Play-Asia Affiliation

Hey Buttonbasher’s!

You may have read earlier that Lik-Sang (Gaming import site) was shut down. You may be wondering what you will do now to get your quality import games. You may have heard of Play-Asia in the past, and now they stand at the top of the gaming import sites. We here at Buttonbasher like Play-Asia . And we hope you like them too!

If you look to the sidebar (under the links) you’ll see a new section titled ‘Affiliates’. Play-Asia has a deal that if you order from them using that link, or this link, or maybe even this one, it will help Buttonbasher out.  Every time you order from Play-Asia, using that link, Buttonbasher get’s a small fraction of money from that order! This extra money will be used to either purchase games to review for you guys (do you want to hear about more games on the day that they come out?), or to better the site (domain names, etc.).

I want to thank Play-Asia for this opportunity. I think this is a good move for the site, and things can only get better! Also, just so you guys know, I won’t be pimping Play-Asia with this many links in every post. Things won’t really change (no flashy ads, pop-ups, etc.), except for the occasional link to order a game that I review at the bottom of that post.

If you have any problems, feel free to contact me. Thanks to everyone who continues to support the site. We are now 25,000 visitors strong, and it’s only a matter of time until that number doubles! To the future!

K(el) Lind

Play-Asia!

Halo 3 scans. Megaton.

So later on this month, I will run out to my mailbox with glee (not caring that it’s cold as Sidewinder, and I’m still in my PJ’s), and discover the warm loving embrace that is the Halo 3 cover story on EGM. But of course, living in the age of the internets, someone has been nice enough to scan the info from another magazine covering the story. This does include screens of Halo 3. But the details are just as good:

Legendary Edition

The CE will be called “Legendary Edition” and is a replica of Master Chief’s helmet complete with four DVD discs. The first disc will be the game disc, the second will contain documentaries and developer comments, the third disc is all about the spin-off material that has been created (Red vs. Blue, Spark of Life etc) and the last disc will contain all of the cut scenes from Halo 1 to 3 in HD. (you can see it on the 3rd photo)

—–
On plot twists
“Halo 3 will contain more plot twists than any other game in the series” –Jaime Griesemer

On Gears of War being competition
“We’ve played lots and lots of multiplayer and some singleplayer, and yeah, it’s really good. But it’s also quite a bit different from what we’re doing. I realize that a lot of people are concerned that Halo 3 and GoW are going to compete for the same audience, but I think that when people get to play, they’ll realize how different the games are. Gears is a much slower game where stragegy and cover plays a bigger part.” –Jaime Griesemer

On graphics
“A lot is still missing in this build. Weather- and water effects are missing, and most of our HDR isn’t in there yet. We’re still at alpha stage, but when everything is in place, Halo 3 will be the best X360 has to offer.” –Brian Jarrard

“We definitely have another strategy than Epic Games when it comes to graphics. We’ll never engulf our game environments in lots of details like that. GoW looks absolutely fantastic, but we want to avoid compromising Halo’s unique visual style. That’s why we’re making a clean, sharp game as opposed to one with insane amount of details.” –Brian Jarrard

“There are many ways to convey emotion. Graphics is not the most important one.” –Brian Jarrard

On multiplayer and bots
“Multiplayer has always been important, but it’s developed in a different way which makes it look bigger for every game. We have a base that we always build the MP part on, whereas the SP mode practically has to be built ground-up every time. Xbox Live also made MP in Halo 2 even more important.” –Brian Jarrard

“A lot of people ask us about bots. They think that the AI in Halo was pretty damn good, and would work well in MP as well, but it’s really not that simple. The enemies in Halo are optimized for encountering the player in large numbers. They would be a lot worse at abstract thought AI like ‘I have to defend my flag’ and so forth. In short, to create bots for Halo would be an immense undertaking, and we rather put that time into making new levels, weapons and netcode.” –Jaime Griesemer
——

There’s apparantly some new kind of covenenant technology in the game, an energy barrier of some kind that lets players move through it freely but stops bullets and grenades.

New Weapons:
*Spiker: the weapon of choice for brutes.
*Spartan Laser: An anti-veichle weapon, fires a red laser that pretty much destroys any veichle that is hit.

New Vehicle:
*Moongoose: The ATV that was supposed to be in Halo 2. It carries 2 people and it doesn’t have any weapons so it’s mainly a means of getting from point A to point B as fast as possible.”

from gamefaqs
Swedish magazine level has had the chance to play halo 3 in multiplayer and there are 3 levels which is revealed,
Valhalla = blood gulch, High Ground = Zanzibar, Snowbound = Frost bite.

