Tag: Videogames

Tomonobu Itagaki’s New Game Revealed Today: What Will It Be?!?

Earlier in the week, Tomonobu Itagaki — the man behind Tecmo’s Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden games — revealed that his next project will be shown at E3 2010. Valhalla Game Studios — the company Itagaki started after leaving Tecmo — has updated its site and revealed that the first wave of info will hit today! The game will be shown tonight on Spike TV’s pre-E3 special at 8:30PM Pacific Time.

I’m really looking forward to Itagaki’s new game…which is kind of weird because I’m pretty sure I find him more interesting than his games. Don’t get me wrong, I think Ninja Gaiden is fantastic and I’ve enjoyed lots of DOA Xtreme over the years. As a verbal entertainer, I enjoy Itagaki’s brash and bold personality (it’s easy to get interesting quotes from him). Plus, there was this one time in band camp Japan where we made this rookie journalist wait outside the interview room while we smoked and chatted about nothing — good times.

Anyway, let me know if you’re interested in Itagaki’s big reveal. What are you expecting? Will it have ninjas? Is it a fighting game? Will it feature buxom wenches playing volleyball? Or is it going to be something unexpected? Whatever it is, I’m sure it will look stunning. I can’t wait!

Turn Your Used Games Into Charitable Donations with Glyde

Glyde has an interesting take on used games. The service allows you to sell your old games (CDs and movies too!) and give the proceeds to the charity of your choices. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You list your game, it sells, Glyde sends you a mailer, you put the game in the mailer, drop it in the mail, and you’re done. It’s altruism made easy!

If you have any used games and want to use them for a good cause, give Glyde a shot. I’m going to make an effort to dig through old games and movies after E3. Anyone want to joint me (in donating, not at E3)?

Totally Psyched for Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

Check out this trailer for Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light. Anyone else psyched for this game, or is it just me? It has a job system and cute graphics! Director Takashi Tokita and character designer Akihiko Yoshida are working on it! I love RPGs with job systems. The 4 Heroes of Light reminds me of a Zelda-ish game with a job system. I want it now!!!

Mortal Kombat is Koming Back in 2011: Do You Kare?

Warner Bros. has announced that it will be publishing Mortal Kombat for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. The game is being developed by NetherRealm Studios, Ed Boon’s new company that’s full of old Midway peeps. Here’s some official information from the press release:

The newest chapter of the iconic fight franchise marks a triumphant return to the series’ mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic. Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Fatality is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. In addition, Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and the deepest story mode of any fighting game. Players can choose from an extensive lineup of the game’s iconic warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches, or take on several new game modes.

I’ve alway been a fan of the Mortal Kombat games, characters, and universe. It’s cool, but isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself. That said, I wonder if MK will mean anything to gamers in 2011. What say you? Do you care that Mortal Kombat is coming back next year?!?

Coffee Talk #159: The Stereoscopic 3D Conspiracy

During my lunch meeting yesterday, one of my friends dropped this conspiracy theory on the big push behind 3D movies and 3D gaming. He said that television technology has gotten so good that early adopters have nothing to adopt. Televisions purchased in the last year or so will be good for at least another four. Considering there are some people that buy new televisions every two years, this is unacceptable for TV manufacturers. Ergo, the push for stereoscopic 3D content.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Mix Me In2 Taylor Swift iPhone app, AT&T giving out your email, or Malfoy vs. Edward, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

During my lunch meeting yesterday, one of my friends dropped this conspiracy theory on the big push behind 3D movies and 3D gaming. He said that television technology has gotten so good that early adopters have nothing to adopt. Televisions purchased in the last year or so will be good for at least another four. Considering there are some people that buy new televisions every two years, this is unacceptable for TV manufacturers. Ergo, the push for stereoscopic 3D content.

I’m usually not big on conspiracy theories…but this one actually makes sense. It’s getting harder and harder for TV manufacturers to entice consumers with new products. In the last year, it seems like biggest differentiating factor was whether a television ran at 60Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz — a factor that most general consumers don’t understand or can’t even discern. 3D?!? That’s easy to understand! Look at Avatar. Look at all the cool games Sony will be showing at E3 2010.

What do you think of the big stereoscopic 3D conspiracy? Is it really a push towards the future? Or is it a gimmick being exploited by consumer electronics companies in order to sell more televisions?

