Archive for September, 2010

Hideo Kojima predicted a 2011 launch for the 3DS port of "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" at Tokyo Game Show. Today, on the heels of other 3DS-related hardware and game announcements, Konami has narrowed that window to Spring 2011. The 3DS will be on sale in the U.S. in March, so that means you should have a little time to familiarize yourself with the handheld system's ins and outs before you introduce it to Solid Snake.

The news came accompanied by some new screenshots, according to a report on Andriasang. There's also a new trailer with some 3DS-made video over on the official "Snake Eater" Japanese website.

It's tough to gage too much from the new footage beyond the 3DS's graphics capabilities. You can kind of imagine what it's like moving through the thicket having snakes and other beasts wiggling around in your face though.

If the 3DS can make players feel at home playing a Metal Gear game, which as a portable experience right now is something gamers immediately associate with the PlayStation Portable, Sony could have some problems on their hands in 2011. However "Snake Eater" turns out in its new incarnation, it should be fascinating to sit back and watch what the competition does next, and Nintendo definitely has a bold vision for what they want to do with this platform.

Do you think you'll pick up "Snake Eater" for the 3DS? Which games are at the top of your list right now for the device? Share your picks with us in the comment section below.

If you understand the above screenshot, you've likely played "Bit.Trip Beat" when it released on WiiWare last year. If your mind boggles at the sight of said screenshot, you're going to need some explanation of what's going on. But before I do that, you should know that "Bit.Trip Beat" is coming to the App Store today and should be available worldwide later tonight.

Ok, "Bit.Trip Beat." Imagine "Pong" but with just one paddle, and the ball that you're knocking back only hits the paddle in time with the music. Now imagine that there are hundreds of balls coming at you at once, all in time with an intense techno beat. Now toss in some retro graphics and a flaming comet for some reason and you've got "Bit.Trip Beat."

Simply, it's a very stylish rhythm game from Gaijin Games that fits surprisingly well on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Players have two options for controls, with Touch letting you move the paddle with your finger, while Tilt lets you move the paddle with the accelerometer.

Included in the package are three levels for $1.99, which additional levels coming as DLC. "Bit.Trip Beat" includes Game Center support, as well, with achievements and multiplayer, though I haven't had the chance to try out the multiplayer mode just yet. Early screenshots seem to imply that you'll be able to battle versus iPad users when the iPad version launches in November.

"Bit.Trip Beat" was likely missed by a lot of people when it launched on WiiWare, so I'm hoping its appearance on the App Store brings more attention to the franchise. Now they just need to add "Bit.Trip Runner" and I'll be a happy man.

You just can't kill the zombies plaguing video game news this week, from the release of "Dead Rising 2" and the "Call of Duty: Black Ops" zombies to "Age of Zombies" on the iPhone and Rockstar Games' first looks at the Undead Nightmare DLC pack for "Red Dead Redemption." Yesterday brought retooled box art, and today introduced the content's first screenshots, featuring chases, rotting flesh and even a zombie horse.

The screenshots showed up on Rockstar's news blog containing a four-image prelude to a trailer that premiers tomorrow. John Marsters appears riding both a normal horse and an undead one, which probably hints at some options that the DLC has in store. The nature of the zombie horse is still just as mysterious as the content's release date, though, so you'll have to await further word about what the four-legged undead fellow brings to the table.

One thing's for sure, Marsters seems to be doing a lot of running in these images. I hope there's some attacking to be done when the zombies eventually make it out. It would be a shame the events in Undead Nightmare were all about him turning yellow — unless of course he's trying to save the nice townspeople who've all been turned. That would be noble of him.

How do you like the looks of the Undead Nightmare DLC pack? Does riding around on a zombie horse sound like your idea of a good time? Share your thoughts on the matter with us in the comment section below.

Nintendo hyped third-party games when it broke out the 3DS release date today, and two big Capcom franchises joined the list of surprises. We already knew that Capcom would be releasing a 3-D edition of "Street Fighter 4," but they added two new titles to their slate from the Mega Man and Resident Evil series. "Mega Man Legends 3" and "Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D" will introduce their respective universes to the portable system, and a few details are available about both.