New vehicle – Mongoose, mostly for transport 2 persons.

new weapon- spartan laser, hard to use but extremely powerful vehicle destroyer apparently

- nail grenade, sticks on walls and emits nails into the air.

new weapon – spiker (brute weapon),

your secondary weapon is visible at all times at your back. (THANK GOD!!!)

New transportation system in multilayer- man cannon, launches you into the air through air streams, you can still be fired at and you can fire back.

The X-button will have a special use which Bungie will not reveal.

No bots will come to H3. that will be all.

Bumper buttons can be used to reload both weapons independantly.

What if you could save your own movies from Halo 3’s single and multiplayer gameplay and then rewatch them? In Halo 3, you can.

UPDATE: My image links died, so to avoid this issue again, just check the pictures out at this link: Neo-GAF

KLind

Review- Splinter Cell: Double Agent (360)

I admit, I’m a Splinter Cell fanboy. I played the first two games on the Gamecube, and read both of the novels. Ubisoft must know this, because Sam Fisher’s latest adventure came out on my birthday, October 19. I got to experience the ‘Next Gen Splinter Cell’, on day one! And am I impressed? Hell yes.

The thing I find interesting about the Splinter Cell franchise is that even though it seems to get a sequel every year, it doesn’t just add one feature and call it a day. It adds huge features for each new game. From the first game to Pandora Tomorrow they added (some excellent) multiplayer. From Pandora Tomorrow to Chaos Theory they expanded the multiplayer, and advanced combat updates. What’s new for Double Agent? A new Sam.

When Sam’s daughter Sarah is killed by a drunk driver, he loses focus on his missions. After some time off, (Sam’s voice in his head boss) Col. Irving Lambert offers Sam a position as an NOCagent in order for him to infiltrate a terrorist cell called John Brown’s Army (JBA). But to get in, you have to prove you are worthy to one of the members (who just happens to be in jail!). In order to get in jail, the NSA stages multiple bank robberies, and a fake body count. This plan ends up landing Sam in Ellsworth Prison, coincidentally in the same cell as JBA member, Jaime Washington. You gain his trust by helping him break out. Soon after starting a riot to distract the guards, and being handed a non-lethal shotgun, you find yourself on the roof. Sam and Jaime hijack a news helicopter that thought they were going to get the story of a lifetime.

After escaping prison, Jaime invites you to join the JBA. Sam accepts, and is wisked away to JBA headquarters in New York City. You have three missions that take place in JBA HQ, all of which end up being some of the most fun in the game. These missions break away from the typical Splinter Cell mission formula of ’stay in the shadows, don’t be seen’ by having you be stealthy around all of the other terrorists. You have multiple objectives (some for the NSA, some for the JBA) in each mission. If you are caught (aka if you are seen)by a JBA member, while doing an NSA mission, they will become suspicious, and will lose trust of you. If your trust meter get’s too low then it’s game over.

At the end of the first JBA HQ mission, Emile (the boss) asks you to prove your loyalty to the JBA by killing the news helicopter pilot. By choosing to shoot or not shoot, that will affect the rest of the game. Similar quick decision moments are littered throughout the game, and add a whole new level to the franchise.

Another aspect that changes things up is that most of the missions take place in the bright sunshine of the day. Whether that be on a cruise ship (where you plant a bomb), or a well lit Hotel (where you steal notes), or a snowstorm (during a snowstorm). This feature makes you think about how you are going to hide, compared to just running to the dark.

The changes in Double Agent all seem to pay off. The achievement system is better than expected (along with completing missions, you also get it for taking down a certain amount of guards non-lethally, or disabling 20 lights with your gadgets). The graphics are some of the best out there for the 360, and other than the occasional stutter, or glitch, the game runs smoothly. The story has more depth, and varies more than past installments. Ubisoft, we like it! Give us another!
9.9/10

KLind

Lik-Sang Closes Doors. Sony to blame.

This makes me so angry. Lik-Sang (One of the largest online Game importers) have been shut down by Sony. Read the Press Release:

Important Notice: Lik-Sang.com Out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits
Oct 24 2006 21:58:51 Hong Kong Time – Corporate Info

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – OUT OF BUSINESS NOTICE

Hong Kong, October 24th of 2006 – Lik-Sang.com, the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony claimed that Lik-Sang infringed its trade marks, copyright and registered design rights by selling Sony PSP consoles from Asia to European customers, and have recently obtained a judgment in the High Court of London (England) rendering Lik-Sang’s sales of PSP consoles unlawful.

As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal.

A Sony spokesperson declined to comment directly on the lawsuit against Lik-Sang, but recently went on to tell Gamesindustry.biz that “ultimately, we’re trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not – in PS3’s case – backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty”.

Lik Sang strongly disagrees with Sony’s opinion that their customers need this kind of protection and pointed out that PSP consoles shipped from Lik-Sang contained genuine Sony 100V-240V AC Adapters that carry CE and other safety marks and are compatible world wide. All PSP consoles were in conformity with all EU and UK consumer safety regulations.

Furthermore, Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe’s very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan’s official release, as early as 14th of December 2004 (more than nine months earlier than the legal action). The list of PSP related Sony Europe orders reads like the who’s who of the videogames industry, and includes Ray Maguire (Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Alan Duncan (UK Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Chris Sorrell (Creative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Rob Parkin (Development Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited), just to name a few.

“Today is Sony Europe victory about PSP, tomorrow is Sony Europe’s ongoing pressure about PlayStation 3. With this precedent set, next week could already be the stage for complaints from Sony America about the same thing, or from other console manufacturers about other consoles to other regions, or even from any publisher about any specific software title to any country they don’t see fit. It’s the beginning of the end… of the World as we know it”, stated Pascal Clarysse, formerly known as the Marketing Manager of Lik-Sang.com.

“Blame it on Sony. That’s the latest dark spot in their shameful track record as gaming industry leader. The Empire finally ‘won’, few dominating retailers from the UK probably will rejoice the news, but everybody else in the gaming world lost something today.”

 

With all the negative press of the Playstation 3, this can’t make people any more fond of Sony.

KLind

Capcom Talks- PS3 bad press, DMC4, and Closing Clover

You may have heard last week that Clover Studios (Okami, God Hand, Viewtiful Joe) was shut down by Capcom due to “financial issues“. I just got around to playing Okami, and this made me sad. But Capcom has sat down with NextGen.biz to explain themselves about this, and to talk about upcoming projects.Next-Gen: How’s the balance going to look like as far as the titles that you produce for the next generation of consoles?  We know that Devil May Cry 4 is supposed to be coming out for PS3, Lost Planet for Xbox 360, but as far as overall support goes, how’s it going to spread out?Bellfield: Well we’re equally committed—not equally committed—we are committed to all…. As we go forward and discuss Xbox and PS2 content we’ll evaluate that, we’ll evaluate it on an ongoing basis.  We’re certainly committed to bringing out content for PS2 such as the bundle we have for the fifth anniversary collection of Devil May Cry.  I think there’s more of a value proposition for consumers to get those three games for $29.95, it’s a great value proposition for PS2. With regards to 360 and PS3 and Wii, I can say to you we’ve got some really exciting announcements coming up next spring and in terms of the content for those three platforms, we are absolutely committed to continuing the relationship with Microsoft as you’ve seen with Dead Rising and that you will see with Lost Planet.

Xbox 360 to get Valves Source engine

 From NextGen.biz:

Valve announced today that its Source middleware engine—the same one used for Half-Life 2—is now available for Xbox 360.

A brief statement from Valve said that the Xbox 360 version of the powerful engine would take advantage of the system’s hardware, as well as offer support for Xbox Live.

“The combination of Source and the Xbox 360 provides game designers throughout the industry the chance to create powerful entertainment experiences,” said Valve president and co-founder Gabe Newell. “Whether they’re pursuing a traditional FPS, RTS, RPG or delving into new genres, Source and the Xbox 360 are designed to offer the flexibility and tools to allow designers to pursue any design imaginable.”

Outside of Half-Life 2 and its subsequent episodes, PC games that have used or are announced to use Source include Portal, Team Fortress 2, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and SiN Episodes: Emergence.

Half-Life 2 is set to release for Xbox 360 and PS3 in Q1 2007. Valve had not responded to questions regarding further details of the Xbox 360 version of Source as of press time.

This  makes me wonder how they’ll carry it out. Will we get the same content that the PC has? I really want to see how this pans out.

KLind

No Preorders for Buttonbasher.

I didn’t get one, but I will camp out to get you guys the day one deets. And to get me some Zelda.

Just letting you guys know. 

KLind.

Nintendo Conference Japan? Today? Cool!

News so far…from Neo-GAF:

● Miyamoto has just announced “Health Pack” (code name) for Wii (related to Family Health Check)
● A new cooking guide titled “DS Menu Collection” (similar to cooking Navi) for DS announced, and will have 1000 built-in recipes The new cooking game has a magnet stand so you can put your DS on your fridge while you cook. Magnet stand costs 1200yen. It’s also Wi-Fi compatible. No idea what for yet. (Thanks to Jonnyram, Click)
● Wii-Experience videos. Also known as ‘more watch people be ridiculous with wiimote’ videos (Click)
● From Next Spring, “Wii Compact Software” will be sold… presumably, these are downloadable games (i.e., no disc or manual). (Thanks to Jonnyram)
● 18 Wii games for Japan in 2006 (thanks to neo)
● The plan is similar to DS strategy (thanks to neo)
● Big Brain Academy for 2007 Spring (thanks to neo)
● Around 60 Virtual Console games before the end of 2006, including PCE and MD. (thanks to neo)
● Zelda: Twilight Princess for Gamecube will be sold online only in Japan.

● Wii points Prepaid card
● Wii points Prepaid card 1000 (1000 yen) – 1000 Wii points
● Wii points Prepaid card 3000 (3000 yen) – 3000 Wii points
● Wii points Prepaid card 5000 (5000 yen) – 5000 Wii points (?) + classic Controller
● Power brick 3,000 Yen
●Composite 1,000 Yen
● S-Video 2,500 Yen
● D terminal 2,500 Yen
● Component 2,500 Yen
● 512MB SD 3,800 Yen
● Wired LAN Adapter 2,800 Yen

Link to Accessories

Source

Conference Page 1
Conference Page 2

KLind

Wii Preorders, a messy situation.

Around this time last year I was running around town with 420$ in my wallet. It was good to be alive! Nintendo had just shown off their next consoles new controller, and I was about to get an Xbox 360. Except for one small detail. I hadn’t preordered.

I left class on the 21st, and ran to my car. I went to all my local stores, and saw huge lines, and heard that I could either leave, or get a Core Pack. Finally I found myself sitting in a cold car eating cold fries, and making calls to all the retailers.

“Hello this is Target”

“Do you guys have many people in line to get the Xbox 360?”

“5 people, were getting 30. 15 cores, 15 premiums.”

So I went there. It was 6PM. I had a sleeping bag, a lawn chair, my DS and Trace Memory. I was good. Then they said it.

“You realize that the doors open at 8AM not midnight right?”

So I waited, and finally at 8am I got my 360. But I also got a terrible cold, and windburn. So I decided that I wouldn’t let it happen for Wii.

On Friday, EB Games, and Gamestop will begin taking preorders for the Wii when they open. 36 preorders should be available. Here’s the problem:

That’s the line to PREORDER PS3!

Sure the Wii will have more units to preorder, but if I don’t get a preorder, I really don’t want to go back to Target. So if you want a Wii from EB/Gamestop be there when the doors open friday! OR ELSE!…

…you’ll spend the day at Wal-Mart on the 18th.

KLind

TGS06 and X06 Mega update, courtesy of Neo-GAF!

During the past week or so I’ve been focused on my Wii interpretations, and have totally neglected posting about TGS (the Tokyo Game Show). I’m still lazy, so I’ll copy what Amir0x compiled on NeoGAF. Things I like are in bold. Things I don’t like are italics

General announcements

● Microsoft is going to bring TGS and X06 to XBL. Expect tons of demos, videos and more during this event. It’s an awesome thing indeed, and anyone with a 360 should capitalize. UK 360 owners get this event accompanied by a free trial of XBL Gold. (A)
● SquareEnix announces its line-up for TGS, including videos of FFXIII and playable Chocobo no Mahou Eho for DS. (A)
● Sony announced that there should be approximately 27 playable PS3 games at the show, along with various other PSP/PS2 playables. Check out what has been revealed so far. (A)
● Bioware has formed a “handheld game group” to develop for, well, handheld platforms. There first game is going to be on the Nintendo DS. (P)
● Since this isn’t technically game related, I thought I’d put it here. Square Enix has announced FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN COMPLETE for the Blu-Ray format. On top of being in a super high resolution, it’s also going to be a ‘director’s cut’ of sorts which includes never before scenes and more. (A)
● Sony WorldWide Studios has announced that it has over 100 GAMES in development for PS3. If that’s not astonishing, nothing is. Will they all be any good, though, is the question? (A)
● Some… bad news. MTV announced today that they plan to buy HARMONIX, of GUITAR HERO fame. Yes, you read that right. Apparently they still maintain complete creative control, but this does not seem good. (A)
● Capcom announced that they are going to make a 12 episode DEVIL MAY CRY anime. A short preview can be found at the link. (V, W)

Microsoft

Xbox 360

● EA has offically announced its “Tony Hawk Killer”, currently titled SKATE. Developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, Skate will feature professional skateboarders including Danny Way and PJ Ladd. The game takes place in a “fully reactive skateboarding city” and boasts physics-driven animations. For PS3 and 360. (A, P)
● Let the festivities begin then, eh? There’s a new video up for LOST PLANET, which everyone should see. Looks brilliant. The game is announced for release December 22nd for 8,379 yen ($71). (M, W, A)
● JAPAN: A new 360 core pack for 29,800 yen is announced – comes with N3 and PGR3. (A)
● JAPAN: A new 360 premium pack coupled with Blue Dragon will be released this December for the same price as above. (A)
● JAPAN: Xbox Live Vision camera release w/ a month of XBL Gold and a free copy of Uno for 4200yen (A)
● WORLD: Wireless headset. November 2, 6,300yen. (A)
● JAPAN: The harddrive and remote will be hitting stores for 9,500 and 3,000yen respectively. (A)
● JAPAN: The elusive HD-DVD add-on is fully revealed. Connects with USB and yup, supports full 1080p. It integrates seamlessly with the XB360 dashboard to boot. It’ll retail for a price of 20,790 ($177), including tax. Releases November 22nd… but No word on US pricing and release. (A)
● WORLD: Thanks to the release of the Xbox Live Vision camera -officially-, the games that support it are being updated. Bankshot Billiards 2, Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades, and Hardwood Backgammon will join Uno as XBLA titles that support it. (A)
● WORLD: Don’t know if this is new, but some titles confirmed for XBLA are Defender, Fatal Fury Special, Contra and Gyruss.
● WORLD: XBLA is updating with many new titles including Yie Ar Kung Fu, along with Rush’n Attack, Ms. Pac-Man, and New Rally X. However, Yie Ar Kung Fu is exclusive to Japan. (A)
● WORLD: In early 2007, Microsoft will hold a Pac-Man championship in New York for some top prize… presumably 360 related. (A)
● WORLD: Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 is due out November 15th in America, and November 22nd in Japan. In Japan, it’s going to retail for the absurd price of 9,240 yen ($79). (A)
● WORLD: Microsoft announced that a fall update for 360 will allow all games and movie output to go to 1080p. This is the “megaton.” (P)
● EUROPE: There are going to be two new bundles for this territory, one with Gears of War released on December 1 for €439.99, and one with PES6 on Oct 27 also for €439.99. (I, I)
● LOST ODYSSEY is one of Mistwalker’s big premiere titles… the Final Fantasy killer. And damn if it ain’t look gorgeous. (I, V)
● BLUE DRAGON, Mistwalker’s other charming DQ-esque RPG, looks just ****ing stunning. You need to see this. (V)
● Microsoft announces Platinum Hits for the Xbox360 in North America. Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Project Gotham 3 will be the first and will retail for $29.99 MSRP. (P)
● TRUSTY BELL: CHOPIN’S DREAM, Tri-Crescendo’s opus, is a vibrant cel-shaded RPG with what appears to be a fairly original story to boot. Definitely should be high on any jRPG lovers list. In an addition bit of news, the game will be titled ETERNAL SONATA in western markets and will unfortunately have Chopin’s name removed in favour of a ficticious composer. (V, I, P)
● And Microsoft has yet another beautiful jRPG to pimp at TGS, Tri-Ace’s INFINITE UNDISCOVERY. Nice clear media to finally drool over. (I, I)
● And what about RARE? The latest for VIVA PINATA looks stunning, as always it’s one thing we can expect. (I)
● XBL: Yeah, ‘bringing it home’ may not have been on time exactly but now that it’s got rolling you can download a demo of TENCHU SENRAN. You’re a ninja, but now you’ve got next-gen power! (A, I, I)
● If you’ve ever played System Shock, then there shouldn’t be a damn thing higher on your list than BIOSHOCK. IGN has some of the first video of the game which, frankly, looks… astounding. (V)
● Some news on the ARMORED CORE 4 front: the game will be released in Spring 2007 for the 360 in North America. So, that’s at least something for you diehards to look forward to since it’s not cancelled on the platform. (P)
● KINGDOM UNDER FIRE: CIRCLE OF DOOM was announced a week or so ago, but now we got real media. Check out the impressive looking footage. (V)
● Looking forward to SONIC THE HEDGEHOG? Well… it’s got Sonic alright… check the latest media. (V)
● ASSASSIN’S CREED is one of the most anticipated next-gen projects, and for good reason! Check out why with the latest media. (V)
● Fan of tennis? VIRTUA TENNIS 3, which is natively 1080p and runs smooth as ****, is shaping up very nicely on the platform. The video is from the PS3 version. (V)

Sony

PlayStation 2

● KINGDOM HEARTS II may have already released worldwide to spectacularly high sales numbers, but that doesn’t mean Square should stop whoring it. Because now they announced KINGDOM HEARTS II: FINAL MIX, which I assume is like one of them international versions of games they release. Only this time, it includes a full 3D remake of KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES
● SEIKEN DENSETSU 4, aka DAWN OF MANA in the US, is slated to be released in Japan on December 21st. The main composer is going to be Ryuuichi Sakamoto. (A)
● Sure, this is PS3’s show but don’t forget about this excellent system. A teaser for YAKUZA 2 is released, and it’s looking stellar. (V)
● SEAMAN 2, about a caveman virtual pet, is coming to the system with a unique packaged-in controller. Yup, you heard that right. Check out the latest media. (V)

PlayStation 3

● EA has offically announced its “Tony Hawk Killer”, currently titled SKATE. Developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, Skate will feature professional skateboarders including Danny Way and PJ Ladd. The game takes place in a “fully reactive skateboarding city” and boasts physics-driven animations. For PS3 and 360. (A, P)
● Level 5, the brilliant minds behind such titles as Dark Cloud 2 and Rogue Galaxy, has announced WHITE KNIGHT TALES for PS3. It’s an RPG that’s aiming to get a Shadow of the Colossus feel with its huge scale. (A, I, I, I, I, W, V)
● The latest Famitsu has revealed Tecmo’s NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA for the platform. It’s going to be the ‘definitive’ edition of NGB, and includes Raechel playable and new levels and greatly enhanced graphics. This version of the game will be exclusive to this platform. Check the links. (I, A, A, I, I, I, V)
● Haven’t got enough of METAL GEAR SOLID 4? Good, nobody else has either. Start your TGS right by checking the latest stuff at the links. And as a bonus, Metal Gear MK-II is back! (I, A, V, I)
● Is it that time already? Yup…more MOTORSTORM media. And it’s looking real nice. The new website has a video up too. (I, W, V)
● If you’ve ever played System Shock, then there shouldn’t be a damn thing higher on your list than BIOSHOCK. IGN has some of the first video of the game which, frankly, looks… astounding. (V)
● Unfortunately, it looks like our worst nightmares have come true – not only is GRAN TURISMO: HD a real game, but it’s a real game weighed down by near endless microtransactions. Indeed, to purchase every aspect of the title would cost near $1000. The game is gonna also feature a ‘premium’ GT, which is a vision at how Gran Turismo 5 will be. Whatever you do, don’t support this business model. (A, I, I, I)
● On the lighter side of things, there’s some brand new shit to look at for RIDGE RACER 7. (I: 1, 2, 3)
● Some news on the ARMORED CORE 4 front: the game will be released in Spring 2007 for the PS3 in North America. So, not a launch game there but at least something for you diehards to look forward to. (P, V)
● VIRTUA FIGHTER 5 is going to be one of the greatest fighting games ever for sure, so why don’t you salivate with me over the latest media on the PS3 arcade-perfect port! (I, V)
● One of the highest profile exclusives on PS3, DEVIL MAY CRY 4, is shaping up quite nicely. Make sure to check out all the latest shit right here. (V, A, W, I)
● Sony has signed MEDIA MOLECULE, aka the Rag Doll Kung Fu Team, to create an exclusive “AAA” PS3 title. The wording says full-priced PS3 title, so I assume that means 60 bucks. (P)
● It’s pretty unbelievable to me personally that one of the games that have come the longest way graphically is from Koei Canada, and it’s called FATAL INERTIA. I had no hope, but now I’m hoping it’s a good stop gap until Wipeout! (I)
● The conference talks about GMS – aka GLOBAL MAPPING SYSTEM – which helps developers gather information from their games without having to make a trip, apparently. Needs lots of participation to “work”, says Kutaragi.
● Sony announces that PS3 will host small videos and large videos, some sort of youtube-esque setup for users. Uhm, I guess.
● Sony announces that MEGADRIVE and PC ENGINE games will be available for download on PS3.
● Trailer reel of E3 FFXIII footage, Virtua Fighter 5, Afrika, Gundam and Ridge Racer 7.
● That’s… basically it. Dead serious. Check This link for exact details.
● Factor 5’s LAIR, of dragons and knights, is revealed for the world looking a tad bit underwhelming. Check out the media and articles. (A, I)
● RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN is Insomniac’s siren call, the game they supposedly always wanted to make, and so you can check out if they did good at the links. (V)
● Looking forward to SONIC THE HEDGEHOG? Well… it’s got Sonic alright… check the latest media. (V)
● Are you a fan of FORMULA ONE? Well the 2006 edition on PS3 is shaping up quite nicely, so make sure to grab the latest shit. (V, I)
● Uhm, now we ask why Kutaragi didn’t showcase HEAVENLY SWORD at the TGS conference. Because my god, this is one of the most beautiful games of all time. Check the media and be stunned. (I)
● MEGATON: And it’s official, in Japan the PS3 20gb core will have HDMI and retail for a full 10,000yen than before… at an acceptable 49,980 range after tax. If that ain’t a steal, nothing is. Make it happen in the US, Sony! (P)
● ASSASSIN’S CREED is one of the most anticipated next-gen projects, and for good reason! Check out why with the latest media. (V)
● MONSTER KINGDOM: UNKNOWN REALM is a pretty low key game on the PS3, but nonetheless check it out… I think it looks quite snazzy conceptually. (V)
● SEGA GOLF CLUB looks like an upscaled PS2 game, but what can I say… you may be one of the three people interested. (V)
● Fan of tennis? VIRTUA TENNIS 3, which is natively 1080p and runs smooth as ****, is shaping up very nicely on the platform. The video is from the PS3 version. (V)
● Did someone say AFRIKA? Well you will now, because this beautiful video will make pretty much anyone drool. Seriously some of the best next-gen graphics yet. Too bad it’s a non-game. (V, I)
● Don’t worry, WARHAWK isn’t going to escape the TGS fun. Check out the latest from Incognito’s stash. Unfortunately, the game is now delayed until Summer 2007. (I)
● Sony’s NBA 2007 is not exactly a title I believe will sell the system, but nonetheless check out the information and media we have on the title to decide for yourself. (A, V)
● GENJI 2 is filled with historically accurate crab battles and real-time weapon switching… I don’t think that joke has been abused enough… but there’s something else the game is filled with. Good graphics. It has come a long way since E3, and it’s no longer a game to make fun of. (V)

