hit of 2008 is the one receiving the sequel. Those who were put off by the "claw-only" method of aerial mobility will be jumping for joy, as Spencer has been give the innovation of a jump maneuver to go along with new weapons, attacks, and arm enhancements. One can only hope that the game will also have a way to feature Hitler's Master D's exploding head once again. Press Release from Capcom After the Jump Release Date: Q1 2011 Genre: Platforming Platform: PSN, XBLA Rating: Pending Developer: Fat Shark Publisher: Capcom Price: TBD Capcom unveils the next evolution in 3D side-scrolling action with Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. Nathan Spencer returns as the daring elite soldier equipped with special bionic abilities. Spencer will have to face his greatest challenge yet as General Sabio, a new technologically sophisticated foe, is on the brink of launching a deadly missile attack. Nathan Spencer will make use of his trademark tool – his bionic grappling hook – to grab, swing and leap through series of lush new environments. He’ll be met by plenty of gun-toting soldiers and mechanized threats ready to give him a hostile greeting. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 improves upon the visual achievements of its predecessor with the addition of more detailed character models, textures, and vibrant colors. New player mechanics will add another strategic layer of platforming to the overall experience and the famous bionic arm will be getting a major makeover delivering a more dynamic bionic experience to the player. Key features: Sequel to the popular downloadable title on PSN and Xbox LIVE, Bionic Commando Rearmed New Weapons, attacks and enhancements for the the all-purpose Bionic Arm New platforming mechanics provides more freedom and challenges. Now the impossible is within your “leap!” New physics-based puzzles will take the platforming experience to another level 2-player co-op is back and better than ever. Enhanced graphics and better camera functionality. All new musical score inspired by NES-era sound effects, produced by the same creative mind behind the original Bionic Commando Rearmed soundtrack Cut-scene art designed by cutting-edge art studio Massive Black, whose previously worked on Infamous, Bioshock 2 and,God of War III Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 is currently set for a Spring 2011 release on PSN and XBLA.

Now that the Sony GoW3 has come and gone, Microsoft has announced that its GoW3 will be arriving to finish the fight. Gears of War 3 is in development for a release date of April 2011. According to Kotaku, the official first announcement of Gears of War 3 was to take place on Cliff Bleszinski's appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon April 8th, but his appearance was postponed to the 12th at the last minute, supposedly to "polish what we're showing". Unfortunately (or fortunately if you can't stand Jimmy Fallon), your XBox 360 was tired of sitting on the news and decided to go ahead and announce it anyway. Despite the leak, expect more details, as well as footage, to be shown on Cliffy B's appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Monday, April 12th (check your local listings).

Back in the 90s, when fighters reined supreme in the arcades, console conversions could only hope to get all the characters and stages to fit on tiny gray cartridges and skippy, easy-to-scratch CDs. It wasn't until the Dreamcast brought Soul Calibur home in 1999 that consoles had finally proven to be superior to the arcade version in almost every way, and that spelled the death knell for arcades...at least in the U.S. Today, Japanese arcades still thrive, but arcades are all but extinct in the U.S. Two years ago, when Street Fighter 4 was in the preliminary stages of revive the fighting game market, Japan released SF4 in the arcades as a sort of beta test. Now, according to a video announcement on Shadowloo and confirmed via Arcade Infinity, Super Street Fighter IV will be released in the arcades around July or August, about 4 months after the console release at the end of April. Sure, this makes sense in Japan, with it's thriving arcade market, but still, with an online system connecting fighters from all over the world, joysticks that recreate the arcade sticks almost perfectly, and the lack of having to pump the equivalent of 3 games worth of quarters/tokens into a machine over a game's lifetime, you'd think they'd at least released the game into the arcade first.

Guybrush & Company will be returning to Monkey Island this summer with Monkey Island 2: Lechuck's Revenge Special Edition. Like last years surprise XBLA hit, The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, Monkey Island 2 SE will feature the ability to switch between the classic graphics and SCUMM interface of the 1991 PC classic as well as enhanced HD paint style and full voice soundtrack. This time, however, XBLA users won't be the only ones plundering the high seas: PS3 and Mac lovers will be able to help Guybrush Threepwood find the treasure of 'Big Whoop!' Even better: The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition will be released shortly on PS3 and Mac, so they too can learn what it takes to be a mighty pirate. Via Kotaku

For those who think the internet consists most of trolls and hyperactive a-holes, we're glad to report that there is still hope for the online community. Roy Williams and his friends answered the online request of fellow gamer Jordan Verner for help in completing the Nintendo 64 classic The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time by providing a walkthrough of the game. Why not just snag one from Gamefaqs? Because Jordan Verner is blind. Roy and his friends recorded every single action, no matter how trivial, onto a document that would later be read aloud by Jordan's computer. With this document, Jordan was able to complete the entire game in November 2009. Sure, we all boast about games we can beat blindfolded, but these guys have literally done it. Think you can too? Video provided by CNN.com. Via Topless Robot