"At long last, we have finally announced that we are making the next game in the Mega Man Legends series," Capcom global head of research and development Keiji Inafune said in a translated video statement posted to the Capcom-Unity blog. "I know many of you have been waiting a long time for this, but I can assure you that no one has looked forward to this project as much as I have."

The action RPG series never managed to gain the same traction that some of the other Mega Man titles did, and it's been dormant since "Mega Man Legends 2" came out ten years ago. It looks like Capcom was convinced to take a chance and bring it back for the 3DS, though, and the results should be fun to watch unfold.

As for "Mercenaries 3D" the RE title will collect "Resident Evil 4" and Resident Evil 5" Mercenaries missions together with new modes of gameplay, established characters and 3-D effects. Wi-Fi-enabled co-op will also be a part of the picture.

Any of these Capcom titles could be swell on the 3DS, but "MML3" has me really curious to see if it can get some new wind in its sails. It also looks like it's going to contain more new material than its 3DS Capcom siblings. Plus, Inafune sounds as though he has something to prove.

Which of Capcom's 3DS titles interests you the most? Do you think the Mega Man Legends series will find more success on the new platform? Share your expectations with us in the comment section below.

Best Buy's retracted "Call of Duty: Black Ops" listing got vindicated in writing today, as
Activision sent out a proper announcement to follow their zombie teaser site update from yesterday. Although Treyarch studio head Mark Lamia initially called the use of zombies "risky," he and Activision appear to have a renewed faith in their viability now, since they're including a Zombies mode with four-player co-op gameplay when "Black Ops" ships on November 9.

"Zombies have been such a hit with our community that we were committed to bringing brand new zombie experiences to 'Call of Duty: Black Ops,'" Lamia said in a press release. "We've taken extra special care to retain the essential ingredients of our Zombie game, and have also crafted a nice surprise for the fans."

Not only will four updated co-op maps from "Call of Duty: World at War" bring the undead to Prestige and Hardened editions of "Black Ops," Activision will also be adding a new map tomorrow to the iPhone and iPod touch game "Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies" (I don't think I left any colons out of that title, but holler at me if you catch one that's missing).

So have fun sending human corpses to their second deaths this November and feel free to end that hunger strike you were undergoing pending official "Black Ops" zombies confirmation. The world is as it should be, and Treyarch has come through with your shambling hordes.

Did you ever doubt for a second that Treyarch would include zombies in "Black Ops"? Would it have changed your purchasing plans if they didn't? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

UPDATE: THQ released the following statement regarding del Toro's quotes:

"At THQ, we are focused on the highest level of creative development by putting artists first. Guillermo del Toro is one of many creative artists that we respect and would be interested in working with. However, at this time, we do not have any formal announcement to make."

ORIGINAL STORY: Back in July, director Guillermo del Toro confirmed with us that he is working on a series of games with a 'big company.' Shortly thereafter, the LA Times reported that sources close to the project were saying the company in question was THQ. We are now able to put speculation to rest, as del Toro has confirmed with MTV that he is, indeed, working on a project with THQ.

"We're working together," said the director. "Hopefully everything will come together in the next few days and we can formally announce it and so forth. But we are talking about huge games, huge world creation and long deadlines."

Fans of del Toro's work may be excited by the prospect of a video game helmed by the director, but it'll be a while before the project sees store shelves:

"With THQ we're looking at around a three year developing deadline for each game. Big games. More details forthcoming, but we are truly exploring them in a serious manner. Expect the first game, best case scenario, 2013."

Guillermo Del Toro has been trying to pitch a video game series since 2006, including "one called 'Sundown' that was eerily similar to 'Left 4 Dead,' which I adore and am addicted to, and in our household is considered a family game."

"Sundown" isn't the project he's working with THQ on, though. "I pitched another game that was not developed. That's the same one I pitched [to THQ]. They took to it immediately. More details forthcoming. I don't want to say everything because we're going to announce it soon. But again, long deadline."