PlayStation Portable

● You wouldn’t know it, but apparently there was enough success that the METAL GEAR DIGITAL COMIC is getting a sequel. This time, it’s based on MGS2: Sons of Liberty. I guess it’s nice if you’re a hardcore MGS fan. (A)
● JEANNE D’ARC, the portable SRPG from Level 5, is god-damn gorgeous. This is what we need on the platform, Sony! (V)
● Sad that the PSP seems to be getting overlooked this TGS? Don’t be… Kojima is here to save us all. Check out the latest trailer for METAL GEAR SOLID: PORTABLE OPS. This is what gaming is all about, baby. (V)
● METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY is getting the 6th game in the series, thankfully. Now it’s a real impressive set. (P)
● Sony announced EVERYBODY’S GOLF COURSE, aka HOT SHOTS GOLF COURSE, for the platform. Not much information on the title, but check the latest media. (I, I, I)
● It seems it’s always up to Konami to save Sony’s ailing portable, and god damn if Konami didn’t deliver. SILENT HILL ORIGINS look absolutely unbelievable for a handheld, and damned if it ain’t a day one purchase for me. (V)

Nintendo

Wii

● Hudson has an exclusive preview of its own game WING ISLAND. In it, you fly an airplane around using the unique controller and take down different missions from taking out fires to finding cows. (A, I: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
● Koei sent over the latest images of SENGOKU MUSOU WAVE… and you may want to avert your eyes. Seriously, don’t click the following link. You might not survive. (I, V)
● I’m sure none of you are buying a Wii simply to play this game, but check out the latest stuff on Ubisoft’s FAR CRY: VENGEANCE. A nice interview and images. (A, I: 1, 2, 3)
● Love anime? Then BLEACH Wii might be for you. Check out the latest video and touch yourself. (V, V)
● Even though Nintendo isn’t at TGS, it’s not a total loss. SEGA is showcasing SUPER MONKEY BALL: BANANA BLITZ and it’s shaping up nicely if you’re a fan of the franchise. Check out the website too, which details the characters and such. (V, W)
● And for some more SEGA love, check out the latest and greatest from SONIC AND THE SECRET RINGS for the innovative console. (V)
● METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY is getting the 6th game in the series, thankfully. Now it’s a real impressive set. (P)

Nintendo DS

● Squeenix announces FRONT MISSION 1st, a quasi-port of the PSOne remake of the orignal FM. It’ll add some shit though, so details on exactly what as they come. (I)
● Finished the best FF ever, FFXII? Depressed that you’ll probably never see a game as awesome as it again? Well, it doesn’t have matsuno but this is surely a start – Squeenix announces FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS for the DS. Sakimoto provides the soundtrack, with Motomu Toriyama (FFXIII) surprisingly directing. About, uhm, being a sky pirate with Penelo and Vaan. (A, W)
● The handheld goty, CASTLEVANIA: PORTRAIT OF RUIN is looking brilliant as always. Check out the latest shit, thanks to jj984jj. (W, A)
● DRAGON QUEST: MONSTERS JOKER is apparently pushing the little DS to stratospheres that only Jesus Christ: development superstar can reach. The commercial is kinda nice too! (V)
● What about Squeenix’s other DS game, IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD? Sounds like a lame song, but it looks shit hot. (W)
● It seems like Square Enix is dominating the DS news today, no? Well here’s another dose… new media for HEROES OF MANA. (I)
● Konami’s LUNAR KNIGHTS, ’spirtual successor’ to Botkai is shaping up quite nicely. As everyone knows it works independent of any ’sun sensor’ now… but besides that, it seems like a very fun game. (V)
● GYAKUTEN SAIBAN 4 DS (Phoenix Wright) seems like a dream come true for lovers of the franchise, and you check out exactly why with the link.

