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Not a fan of these multimedia marketing tie-ins (this is an animated version of the comic, not the animated "feature"), for Dead Space or any other game. Back in the day, a licensed property got itself a comic book series or a cartoon because the fans wanted it, and the property deserved it. Now? Why am I supposed to care about the back-story of a game I haven't even played yet? Especially when it's as boring as this?
[via VG247]
MK Vs. DC: Batman Versus Sub-Zero
Comment by: ShaggE
Nominated by: user.error
Ooh, "DS Universe" sounds even better. "Raiden vs. Nintendog" would be EPIC.
Ah, Onechanbara. Cowgirl, female flesh, zombies. It's like lightning in a bottle. As you may or may not know, the hack n' slash series is being made into a live-action movie, of which this is the final theatrical poster. The film's due to open in theatres across Japan next week (April 26), and should go down a treat with fans of the games. For everyone else, this poster does a pretty good job of setting the scene.
『お姉チャンバラ THE MOVIE』先行試写会が開催 主要キャストが舞台挨拶[Famitsu]
While still officially unannounced by either Sony or Take-Two, the Grand Theft Auto IV/PS3 hardware bundle that's destined for European shores will also be available in Australia. The news comes courtesy of major nationwide retailer Harvey Norman, who have the bundle priced at AUD$748. Not a bad deal considering a 40GB PS3 and GTAIV purchased separately would set you back AUD$820.
[via GameArena & Screen Play]
Bored? Love old games, hate playing them on a keyboard? Handy with tools? Read on, crafty readers, read on. IGN have trawled some DIY fan forums and put together a guide on how to build your own MAME cabinet, complete with recommended specs and a component sourcing guide. Should be enough to get you started, so long as you're aware that building cabinets ain't like dusting crops, boy.
Build Your Own MAME Machine [IGN]
Konami klusterfuck kontinues! In this edition of Konami ID Dojo, we bring word of incomplete digit codes issued with the pre-order DVD, which was due to a printer error. Over on the PlayStation.Blog, there's this:
To start, we have been getting reports that some of you are receiving partial digit UPVC's Metal Gear Online Beta on the "Metal Gear Saga Vol. 2″ DVD inserts. We are aware of this issue and are working hard to remedy. If you've been affected by this issue, please contact us at http://www.konami-data.com/support/. Please be sure to include your partial code, and any other pertinent details (like a return email address, etc). We thank you for your patience.
(We keep getting emails about either the game disc being wonk or the game being wonk. Any of you having issues?)
Soul Calibur's coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Hurray! But...wait. Which version is it? The magnificent Dreamcast version? Or the, uh, less magnificent arcade version? Rest easy, kids. Namco Bandai have told Shacknews that "the game is based on the Dreamcast version with no major additions or subtractions". Glad that's sorted. Now all we need to know is how far over the 150MB limit this thing's going to come in at, and we'll be all done.
Soul Calibur XBLA Based on Dreamcast Version [Shacknews]
To: Ashcraft
From: Fahey
RE:
Really? If I could be anyone, I would.
I am really looking forward to the return of McWhertor and Crecente next week. While I love the challenge of trying to keep up with all of the gaming news out there throughout the course of the day, I tend to get rather intense about it. While I could certainly have afforded myself several midday naps during Mark's posting times, I more often than not found myself obsessively watching my RSS feeds and inbox, just in case we missed something. I'd say that if I were fully in charge of Kotaku, I'd be dead within two weeks, though it would be a highly entertaining two weeks for all involved.
What you missed today
EA: Clock's Ticking For Take-Two Deal
Kojima Disappointed With Metal Gear Solid 4
Fallout 3 Fights Violence With Violence
Midway Gamer's Day: Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe First Characters Announced
Talking To The Iron Man Demo
Midway Gamer's Day '08: This Is Vegas
Midway Gamer's Day '08: Unreal Tournament III Coming to Xbox 360
The New York Comic Con might as well be called the New York Video Game Con - Now With Comics for all of the gaming goodness that's going on over the weekend. Various publishers and developers will be on hand to show off their wares, most notably the living legend himself, Mr. Sid Meier. Sid will be at the 2K Games Booth (#1157) on Saturday, April 19, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, to meet fans, sign autographs, and just generally be Sidly. 2K will be showing off Civilization Revolutions throughout the entire weekend, though you might want to stop by early to get your hands on one of the limited edition prints created in collaboration with Studio Number-One and Shepard Fairey they'll have available. Seriously, I would seriously maim someone if it meant I could be there this weekend, so those of you with the means owe it to me to go in my stead. Off with you!
When I posted new screenshots of Spectral Force 3 yesterday, several of you mentioned that you'd rather wait for Atlus' other upcoming Xbox 360 game, Operation Darkness, the tactical RPG that answers the age old question, "What if their were zombies and werewolves in World War II?" These screens mainly deal with the inner workings of the Success developed game, due out June 24th in the States, but still. You asked for Operation Darkness, you got Operation Darkness. Atlus must read this stuff. Ooo, next time ask for a pony!
If you've ever wanted to be involved in a classic Hollywood car chase movie, Midway has a game for you. Wheelman is based on the upcoming Vin Diesel movie of the same name and puts the player in control of Mr. Diesel himself. It is an sandbox action driving game taking place in a nicely recreated Barcelona.
