Street Fighter IV Gets Dated
Posted by Howard on 14 Nov, 2008 in Blogs, Game News, Howard's Blog, News, Capcom, PS3, Street Fighter, Xbox 360
Capcom sends word on when Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers will be able to get their grubby little hands on Street Fighter IV. US gamers will be firing it up on February 17th. Put it on your calendars now Street Fighter fans, it’s been a long time coming…
Little Big Delay
Posted by Howard on 17 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Game News, Howard's Blog, News, Little Big Planet, PS3, PSN, SCEA
SCEA has just sent word that they’re having to delay Little Big Planet for PS3. In the final review process leading up to the release, they’ve found that one of the background music tracks licensed from a record label for use in the game contains two expressions that can be found in the Qur’an.
SCEA is taking action to rectify the situation and will be shipping the game to retail the week of October 27th rather than next week’s release. The interesting thing about the whole situation though? Retail stores have a Little Big Stash of the game on hand already.
We’ll have more as well as our Little Big Planet review on PopCultureShock shortly.
Dead Space Ships
Posted by Howard on 14 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Game News, Howard's Blog, News, Dead Space, EA, PS3, Xbox 360
EA’s sci-fi horror, Dead Space, has shipped to retail. Marking the first title of its kind for the company, EA has big expectations for the title and from what we’ve played of it so far they have good reason to.
Set five hundred years in the future, Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, a normal systems engineer, who is sent with a small repair team to restore communications aboard an immense mining ship, the USG Ishimura. Once onboard the vessel, Isaac discovers that the crew has unearthed an ancient and malevolent alien presence far beneath the planet’s surface and brought it onboard. It’s a living nightmare onboard the Ishimura, which has turned into a floating bloodbath, as the crew has been unspeakably mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke’s repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet at any cost.
Dead Space is available now for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Look for more here soon, on PopCultureShock.
Far Cry 2 Goes Gold
Posted by Howard on 14 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Game News, Howard's Blog, News, Far Cry 2, PC, PS3, Ubisoft, Xbox 360
Ubisoft sends word that Far Cry 2 has gone gold. The Ubisoft Montreal developed title is the sequel to the game that put Crytek on the map. Fary Cry 2 switches things up and takes place in a war-torn area of Africa. The first person shooter will see players conducting shady dealings with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict to advance their own interests.
Far Cry 2 ships on October 21 and will be available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC
Call of Duty: World at War Beta Opens
Posted by Howard on 13 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Game News, Howard's Blog, News, activision, Call of duty, Xbox 360
Activision sends word that the multiplayer beta for Call of Duty: World at War is open. They noted that there are two ways currently to get into the beta. The first way that guarantees you a slot is to preorder the title from Gamestop. Regardless of if you preorder online or in store, you’ll recieve a token that will grant you entry into the beta.
The second way is to sign up as a member at CallofDuty.com. The only thing is, this method only has a limited number of tokens available.
The Call of Duty: World at War multiplayer betas will provide players with an opportunity to play as U.S. Marines, German Wehrmacht, Japanese Imperial Army and Russian Red Army factions in a variety of game types (Team Death Match, Free-For-All, Capture the Flag and War), across three different maps:
· Castle: The Imperial Japanese Army faces off against the Marine Raiders in a daytime battle, located on the grounds of an ancient, Japanese castle.
· Makin: The U.S. Marine Raiders square off against the Imperial Japanese Army in a nighttime fight, set in an outpost on the Makin Atoll in the Pacific.
· Roundhouse: The Wehrmact will fight the Red Army to the bitter end in a daytime struggle that features tank and infantry combat, set in a desolate, war-torn European train depot.
The PC multiplayer beta is coming soon, however there was no word of the PS3 multiplayer beta. Call of Duty: World at War hits retail on November 11.
Fallout 3 Goes Gold
Posted by Howard on 09 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Bethesda, fallout 3, PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Bethesda sends word that Fallout 3 has gone gold. Fans of The Elder Scrolls titles already know what to expect here, but for those of you that don’t. Fallout 3 is an open world title set 200 years after the events of a nuclear war that happened circa the 1950’s. You’re able to create any kind of character you want as you explore and fight to survive in the open wastes of Washington D.C. Mash-up Mad Max with Oblivion and you’ll get an idea of what’s going on here.
Fallout 3 will release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on October 28th. Stay tuned.