April 15, 2010. Mark it on your calenders, Original XBox fans. And get your gaming in while you still can, because on that date, XBox Live will be discontinued for all Original XBox games, including games available for download on XBLA. Insiders indicate that the closure of XBox Live for Original XBox games will help to serve the improvement of XBox Live for XBox 360, although the details of which have not been made explicit at this time. And sure, most XBox Live users may not mourn long or at all, and maybe even consider it about time, but for those who still rock the online multiplayer of Halo 2, Counter-Strike, or Forza, the loss will be felt like an old friend you thought would always be there, until you wake up one fateful morning and realize they are gone. Full statements from Kotaku after the jump. XBox Live's Harry Hryb initial statement: I wanted to let you know that on April 15, 2010 Microsoft will discontinue Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox 1 games playable on Xbox 360. Our first step in this process will be to turn off auto-renewals for those members who only use Xbox LIVE on a v1 Xbox. While I can't comment on the specifics, this change will allow us to continue evolving the LIVE service with new features and experiences that fully harness the power of Xbox 360 and the Xbox LIVE community. We did not make this decision lightly, but after careful consideration and review we realize that this decision will allow us unprecedented flexibility for future features. XBox Live's Mark Whitten more detailed statement: Dear Xbox LIVE Members, On April 15 we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox v1 games playable on Xbox 360 and Xbox Originals. I want to start by saying this isn't a decision we made lightly, but after careful consideration, it is clear this will provide the greatest benefit to the Xbox LIVE community. Seven years ago we laid out our vision for the connected console when we launched Xbox LIVE. We believed then that the power of the Internet to connect people would revolutionize living room entertainment. It started with amazing multiplayer games, and we've since seen that bet pay off again and again with the launches of Xbox 360, Marketplace, Netflix and powerful social features like Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm. None of this would have been possible without the success of LIVE as a multiplayer gaming network. There's no greater example of the power of the Xbox LIVE community than the "Halo" franchise. "Halo 2" has had an amazing run on LIVE, with a dedicated community more than five years after launch and well into the next generation of consoles. It has fundamentally changed the way we play video games. And while it's difficult to see that run come to an end, the "Halo" franchise continues to act as the benchmark for multiplayer gaming in this generation, with "Halo 3," "Halo 3: ODST" and soon "Halo: Reach" on Xbox 360. Your Xbox LIVE community has grown to 23 million strong. And as we look down the road, we'll continue to evolve the service with features and experiences that harness the full power of Xbox 360. To reach our aspiration, we need to make changes to the service that are incompatible with our original Xbox v1 games. We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities. We view you as a partner in this process. We'll share more details soon, but in the meantime I want to assure you that the best is yet to come for Xbox LIVE. I believe we'll look back on 2010 as a landmark year in gaming and home entertainment, and I couldn't be more excited about what we have in store with "Project Natal" and LIVE. The LIVE community is the driving force behind everything we do, and it's because of the community that ground-breaking experiences on Xbox continue to be possible. See you on LIVE, Marc Whitten

Sega's "top secret project" codenamed 'Project Needle Mouse' has finally been officially revealed. Guarded in secrecy and discussed in speculation amongst the various circles, fans wondered if it would be a completely new franchise or a return to glory for a long neglected one. Now, after teaser images and trailers, Sega is ready to reveal the true identity of Project Needle Mouse. Speculate no longer, gamers. Spoilers After Jump (for those of you who haven't figured it out from the graphic at right). What IS a bit of a surprise is that Sonic 4 will be episodic. Hopefully, Sega will take their episodic gaming cues from Telltale Games rather than Valve. With traditional game mechanics and a few new ones, Sonic 4 Episode 1 looks to be the long-awaited return to form for Sega's mascot, whose recent full 3D outings has diluted the brand with mixed results. Of course, 2D Sonic titles have been proliferating on the handheld Nintendo DS, but this will be the first time since Sonic and Knuckles on the Sega Genesis/Megadrive that an original 2D traditional platforming Sonic the Hedgehog game has been released on the consoles. The graphics also seem to be taking a nod from Street Fighter IV, putting high definition 3D graphics and character designs on 2D field. Surely a rebirth for Sega's answer to Mario, but is it too little too late? Or is the recent nostalgia trend the right time to bring back the blue blur? (Answer: YES!) Find out when Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 is released on XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare. via Gamespot

As the Wii prepares for motion controlled competition, PS3 is preparing to hit the ground running with 10 games available for the new user interface by the end of the year. The games released will include "sports and pet raising titles." The motion controller will utilize the PS3's underused Playstation Eye to detect 3D space and motion. via Joystiq