He was, however, willing to give us a brief description of what we can expect. "It's horror...but it's a very different type of horror game. It's not survival horror. It's truly a strange, geeky mix. It's a Lovecraftian thing. Let's leave it at that."

That was, unfortunately, the most del Toro was willing to divulge, as he's waiting for the official announcement from THQ, which should come any day now.

Yesterday I discussed how to make easy money in "Dead Rising 2." Today I'm here to let you know of five items which will help you immensely as you attempt to wrangle Fortune City back from hordes of undead. Considering there are hundreds of equippable items to be found in "Dead Rising 2," it was pretty tough to narrow it down, but it's safe to say that having one or all of these items will make your life a heck of a lot longer.

The Driller

Why Does It Rule?
The Driller is a combo weapon made up of a spear and a power drill. Portable, fast and durable, the Driller is the ideal boss-killing melee weapon as it has an extremely sort animation, letting you stab and run. It's also a guaranteed one-hit kill to any zombie, which is good for taking out individuals in your path.

Where Can I Find it?
As for the ingredients, they're extremely easy to come by. You can find the spear right outside the safe house in the nearby cigar store in Royal Flush Plaza, whereas a power drill can be found in the room across the hall from the safe house maintenance room. It's a good idea to have at least one Driller with you at all times.

Heath Book 2

Why Does It Rule?
Just by having this item in your inventory, you'll increase any healing item's effectiveness by 100%. Basically it means that a single canister of orange juice or a coffee creamer can fill up all of your health in one go.

Where Can I Find It?
In the Yucatan Casino there's a German sausage restaurant called Baron Von Brathaus. In the restaurant is a bar and on the end of the bar, right near the rear kitchen door, is the magazine. Equip it and never let it leave your sight.

The Hidden LMG

Why Does It Rule?
The LMG is basically an M60 machine gun. It's got 200 rounds and while it's not super accurate, it's great for plugging away at a boss at range.

Where Can I Find It?
In the center of the Yucatan Casino, there's a massive temple made up of stone and slot machines (not to be confused with the tiger's cage). The sides of the temple have steps you can jump and climb up on. Keep climbing and you'll get to a small platform with the LMG and, as an added bonus, a free syringe of Zombrex.

The Boomstick

Why Does It Rule?
If you played through "Dead Rising 2: Case Zero," you should already have the combo card for the Boomstick. Having the combo card unlocks the alternate attack for the weapon, which is what makes it so handy. Using the alternate attack on a single zombie (stabbing them in the chest with the pitchfork, lifting them up in the air and firing three times) grants you 2,500 experience points, which is way more than any other combo weapon will give you. Each Boomstick you make can perform 10 alternate attacks before running out of ammo, which means each one has 25,000 experience points hidden within its dangerous exterior. If you're just starting out, this is a great way to get past the first 10 or 15 levels with ease.

Where Can I Find It?
In the Yucatan Casino (where all the awesome stuff is kept, apparently), you can find a zombie carrying a shotgun standing on top of the slot machine temple in the center of the casino. The pitchfork can be found in the tiger's cage by climbing up the stone stage in the back. Conveniently the tiger's cage is right next to the maintenance room, so combining the two is a piece of cake. Rinse and repeat until the experience rewards are no longer worth the effort.

The Mega Shortcut

Why Does It Rule?
Ok, this isn't quite an item, but it's super handy to know about and will save you tons of travel time. The shortcut will instantly transport you from a bathroom in Royal Flush Plaza to a clothing store in Palisades Mall, making survivor transport much, much easier.

Where Can I Find It?
Unfortunately you can't just know where the shortcut is, you have to unlock it. One of the random survivor missions you'll receive is called "Withered Beauty" and by completing the mission, you'll unlock the shortcut for the rest of the game. Just make sure you don't skip it!

Ever since Nintendo announced the 3DS at E3 this year, the best we were able to get was date for when they would announce the release date. Luckily, that day came today, and the House of Mario held a press conference in Tokyo where they revealed that the portable system will hit Japanese stores on February 26, 2011, with follow-up launches in the U.S. and Europe in March.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated that he hopes to improve upon the DS's third-party game sales numbers when the device launches, according to GameSpot. That should come as no surprise to anyone who saw Nintendo's massive list of supporting developers at E3, which included Activision, EA, Harmonix, Konami and Capcom.