Jeri Ryan Explains the Mortal Kombat YouTube “Trailer”

Actress Jeri Ryan tweeted a few explanations regarding the excellent Mortal Kombat movie trailer floating around the Internet. The woman formerly known as Seven of Nine wrote:

Okay, so… Mortal Kombat.

It’s not a game trailer. Actually was made for the director to sell WB on his vision for a reimagined MK film.

More MK FAQs: I did it as a favor to a friend. No idea yet what WB’s reaction to it was. And I’m not sure how you can contact WB…

…(cont.) to push them to make it. But you guys are resourceful…! ;-)

Ryan later urged fans to send tweets to @wbpictures to encourage them to make the movie. And yes, one of the reasons I posted this story was so I could put up a sexy picture of Jeri Ryan.

Source

3D Gaming Arrives on the PlayStation 3 Tomorrow

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that WipEout HD, Pain, Super Stardust 3D, and Motor Storm Pacific Rift will be playable in 3D starting June 10, 2010…if you happen to have a television capable of stereoscopic 3D. Just in case you don’t — raise your hand if you do (I can’t actually see your hands!) — Sony was quick to point out that Bravia 3D-capable televisions are available for pre-order and will be delivered this month. The prices start at $2,099.99and go as high as $4,999.99.

So, how many of you are going to buy a 3D television tomorrow?!? Is your interest in 3D stereoscopic gaming piqued? Or do you need to see more games before pulling the trigger on a new TV? As for me, I will probably buy one at some point this year because I’m due for a new TV and I can write stories about 3D gaming. *sigh* If only I could afford one of these new Bravias.

Source

Coffee Talk #158: If You Could Go to One E3 2010 Presser….

Every year, E3 kicks off with major press conference by the “big three” — Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. These press conferences set the tone of the show and shape how things on the show floor are perceived. If you could attend one of these press conferences next week, which one would it be and why?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Celtics being totally lame at home, Russell Brand’s genius starting to be recognized, or the Harry Potter theme park, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Every year, E3 kicks off with major press conference by the “big three” — Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. These press conferences set the tone of the show and shape how things on the show floor are perceived. If you could attend one of these press conferences next week, which one would it be and why?

Would you pick Microsoft? MS was the first company to realize that modern press conferences have a theatrical aspect to them and put on the first E3 pressers that were cool enough to be televised. Sony usually has the most technically impressive press conference, but its executives aren’t the best public speakers (hell, Kaz Hirai looked like he was boring himself last year). Nintendo’s recent pressers have been way more about the mainstream, but the company has the best “character” execs. Reggie Fils-Aime is the best speaker from any of the big three, Satoru Iwata’s English is totally charming, and seeing Shigeru Miyamoto in person is always thrilling.

So which presser would you pick and why? Tell me, tell me, tell me (please)!!!

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString Uses “Real” Guitar: Will it Work?

Seven45 Studios has announced that it has signed Eric Clapton, Kid Rock, and the Dave Matthews Band to provide songs for its upcoming game, Power Gig: Rise of the SixString for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Considering that music games had a relatively poor year in 2009, you’d think a company would be nuts to introduce another franchise that competes with Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Seven45 believes it will differentiate its game from the competition through the use of realistic peripherals.

The guitar is the most interesting accessory for Power Gig. It can be used in the game and played as a real guitar offline. Seven45’s press release quoted Dave Matthews Band as saying:

We think Power Gig is a much needed and much welcomed game because, unlike any others before it, it puts a real guitar into the hands of aspiring musicians, and we hope it inspires our fans and others to start playing even when they’re not playing the game. We love the thought that fans of ours who’ve never picked up an instrument can now play our music on a real guitar and experience what we love to do day in and day out.

First of all, I’m impressed that the whole band said that. Did they say it in unison? Did they harmonize? Or did they take turns (perhaps switching out every 14 syllables). Secondly, I wonder if using a real guitar as a controller will intimidate some gamers.

Power Gig bundles are currently listed on Amazon for $179.99 and $229.99. What do you guys and dolls think? Is it too pricey? Or is it a good value considering that you’re getting a real guitar? Will Power Gig be able to compete with established franchises that have been rocking for years? Should I try to smash a Power Gig guitar at E3 2010? Let me know!!! (And check out the additional pictures below.)