Tekken 6 Confirmed for 360
Posted by Howard on 09 Oct, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, namco, PS3, tekken 6, Xbox 360
Tokyo Game Show is an event where many surprises are often made regarding Japanese videogame companies and Microsoft certainly did just that along with Namco Bandai today. The two companies announced that Tekken 6 will be coming to the Xbox 360 in 2009. While Tekken 6 was one of the teaser titles show years ago to hype up PS3 hardware, things have been very quiet for a very long time regarding the title coming to a home console.
This will mark the first time that a title in the Tekken series will be released for a non-PlayStation platform. More details as they break.
NBA Live 09 Demo Arrives
Posted by Howard on 25 Sep, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, EA Sports, NBA Live, PS3, Xbox 360
EA Sports has announced that the playable demo for NBA Live 09 is available now for Xbox 360 and PS3 via Xbox Live Marketplace and Playstation Network. This will give gamers just a little bit of time to get used to the game ahead of the October 7 release. Full details can be found below.
A full playable demo of NBA LIVE 09 is now available on the PLAYSTATION® Network™ and Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace. Play as the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics and re-write history as you play out this legendary rivalry. Choose from current rosters, or replay one of two games from the 2007-2008 season using NBA LIVE Rewind that will emulate conditions of each game with absolute precision using Dynamic DNA. Powered by Synergy Sports Technology – the premier analytics provider using NBA data for 25 NBA teams – Dynamic DNA is the brain behind the game that evaluates Player DNA that breaks down how a player scores, Team DNA that rates how the players on the floor play as a unit, and Tendencies that refer to the percentage a player drives left, right or shoots from each spot on the floor.
Feel the difference Pau Gasol made in the Lakers style of play by replaying games before and after he was traded to Los Angeles. Grab a copy of NBA LIVE 09 on October 7th and watch Dynamic DNA come to life with NBA LIVE 365 as it will update daily once the season begins. NBA LIVE 09 is now constantly evolving and accurately reflects what you see on the court in your virtual experience. NBA LIVE 09 is made fresh daily, all season long.
New York – Tokyo Film Grand Prix
Posted by Howard on 25 Sep, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog,
New York – Tokyo sends word that their New York – Tokyo Film Grand Prix Festival is about to start. Essentially the festival, sponsored by MTV, will be comprised of eight films beginning September 28 and ending October 16 across three venues. The material is comprised of everything from a collection of anime shorts by Studio 4.C (The Animatrix) to tragic love stories to a ghost story and everything between.
For all the true otaku out there, everything will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Many of the pieces are making their North American or International debut. Be sure to check out the film festival website for more information on the film listings, showtimes, venues and pricing.
Rockband 2 Ships for Xbox 360
Posted by Howard on 10 Sep, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, EA, Harmonix, MTV Games, rockband, rockband 2, Xbox 360
As if the first title ever got old, EA and MTV Games have announced that Rockband 2 has shipped to retail for Xbox 360. The title will release on Sunday, September 14 for Xbox 360 and later on other consoles. Thankfully, gamers will be able to purchase the title in a variety of ways from day one this time in case they’re not looking to have a room full of plastic instruments.
The Rockband 2 SKUs are as follows:
* Rock Band 2 Standalone Software (Xbox 360) $59.99 MSRP
* Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Drums (Xbox 360) $89.99 MSRP
* Rock Band 2 Standalone Wireless Guitar (Xbox 360) $69.99 MSRP
For those of you looking to take your virtual instruments to the next level, have a look at this. For only $299, you can have the Rockband ION Drum Rocker. What does that three hundred dollars buy you? A real electronic drum kit with up to three color assignable cymbals that functions as a Rock Band game controller. A drum conversion kit is also available to transform the kit from a game controller to a real instrument (sold separately).
Gamers will be happy to know that in addition to shipping with 84 songs on the game disc (compared to the 58 of the original game), there will be an additional 20 games available for download for free following the game’s launch.
The wait is almost over.
Jenova Chen Named One of the World’s Top Young Innovators
Posted by Howard on 25 Aug, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, flOw, flower, PS3, PSN, thatgamecompany, TR35
The University of Southern California today announced that Jenova Chen, co- founder of thatgamecompany, has been recognized by Technology Review magazine as one of the world’s top innovators under the age of 35 for his revolutionary approach to video gaming.
As a graduate student, Chen looked to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of “flow,” which identifies a state of focus that people find enjoyable and fulfilling. Chen uses the theory’s principles to design games that offer just enough challenge — not so little that players become bored, not so much that they become anxious.
Chen, along with Kellee Santiago, formed thatgamecompany, and secured a 3 game deal with Sony Computer Entertainment America. Their first commercial title “flOw” was release on the SONY PS3 Network, has been named the “Best Downloadable Game of 2008″ and “Best Debut Game & Innovation Nominee” by the Game Developers Choice Awards 2008, and is the best selling game on the Playstation Network in both US and Japan. Their next title, “Flower,” will be released later this year.
“The TR35 honors young innovators for accomplishments that are poised to have a dramatic impact on the world as we know it,” said Jason Pontin, editor- in-chief and publisher of Technology Review magazine. “We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued advancement of technology in their respective fields.”
“Jenova Chen exemplifies what it means to be an innovator. He pushes the boundaries of his industry, questioning assumptions about what gaming can be. Because of his breakthrough vision, the impact from his approach to gaming will be felt for generations to come,” said Krisztina “Z” Holly, USC Vice Provost for Innovation and Executive Director of the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation.
Chen and the other TR35 winners for 2008 will be featured in the September issue of Technology Review magazine and honored at EmTech08 Conference to be held at MIT in Cambridge, Mass. September 23-25, 2008.
Sony Announces New PSP
Posted by Howard on 20 Aug, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, PSP, PSP-3000, Sony
Sony has just announced the first details as well as release information for the upgraded PSP. Replacing the current PSP-2000, also known as the PSP Slim, the PSP-3000 will boast a number of new features. Most notable of those are the new high contrast LCD as well as a built-in mic. The LCD will also sport a better response time, better color representation and an anti-reflection technology to help increase visibility in well-lit areas.
The built-in microphone will allow users take advantage of games with voice features, Skype and other communication tools without requiring any additional accessories.
The video output port on the PSP-3000 will include interlace support. What this means is that gamers that couldn’t take advantage of the feature on the PSP-2000 due to it being progressive only (HD) will be able to play PSP content directly on their non-HD TVs.
The system is due to release in Piano Black, Pearl White and Mystic Silver. The new units are due for release worldwide in October 2008.
Suda51, Shinji Mikami and EA Partner Up
Posted by Howard on 14 Aug, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, EA, Grasshopper Manufacture, PC, PS3, Shinji Mikami, Suda 51, Wii, Xbox 360
EA Partners, the arm of Electronic Arts that works with independant developers has announced their first partnership with a Japanese firm. The deal will see EA publish a title developed by Grasshopper Manufacture, known for No More Heroes, Killer 7 and others. Suda51 will be designing the title himself and he is also bringing Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil, Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe) along as Producer. PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and the PC will be the platforms the title is released on.
No real details of the title were released as of now. Shinji Mikami only revealed that the game will be dark, scary and full of action. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled on this one folks
New Armored Core Announced
Posted by Howard on 30 Jul, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Armored Core, PS3, Ubisoft, Xbox 360
Ubisoft has announced that they’ll be releasing the next title in the long running Armored Core franchise. The thirteenth entry in the series, the game will release both on Xbox 360 and PS3. Some features include both co-op and competitive online play, changing the storyline through switching factions, three different endings, 40 battlefields and all the mech customizing action the series is known for.
In the distant future, massive urban development and pollution have critically damaged the planet. There is widespread fear that the end of the world is approaching. The League corporations, a military superpower, control the planet’s infrastructure and have forced most of the world’s population to live in huge aerial communities, called Cradles, to avoid the contamination. The ORCA, a rebel resistance still residing on the surface of the polluted planet, have amassed a formidable arsenal and are mobilizing to attack The League’s bases to put an end to their iron grip on the planet. As a mercenary armed with cutting-edge military robot technology, choose your side and defeat the other factions by harnessing the power of the deadliest and most gigantic weapons ever created by mankind.
Armored Core for Answer is due for release in September 2008.
Afro Samurai: Resurrection First Details
Posted by Howard on 24 Jul, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Afro Samurai, funimation
Afro Samurai: Resurrection, the sequel to the popular sci-fi samurai anime with a hip hop flair is just hours away from being announced and premiered at the San Diego Comic Con. However, ahead of that, PopCultureShock already has some dirty little details for you. Though not much is known about the plot as of now, we do know who will be voicing the villain. We’ve confirmed with a source inside FUNimation that Lucy Liu will be providing the voice of the Afro’s adversary this time around.