The 3DS will run ¥25,000 (about $300) in Japan, though Nintendo didn't articulate pricing info for other regions. It will also come packaged with an AC adapter, 10cm Nintendo 3DS touch pen and 2GB SD card to store DLC. As far as measurements go, the final design comes out to 134mm by 74mm, 21mm of thickness and a weight of 230 grams.

Some of the best news, however, may come from a Nintendo spec sheet (via Joystiq) that says the 3DS will allow users to transfer DSiWare titles from a DSi or DSi XL. That means no more having to re-purchase games when you upgrade your hardware or have to find a replacement because your screen when kaput.

And there was much rejoicing.

What are your thoughts on the 3DS? Would $300 be too high of a price for you if it were to cost that much in the U.S.? Share your responses with us in the comment section below.

We've known for months that John Cleese, Stephen Fry and Ben Kingsley would be practicing their craft as characters in "Fable 3," but Lionhead Studios has circulated some more details about their parts, as well those belonging to Simon Pegg, Michael Fassbender and Nicholas Hoult. It turns out that Kingsley will be taking his first shot at game acting and both he and Pegg believe intensely in what they've contributed.

"One of the things that’s missing from a lot of video games is good writing and good voice work," Pegg said in a video posted by Lionhead. "I think this one has a wonderful mythology and it's witty and it’s engrossing."

Here's a rundown of who will be showing up and what you can expect to see from their "Fable 3" alter egos:

· John Cleese as your trusty butler and confidant, Jasper
· Sir Ben Kingsley as the leader of the mountain dwellers, Sabine
· Simon Pegg as attention-seeking soldier Benn Finn who is looking for action
· Michael Fassbender as the evil King Logan whom your "Fable III" hero will lead a revolution against
· Zoë Wannamaker returns as Theresa. She was last seen taking over the Spire in "Fable II," but who knows what her real motivation is?
· Stephen Fry returns as Reaver, the narcissistic marksman blessed with eternal youth
· Bernard Hill as Sir Walter Beck, your faithful mentor
· Nicholas Hoult as the potential male love interest, Elliot, to your "Fable III" female hero
· Naomie Harris as Page, the leader of the rebels who reside in Bowerstone

The studio was able to attract a strong stable of talent this time around, including some old faces as well as new ones. It is going to be kind of odd listening to Tony from "Skins" reading lines in-game, however.

What do you think of the "Fable 3" cast? Do you think Lionhead made the right calls? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

This has been quite a week for zombies in gaming with "Dead Rising 2" out, Rockstar Games rolling out "Red Dead Redemption" Undead Nightmare teases and a "Call of Duty: Black Ops" strategy guide press release mentioning zombies. The "Black Ops" zombies have been the targets of ample speculation recently, Treyarch finally seems to have done something substantive and put some video on a website.

If you visit GKNOVA6.com right now, you'll come face to face with an age verification screen followed by a stack of monitors displaying soldiers and undead folks. I've tried clicking around and even entering the Konami code, but it doesn't look like there's too much more to the place right now.

As Destructoid pointed out many months ago, Google Analytics information shows that the site shares a Publisher ID with www.guitarherometallica.com and www.jamesbond.com, indicating that Activision has its hands in the mix somewhere.

The clips contain looks at suspicious scientific procedures, fire and a Russian sign urging caution, which at face value don't drop any spoiler bombs about the game. The zombies alone are noteworthy, however, and even if Treyarch doesn't feel like speaking up and removing all doubt about their intentions yet, they've certainly passed the point of no return in getting everyone's hopes up now.

You do have it admit, though, it would be pretty hilarious if zombies weren't in the cards for the new game and all of this was just an elaborate ploy to advertise a new CoD iPhone release.

What do you think of the "Black Ops" teaser site? Did you spot anything that could shed some light on Treyarch's plans? Share your reactions with us in the comment section below.