While Assassins-in-Training maybe mourning the lack of achievements/trophies in the Battle of Forli DLC (out Jan. 28), the trailer highlights some of the story potential that the Memory Segment 12 offers. And while this might not be "Episodes of Renaissance" like GTAIV's DLC, the potential for such expansive DLC is there. Via Kotaku

One of the highlights of Capcom's next generation zombie-killer (no, not RE5) was the ability to pick up just about anything in the Mall and use it as a weapon. Sometimes the results were incredibly lethal and effective, and sometimes they were just comedic, but the fact is that if you could pick it up, you could use it. So how could Dead Rising 2 possibly top that? While it was hinted at in the announcement trailer, Capcom has officially revealed the ability to take two seemingly unrelated weapons and combine them into super weapons, the result being a better way to kill zombies, and a faster way to earn PP (the experience point system of the game). Begin speculation now over the possible combinations available to you. via Capcom's Unity Blog

When Aksys Games released a limited edition of Arc System's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, I applauded. Offering a CD soundtrack and a DVD strategy guide (or Blu-Ray if you bought the PS3 version) at the same price as the regular edition, this was a trend that needed to catch on. Surely other games would follow suit? Leave it to Aksys Games to completely ruin the very concept they created. Record of Agarest War will be released on a DVD for the XBox 360, and the "Really Naughty" Limited Edition (USRP $59.99) comes with a soundtrack CD, a pillow case featuring the character of Ellis, and a "3D" mousepad featuring the character Vira-Lorr. PS3 Owners will be lucky out of luck only be able to ogle the pic to the left, as Record of Agarest War will only be available on the PS3 via PSN. In case you're curious, Record of Agarest War is a strategy RPG, not a dating/rape simulator (at least not the game itself). An "instructional video" can be found at Kotaku (possibly NSFW).

Fatal Frame fans were disheartened to learn that the latest iteration in the survival horror series, Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, would not receive an English translation/release from Nintendo due to poor sales in Japan. This is a shame, as the Wii controls seemed PERFECT for the unique "point and shooting" that the series is famous for. However, that hasn't stopped fans with plenty of time to work around the translation issue. One particular group has actually managed to develop a patch that replaces all on-screen Japanese script with English script, as well as providing English subtitles for the spoken dialogue (and for those of you who hate to "read movies," there's rumor of another group working on an English dub patch). Per Kotaku: A team of Fatal Frame fans have worked out a way to patch the data for the game, using some creative techniques revolving around an SD card and an external hard disk. According to the patch's website, it will run on any North American, European, or Japanese Nintendo Wii, bypassing region constraints and replacing the in-game text with English. Note that the patch requires a retail disc for Fatal Frame 4, meaning pirated copies are not going to cut it. Further information regarding the patch and its release can be found at the Team's Offical Site. The site also makes mention of the other group that is working on dubbing the dialogue into English. Considering poor sales in Japan prevented foreign translations, it would be ironic if import sales increased due to the patch, leading to an official translation and release.

While the jury is still out regarding Heavy Rain's playability (is it just a CG version of the full motion video games of the mid-90s peppered with quicktime events?), its packaging for the Europe-only special edition evokes the fun meta connectivity of the PC adventure games of the late 80s and early 90s. Sure, some games' pack-in manuals have had a good meta quality to them (Grand Theft Auto's manuals are brochures highlighting that particular city's hot spots) and limited editions come with the occasional soundtrack or figure, but Heavy Rain's European edition really takes the cake (which may or may not be a lie). Perhaps a letter-dipping sequence a la the NES classic Startropics? Per Kotaku: The Sixth Axis also mentions that this edition will release in the UK, but exclusive to retailer HMV. Were this to come out in America, I'd preorder it on the packaging alone, hoping that other companies would take notice and follow suit. Extras like this not only remind me of the classic adventure games, they also truly define "special" and "limited" editions. Let's hope that the gameplay, or at the very least the story, manages to live up to the packaging. Heavy Rain releases in the US on February 23, in Europe on February 24, and in the UK and Japan on February 26.

A trailer for yet another video game to movie transition, this time for Namco's Tekken, though judging from the presence of Jin Kazama and Eddy Gordo, it would probably be more appropriate to call it "Tekken 3", but that would have messed with general movie goer's heads too much. (You'll also have to excuse the insertion of captions mocking /Film). So far, the film has only premiered in the United States on November 5, 2009, as part of the American Film Market Film Festival, hoping to find a distributor. While distribution in the US still remains in doubt, it is set for a theatrical release in Japan on March 6, 2010, and a DVD/Blu-Ray release in the UK on April 10, 2010. At the very least, it gets the plot of the Tekken series more accurately than either of the Street Fighter movies. Perhaps it could be as successful as Mortal Kombat (1995)? From Crystalsky.com: