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TOP SPOT
Impressions: Silent Hill Homecoming Silent Hill finds a new home and rediscovers its roots. Full details inside. 
TOP SPOT
Impressions: Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise It's back. Check out our hands-on impressions. 
TOP SPOT
Impressions: Gears of War 2 We see Gears of War 2's single-player mode. Our impressions inside. |
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Xbox 360Ninja Gaiden II Impressions We play some of Tecmo's violent sequel. Our first impressions inside. |
Media: Mad World Trailer
Hyper-violent action meets the Wii.
April NPD: Wii and DS Dominate
Nothing new to see here!
Rumor: Beyond Good & Evil Getting Sequel
More industry rumblings.
News: Platinum Games Team with Sega
Ex-Clover devs working on 4 titles. |
360
Hands-On Silent Hill: Homecoming
by Sascha Lichtenstein | 05/16/08 | 10:38 PM PST
Someone on the marketing staff at Konami deserves a high-five or whatever the hell the new, hip equivalent to the high-five is, cause Silent Hill: Homecoming is one of the most paradoxically ironic and fitting game titles ever brainstormed. The irony of course stems from the fact that the latest entry in the respected survival horror franchise actually marks the first time the series has left its home at Konami's KCET studio in Japan, having shacked up instead with western developer The Collective in a move that is still a source of anxiety for long-time fans of the series. On the flipside, it's fitting because after having gone hands on with the game at Konami's Gamer's Night, it definitely feels as though the western-developed Homecoming is shaping up to be a return to the distinct sinister tone and layered psychological terror that made the first two installments of the franchise so memorable.
Hands-On Silent Hill: Homecoming
by Sascha Lichtenstein | 05/16/08 | 10:38 PM PST
Someone on the marketing staff at Konami deserves a high-five or whatever the hell the new, hip equivalent to the high-five is, cause Silent Hill: Homecoming is one of the most paradoxically ironic and fitting game titles ever brainstormed. The irony of course stems from the fact that the latest entry in the respected survival horror franchise actually marks the first time the series has left its home at Konami's KCET studio in Japan, having shacked up instead with western developer The Collective in a move that is still a source of anxiety for long-time fans of the series. On the flipside, it's fitting because after having gone hands on with the game at Konami's Gamer's Night, it definitely feels as though the western-developed Homecoming is shaping up to be a return to the distinct sinister tone and layered psychological terror that made the first two installments of the franchise so memorable.
Continue reading: Hands-On Silent Hill: Homecoming
Wii
Igarashi: You'll Hear Something About Castlevania Wii in the Near Future
by Nathan Grayson | 05/15/08 | 9:38 PM PST
If Simon Belmont had a Facebook page, he'd almost certainly devote a portion of it to showering the Nintendo Wii with his special brand of love. (Also, he'd be a fan of Michael Jackson's "Thriller.") Why? Simple, the Wii-mote could make a rockin' whip, if used properly. Why this hasn't been attempted yet is beyond me. Fortunately, Koji Iagarashi, the Castlevania producer whose cowboy hat and tall, dashing figure lend him a vague resemblance to the main character of Darkwatch, is looking to remedy the Wii's abject lack of flagellating ropes.
"In regards to the Wii, there's not really much I can say right now," Igarashi said in an interview with IGN. "I'm looking at the system, and we're looking to expand the franchise, so I'm sure that in the coming weeks or months you'll be hearing something new."
Did he say Castlevania? No. But what has the man actually worked on without the word "Castlevania" adorning its logo? A cursory glance at Wikipedia points to some older games and the PS2 title Nano Breaker which, well, everyone has an off-day here and there, right?
In addition, Igarashi spoke highly of Nintendo's Wiiware initiative, pointing to it as an avenue for a 2D Castlevania on the Wii.
"I think that development for 2D in regards to the Wii or any other system is very difficult to do right now, but there are other avenues we can use to explore the 2D progression of Castlevania such as WiiWare or downloadable content and whatnot," he noted.
Igarashi: You'll Hear Something About Castlevania Wii in the Near Future
by Nathan Grayson | 05/15/08 | 9:38 PM PST
If Simon Belmont had a Facebook page, he'd almost certainly devote a portion of it to showering the Nintendo Wii with his special brand of love. (Also, he'd be a fan of Michael Jackson's "Thriller.") Why? Simple, the Wii-mote could make a rockin' whip, if used properly. Why this hasn't been attempted yet is beyond me. Fortunately, Koji Iagarashi, the Castlevania producer whose cowboy hat and tall, dashing figure lend him a vague resemblance to the main character of Darkwatch, is looking to remedy the Wii's abject lack of flagellating ropes.
"In regards to the Wii, there's not really much I can say right now," Igarashi said in an interview with IGN. "I'm looking at the system, and we're looking to expand the franchise, so I'm sure that in the coming weeks or months you'll be hearing something new."
Did he say Castlevania? No. But what has the man actually worked on without the word "Castlevania" adorning its logo? A cursory glance at Wikipedia points to some older games and the PS2 title Nano Breaker which, well, everyone has an off-day here and there, right?
In addition, Igarashi spoke highly of Nintendo's Wiiware initiative, pointing to it as an avenue for a 2D Castlevania on the Wii.
"I think that development for 2D in regards to the Wii or any other system is very difficult to do right now, but there are other avenues we can use to explore the 2D progression of Castlevania such as WiiWare or downloadable content and whatnot," he noted.
PS3
Media: A Few New Silent Hill: Homecoming Screens
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 8:37 PM PST
A few new screens of the latest Silent Hill sequel courtesy Konami:
Media: A Few New Silent Hill: Homecoming Screens
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 8:37 PM PST
A few new screens of the latest Silent Hill sequel courtesy Konami:
DS
Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works Preview: In Stores May 28th
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 7:38 PM PST
If you're a steady fan of Mega Man, you might just know about this.
Going back to the Game Boy Advance, there was a four-game series of Mega Man titles known as Mega Man Zero. This series, a far-flung continuation of the events which occured in the Mega Man X series and which lead to those happening in the ZX series, was notorious for its merciless difficulty; "Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden in 2D Mega Man form," some have called it.
The series also brought with it a new style of art and design which some might say betrayed its ball-busting difficulty, though upon closer inspection, it did well to reflect this darker visage of the world of Mega Man in a post-apocalyptic time when 75 percent of the world's population had been decimated. Since then, the style has been carried over to the more recent Mega Man ZX series.
Unlike America, however, Japan has always had a ton of supplementary material for Mega Man, or rather, Rockman games. Soundtracks with additional story that fills in gaps, guidebooks that do the same, and artbooks. And that last one is what the Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works falls under, as upon the completion of the series, the Rockman version was released in Japan. And after a year and a half in the making, America is about to get a taste as well.
Hit the jump for further details and preview pages.
Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works Preview: In Stores May 28th
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 7:38 PM PST
If you're a steady fan of Mega Man, you might just know about this.
Going back to the Game Boy Advance, there was a four-game series of Mega Man titles known as Mega Man Zero. This series, a far-flung continuation of the events which occured in the Mega Man X series and which lead to those happening in the ZX series, was notorious for its merciless difficulty; "Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden in 2D Mega Man form," some have called it.
The series also brought with it a new style of art and design which some might say betrayed its ball-busting difficulty, though upon closer inspection, it did well to reflect this darker visage of the world of Mega Man in a post-apocalyptic time when 75 percent of the world's population had been decimated. Since then, the style has been carried over to the more recent Mega Man ZX series.
Unlike America, however, Japan has always had a ton of supplementary material for Mega Man, or rather, Rockman games. Soundtracks with additional story that fills in gaps, guidebooks that do the same, and artbooks. And that last one is what the Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works falls under, as upon the completion of the series, the Rockman version was released in Japan. And after a year and a half in the making, America is about to get a taste as well.
Hit the jump for further details and preview pages.
Wii
Media: Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked Screens
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 7:25 PM PST
Quibbling over graphics isn't really my thing. Sure, they're some games with great gameplay masked by muddy visuals, but that does little to break a game, in my opinion.
What gets me miffed is when a developer puts so little effort into making their game look decent that it looks plain bad. And Lost in Blue for Wii looks just that - bad.
See for yourself:
Media: Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked Screens
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 7:25 PM PST
Quibbling over graphics isn't really my thing. Sure, they're some games with great gameplay masked by muddy visuals, but that does little to break a game, in my opinion.
What gets me miffed is when a developer puts so little effort into making their game look decent that it looks plain bad. And Lost in Blue for Wii looks just that - bad.
See for yourself:
DS
Media: 5 New Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Screens to Sink Your Teeth Into
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 6:36 PM PST
Bit by bit, we see more of the new Castlevania and its ambiguously-at-best gendered protagonist. Also: Bigass swords. For when a whip isn't compensatory enough.
Seriously, though; I think that's actually a woman. But I'm too scared to commit myself to that train of thought.
Media: 5 New Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Screens to Sink Your Teeth Into
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 6:36 PM PST
Bit by bit, we see more of the new Castlevania and its ambiguously-at-best gendered protagonist. Also: Bigass swords. For when a whip isn't compensatory enough.
Seriously, though; I think that's actually a woman. But I'm too scared to commit myself to that train of thought.
Wii
Media: First Mad World Screens for Wii
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 6:33 PM PST
Have a splash of monochrome. Go on, no need to fear it.
Media: First Mad World Screens for Wii
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 6:33 PM PST
Have a splash of monochrome. Go on, no need to fear it.
PS3
PS3 Firmware Update 2.35 Doesn't Fix GTA IV Freeze
by Matt Furtado | 05/15/08 | 6:23 PM PST
PS3 Firmware Update 2.35 is now available and it focuses on fixing the stability of some PS3 titles. Many would assume that this would fix the Grand Theft Auto IV freezing problem; however, they would be quite off and very wrong.
A Sony representative responded in the official PlayStation Blog comment section stating: "I just want to clarify that this upcoming firmware update isn't related to GTA IV. For those of you who may still have an issue playing the game on your PS3, we have identified a solution that should resolve the issue. You can contact SCEA Consumer Services for support — their contact info and hours of service, as well as more information on this issue, are available in our Knowledge Center Customer Help."
Will PlayStation 3 owners ever see a fix for Grand Theft Auto IV? We certainly hope so. But for now, the wait continues.
PS3 Firmware Update 2.35 Doesn't Fix GTA IV Freeze
by Matt Furtado | 05/15/08 | 6:23 PM PST
PS3 Firmware Update 2.35 is now available and it focuses on fixing the stability of some PS3 titles. Many would assume that this would fix the Grand Theft Auto IV freezing problem; however, they would be quite off and very wrong.
A Sony representative responded in the official PlayStation Blog comment section stating: "I just want to clarify that this upcoming firmware update isn't related to GTA IV. For those of you who may still have an issue playing the game on your PS3, we have identified a solution that should resolve the issue. You can contact SCEA Consumer Services for support — their contact info and hours of service, as well as more information on this issue, are available in our Knowledge Center Customer Help."
Will PlayStation 3 owners ever see a fix for Grand Theft Auto IV? We certainly hope so. But for now, the wait continues.
source: PlayStation Blog
Wii
Media: A Hyper-Violent Trailer for Mad World
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 6:23 PM PST
Sega brings hyper-violence to the Wii. Political uproar in T-minus 2...
Media: A Hyper-Violent Trailer for Mad World
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 6:23 PM PST
Sega brings hyper-violence to the Wii. Political uproar in T-minus 2...
source: GameTrailers
PS3
Kojima: MGS4 is 'Final Episode' of Solid Snake Saga
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 5:49 PM PST
It begun in 1987 on the MSX2, and with the introduction of the first "Solid" title on the PlayStation some 11 years later, Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear series reached cult status and gained legions of fans forever tied to the series' lead role Solid Snake. In less than a month Snake's final outing will be experienced by the same followers eager to know how the story turns out.
It promises to be a doozy. Yes, a doozy.
"Designing [Metal Gear Solid 4 and Metal Gear Online] was quite a task, and I'm relieved for the moment," Kojima said to a crowd at Konami's press event this week. He went on to say that Guns of The Patriots will be the series' "grand finale" and is the "final episode of the Solid Snake Saga" and "Snake's final mission."
Perhaps the trailers shown have misled opinions suggesting that Snake's final moments will be a suicide mission (for real this time). Personally I hope not, though thankfully the wait to find out is now less than a month away.
Kojima: MGS4 is 'Final Episode' of Solid Snake Saga
by Tanner Smith | 05/15/08 | 5:49 PM PST
It begun in 1987 on the MSX2, and with the introduction of the first "Solid" title on the PlayStation some 11 years later, Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear series reached cult status and gained legions of fans forever tied to the series' lead role Solid Snake. In less than a month Snake's final outing will be experienced by the same followers eager to know how the story turns out.
It promises to be a doozy. Yes, a doozy.
"Designing [Metal Gear Solid 4 and Metal Gear Online] was quite a task, and I'm relieved for the moment," Kojima said to a crowd at Konami's press event this week. He went on to say that Guns of The Patriots will be the series' "grand finale" and is the "final episode of the Solid Snake Saga" and "Snake's final mission."
Perhaps the trailers shown have misled opinions suggesting that Snake's final moments will be a suicide mission (for real this time). Personally I hope not, though thankfully the wait to find out is now less than a month away.
source: GamePro
GEN
GTA IV = Best-selling Game of April, Followed by Mario Kart
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:28 PM PST
In the short time that Grand Theft Auto IV was available in April, it managed to outsell every other game during the month. Mario Kart Wii was the second best-selling game, followed by Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Full list below.
Software sales for April 2008 were up 68% over April 2007. Not. Too. Bad.
GTA IV = Best-selling Game of April, Followed by Mario Kart
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:28 PM PST
In the short time that Grand Theft Auto IV was available in April, it managed to outsell every other game during the month. Mario Kart Wii was the second best-selling game, followed by Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Full list below.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) - 1,850,000
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 1,120,000
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3) - 1,000,000
4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) - 326,000
5. Wii Play (Wii) - 360,000
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3) - 224,000
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (DS) - 202,000
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time (DS) - 202,000
9. Guitar Hero III (Wii) - 152,000
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360) - 141,000
Software sales for April 2008 were up 68% over April 2007. Not. Too. Bad.
source: NeoGAF
GEN
April NPD Numbers: Wii on Top, Xbox 360 and PS3 Neck and Neck
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:18 PM PST
NPD numbers for April 2008 just hit the wire, and, not surprisingly, Wii dominated hardware sales, doing over 700,000 units during the month. Meanwhile, competing next-gen platforms Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were neck and neck in sales, separated by only 1,000 units.
April NPD Numbers: Wii on Top, Xbox 360 and PS3 Neck and Neck
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:18 PM PST
NPD numbers for April 2008 just hit the wire, and, not surprisingly, Wii dominated hardware sales, doing over 700,000 units during the month. Meanwhile, competing next-gen platforms Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were neck and neck in sales, separated by only 1,000 units.
- Wii - 714,200
- Nintendo DS - 414,800
- PSP - 192,000
- Xbox 360 - 188,000
- PlayStation 3 - 187,100
- PlayStation 2 - 124,400
source: NeoGAF
360
Media: Debut Teaser Trailer for Bayonetta
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:00 PM PST
Here it is, folks. The teaser trailer for Platinum Game's Bayonetta. It looks fairly awesome.
Media: Debut Teaser Trailer for Bayonetta
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:00 PM PST
Here it is, folks. The teaser trailer for Platinum Game's Bayonetta. It looks fairly awesome.
360
Mmmm... a Weapon -- Rare Gave Us a Knife
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 3:30 PM PST
This week, we got our hands on a few cool pieces of swag, including some awesome Rabbids collectables and the Metal Gear Solid Bluetooth headset. But there's another piece of swag we got this week -- this one from Microsoft and Rare.
That's right. A multi-purpose Banjo-Kazooie-themed wrench, featuring several useful tools, one of which is a knife. I had to catch a flight home today, and I nearly forgot to take the thing out of my carry-on bag. I'm sure the TSA would have loved that.
Oh, and sorry for the fuzzy picture quality.
Mmmm... a Weapon -- Rare Gave Us a Knife
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 3:30 PM PST
This week, we got our hands on a few cool pieces of swag, including some awesome Rabbids collectables and the Metal Gear Solid Bluetooth headset. But there's another piece of swag we got this week -- this one from Microsoft and Rare.
That's right. A multi-purpose Banjo-Kazooie-themed wrench, featuring several useful tools, one of which is a knife. I had to catch a flight home today, and I nearly forgot to take the thing out of my carry-on bag. I'm sure the TSA would have loved that.
Oh, and sorry for the fuzzy picture quality.
360
Konami's Rock Revolution Set to Play a Tune You've Probably Heard Before
by Nathan Grayson | 05/15/08 | 2:18 PM PST
Crafted by SingStar developer Zoë Mode, Rock Revolution looks to be a natural evolution of Konami's bemani series of music games -- more specifically, GuitarFreaks and DrumMania. Its Xbox 360/PS3 incarnation will include:
* 40 songs on the disc, with DLC tracks planned
* Record your own songs in a "Jam Session" (8 separate tracks)
* Online co-op, versus, and battle of the bands modes
* Crazy big drum set with six pads, plus pedal
In addition, the Wii version will allow aspiring, er, musicians to flail their Wii-motes and Nunchaku to the glorious wails of the guitar. Last, but not least, in what'll likely leave you blushing bright red in public, the DS version of the Rock Revolution will allow you to sing into the console's microphone. Suddenly, Accordion Hero doesn't seem like such a bad idea.
Now, knowing Konami's musical pedigree, I'm sure this game will be spectacular. Frankly, I'm just bitter about having to purchase a third set of drums.
Peep the trailer after the break.
Konami's Rock Revolution Set to Play a Tune You've Probably Heard Before
by Nathan Grayson | 05/15/08 | 2:18 PM PST
Crafted by SingStar developer Zoë Mode, Rock Revolution looks to be a natural evolution of Konami's bemani series of music games -- more specifically, GuitarFreaks and DrumMania. Its Xbox 360/PS3 incarnation will include:
* 40 songs on the disc, with DLC tracks planned
* Record your own songs in a "Jam Session" (8 separate tracks)
* Online co-op, versus, and battle of the bands modes
* Crazy big drum set with six pads, plus pedal
In addition, the Wii version will allow aspiring, er, musicians to flail their Wii-motes and Nunchaku to the glorious wails of the guitar. Last, but not least, in what'll likely leave you blushing bright red in public, the DS version of the Rock Revolution will allow you to sing into the console's microphone. Suddenly, Accordion Hero doesn't seem like such a bad idea.
Now, knowing Konami's musical pedigree, I'm sure this game will be spectacular. Frankly, I'm just bitter about having to purchase a third set of drums.
Peep the trailer after the break.