Now, onto Microsoft’s X06 conference.

General

● Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh & MS establish WINGNUT INTERACTIVE, Studio dedicated to creation of world class interactive entertainement (sounds like Hollywood version of Mistwalker).

Xbox 360

● PJ & Fran will work on two 360 exclusive franchises, first is the ‘chapter in the Halo(r) universe’ (read:Spinoff) the second is something original.
● HALO WARS from Ensemble 360 exclusive. Halo Wars places the player in command of human UNSC armies as they deploy for mankind’s first deadly encounter with the enemy Covenant forces. (1, Direct feed trailer, Art/Images)
● GRAND THEFT AUTO IV will have two downloadable ‘episodes’ exclusive to 360, released months after launch. Reportedly each as long in content as Liberty City Stories on PSP. (1)
● SPLINTER CELL 5 (the one after Double Agent) is 360 exclusive
● And speaking of Splinter Cell, here is the latest trailer for SPLINTER CELL: DOUBLE AGENT. (Video)
● BIOSHOCK is 360 & PC exclusive releasing ‘this spring.’ (Video)
● PROJECT GOTHAM RACING 4 announced… CG trailer shown. (1)
● The latest in the BANJO KAZOOIE series announced. Teaser trailer shown. (1, Teaser Trailer)
● Cryptic Studios (City Of Heroes) will develop MARVEL UNIVERSE ONLINE, only for 360 & PC. (1, Interview)
● DOOM – which is out on XBLA today – and SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER announced for XBLA (1, Images)
● HD-DVD $199, €199, £129, free King Kong for limited time & Media Center Remote Mid November for US & Europe
● ASSASSIN’S CREED gameplay footage finally for all to see! (1, Gameplay Demo)
● GUITAR HERO II is going to be rocking your 360. With Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 rock rhythm, lead, or bass guitar tracks with downloadable content and the new X-Plorer controller, designed specifically for the Xbox 360. (1, Controller, Image)
● The latest shit from FORZA 2 is ready for prime time. Check the links. (Images)
● SCI/Eidos and IO said they plan to release no PS3 SKU until 2008. So, by default, 360 gets them exclusive until that time. (1)
● Yeah, it’s not the game we wanted but still it’s shaping up decently I suppose. I’m talking about SHADOWRUN, and you can check the latest images. (Images)
● Finally, some 720p images of PHANTASY STAR UNIVERSE on 360. Check them out. (Images)
● ALAN WAKE looks stunning. Check out the latest images from this intruiging “psychological thriller.” (Images)
● MASS EFFECT is gorgeous. My personal 360 killer app! Bioware, you can’t do any wrong. ever. No, Jade Empire was not wrong. It was right! (Images)
● John Woo is jumping around and throwing some doves, I’m sure, and you’ll be able to participate by checking out the latest STRANGLEHOLD images. (Images)
● Remember how CONTRA and GYRUSS got announced for XBLA at TGS? Well, here are the first pics courtesy of X06. (Images)
● CRACKDOWN, the cel-shaded freeroaming title from the creator of GTA, seems… curious, at the very least. (Images)
● Activision doesn’t waste time whoring shit, but you already knew that. So check out the latest of CALL OF DUTY 3… (Images)
● …and TONY HAWK PROJECT 8. This one looks like a return to form for the series, and thank goodness. Can’t wait! (Images)
● STREET RACE NYC and HEAVY WEAPONS, two XBLA titles, were announced recently. And so with that, the first media. (Images)
● What else for the ‘ol arcade? TOTEMBALL, which is an EyeToy-like title with similarities to Katamari of all things, and MUTANT STORM which looks to have great potential. (Images)
● One last game for xbla, ASSAULT HEROES. Seems like a fun concept, definitely worth looking into. (Images)
● Yeah, FUZION FRENZY 2 managed to get some facetime amidst the X06 news. Check out this party game in the latest media. (Images)
● Same BLUE DRAGON trailer from TGS, but in HD, courtesy of XBL 360. (Hi-Def Video)
● Same LOST ODYSSEY trailer from TGS, but in HD, courtesy of XBL 360. (Hi-Def Video)
● How could we forget GEARS OF WAR, the biggest 360 game this side of Halo 3? Yup, there’s new video of it… and with a smooth locked framerate to boot! Hurrah! (Video)

That should be pretty much everything. Sorry for being late.

KLind