The second tastey morsel is this. While we’ll be getting a look at the second season of Afro Samurai later today, we were informed by someone high up at Gonzo way back during February 2007 that not only were they working towards and planning a Season 2 of Afro Samurai, but Season 3 and Season 4 as well. Sorry we forgot to tell you about that one…
Final Fantasy XIII Confirmed for Xbox 360
Posted by Howard on 14 Jul, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Final Fantasy 13, Square, Xbox 360
Square Enix’s President Yoichi Wada announced at the end of the Microsoft E3 Press Event that Final Fantasy XIII will be released on Xbox 360. The title will ship simultaneously on Xbox 360 and PS3 in the US and Europe. The title is still a PS3 exclusive in its native Japan.
We’ll have more details on this as it develops.
Nintendo Announces Wii MotionPlus
Posted by Howard on 14 Jul, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Nintendo, Wii
Nintendo announced the Wii MotionPlus today, ahead of their E3 press conference tomorrow. The Wii MotionPlus is an accessory that attaches to the bottom of the Wii-mote and enhances gameplay ‘by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space.’ Very little else is known about the accessory as of now. So far it seems like it just makes the Wii-mote more precise. Read the full announcement below and we’ll have more details from E3 this week.
Nintendo’s upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote controller again redefines game control, by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space. The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player’s arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion. Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play. The Wii MotionPlus accessory reconfirms Nintendo’s commitment to making games intuitive and accessible for everyone. Nintendo will reveal more details about the Wii MotionPlus accessory and other topics Tuesday morning at its E3 media briefing.
Street Fighter IV Comes Home
Posted by Howard on 28 May, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog, Capcom, PS3, Street Fighter, Xbox 360
Not surprisingly, Capcom has decided to release the latest title in the Street Fighter franchise on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. What might catch gamers off guard just a little bit is the fact that the firm will release Street Fighter IV on PC as well. Set between the events of Street Fighter II and Street Fighter III, the latest iteration will blend 3D graphics with the traditional 2D mechanics gamers became used to with Street Fighter II. The arcade release is due this Summer. We’ll have more on the home release of this title as it breaks.
Gunslinger Girl II Coming To The States
Posted by Howard on 14 May, 2008 in Anime News, Blogs, Howard's Blog, News, funimation, Gunslinger Girl
Funimation announced today that they’re bringing the second volume to the excellent series, Gunslinger Girl to fans in the United States. Titled Gunslinger Girl II Teatrino, the story begins with the Social Welfare Agency investigating the Five Republics as they search for a missing operative. The assassin Triela infiltrates the hostile organization, but her search is cut short when she finds herself staring down the barrel of a gun.
The second volume will be released as one complete DVD release. Unfortunately, fans are going to have to wait until 2009 for this one.
Uwe Boll promises to stop making movies if…
Posted by Howard on 07 May, 2008 in Blogs, Howard's Blog,
Gamers have been fearful of the name Uwe Boll for 5 years now. Starting with his film adaptation of House of The Dead (2003), Uwe has made a name for himself by not only making very bad movies (that’s about as politely as we can state it), but also by targetting videogame franchises for his film treatments. He’s gone on to create BloodRayne films, Postal, Alone in The Dark and more. Though gamers have been wishing that the man would simply stop destroying our franchises, the man keeps on going.
A day of hope, however, may be approaching. Uwe Boll was recently asked in an interview about his thoughts on an online petition that aimed at getting him to stop making movies. At the time of the interview, the petition only had 18,000 signatures and Boll stated, “Yeah, I know that. 18,000 is not enough to convince me.” When asked how many signatures would it take to make him stop, he replied “One million. Now we have a new goal.”
Where things get even funnier is that Stride Gum is trying to do their part to speed up the process. If the petition reaches 1 million signatures before May 14th, they’ll give 1 million packs of gum to the those who sign the petition.
Whether or not Dr. Uwe Boll meant what he said about stopping if the petition hit 1 million or if he’s just trying to take advantage of the press it’ll stir up ahead of his latest movie, Postal, making a theatrical release this month remains to be seen. For the gamers out there, however, that hope to never see one of their beloved franchises tarnished again, it just may be worth a try.
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