Q Entertainment and Valve have announced that henceforth the brilliantly addictive puzzle game Lumines shall be available for purchase via Steam. Much like the Xbox Live version of the game, Lumines is available as a base pack for $US9.95, with an Advance Pack containing 21 new challenge mode skins, 60 puzzles for puzzle mode, and 35 stages for puzzle mode setting you back an additional $US7.95, or you can grab the whole thing for $US14.95, which is a much better deal, especially when you factor in the extra 10% you get if you purchase the game before Friday April 25th. I wonder if it will have the Heavenly Star stage? Just thinking about it makes me want to listen to the song 200 times in a row.
NBA Ballers: Chosen One comes out next week and we got a peek at a little bit of it at last night's Midway Gamer's Day. NBA Ballers lets you create your own player and use them to go up against the big boys or you can use any of the eighty playable NBA stars to make your way through the game.
What more appropriate setting to see the premier of Midway's This Is Vegas than Vegas itself? True, were a fifty dollar cab ride from the strip, but we got to see it virtually in the game so I suppose that's something. This Is Vegas is a balls out parody done in the tongue in cheek GTA/Bully style. Your character can explore all the parties, gambling, driving and fighting that Vegas has to offer. On display for the Gamer's Day were the fighting, partying and gambling mechanics which we checked out poolside in true Vegas style.
Despite my penchant for sweaty muscle men rolling around on the floor grappling each other, I've never really liked wrestling games. They are a little too slow for me and I much prefer the fast pace of a Soul Calibur over the lumbering likes of WWF. That said, what I saw of Midway's TNA Impact left me walking away a fan and quite impressed.
Epic Games' Unreal Tournament III is coming to the Xbox 360 at long last. The new release will have five exclusive new maps and two new characters. It will also contain all of the DLC that was created for the PS3 and PC versions. You will also be able two play in a two player split screen mode. So, if you have been patiently waiting for for UT III to arrive for your 360, Epic has answered your prayers.
You read that right folks. According to BusinessWeek's annual World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Microsoft comes in at number 5, beating out Nintendo at number 7 and Sony at number 9. Take that, Sony and Nintendo fanboys! Oh wait, we're talking about games, aren't we? Well then I suppose Microsoft didn't really even place for games. Their innovation was attributed to their Surface PC and efforts to catch up with Google in the search engine market. Both Nintendo and Sony, however, were specifically lauded for their video game systems, with Sony called out for PlayStation Home and the PlayStation Network, and Nintendo for tapping into an entirely new gaming audience. This doesn't mean the Xbox 360 isn't innovative. Just not innovative enough for BusinessWeek, that's all! Just look at it this way - three of our favourite companies are in the top 10 of the list. We should throw a party, or at least stop hitting each other for a minute.
The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies [BusinessWeek via Gamasutra]
We're smack dab in the middle of the Call of Duty 4 Live Fire weekend, where Xbox 360 COD4 players have a chance to win prizes, play with devs, challenge girls, or maybe even learn a thing or two. Kicking things off are hourly prizes, in which everyone who plays a multiplayer match of COD4 online are entered, meaning your odds pretty much suck. They get worse for the Grand Prize - an Xbox 360 Elite console, VIP Accessories kit, and various bits of Call of Duty 4 merchandise. For those of you not into games of chance, Infinity Ward game devs will be on hand tonight from 6-9 Eastern to challenge all comers. The tomorrow night from 9-11 Eastern you can choose to challenge the girls of the Xbox Gamerchix, or possibly three-time UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver. Finally Sunday is for newbies, with many of the Xbox Ambassadors available to help you learn the ropes, or just suck less. Hit up the link for more info on the Call Of Duty 4 Live Fire Weekend.
Call Of Duty 4 Live Fire Weekend [Xbox.com]
Now here's a car engine that is sure to provide hours of family fun entertainment! Kotakuite Zooie sends us this photo of a Toyota that reflects the owner's driving love of the original NES.
Have you ever just looked at the Super Mario Bros. box art? I mean, really looked at it until it made some sort of sense? Why is Mario leaping over a lake of lava while tossing fireballs at a wall—the same wall, I should mention, that he's actually leaping into? Did the art department screw up? Where they read "wall" were they meant to read "Bowser?" Where they painted blue blocks were they meant to paint green scales?
The world may never know, but feel free to ponder the question over this oil painting. It's deep because it's oil painting.
Super Mario Bros Paint [Flickr]
According to a 1UP writer posting on NeoGAF, the PlayStation 3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV will require a 5-minute install before playing. He adds that the PS3 version also features optional SIXAXIS control for the helicopter, boat and motorcycle which he proclaims as "pretty good." But while we'd like to get our hopes up over steering our hog through Liberty City, when has a SIXAXIS control scheme ever been "pretty good" enough to actually use for more than 2-3 minutes at a time? That's not to say our interest isn't piqued, but we take our precision boat jacking and bitch slapping very seriously around these parts. We have absolutely no margin for error.
NeoGAF Thread [NeoGAF via CVG]
Yes, everything you've already heard is absolutely true. The next Mortal Kombat game is going to feature characters from DC comics including Batman and Superman. The only other two characters announced were Scorpion and Sub Zero but it was enough to whip the gathered crowd at Midway's Gamer's Day in Vegas into a frenzy of hoots and hollers.
Bethesda has gone ahead and officially confirmed the Collector's Edition of Fallout 3 that leaked last week. But they added a good-news-cherry-on-top to fans. The Collector's Edition will be available for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, and it will be available worldwide without retailer restrictions. While Bethesda still hasn't announced a price, GameStop reckons it'll run you $US 80 on the consoles and $US 70 on PCs. Will GamStop be right? Will the Dynamic Duo escape the treacherous tank filled with half-opened, M-rated games? Tune-in soon to find out! Same Kotaku time. Same Kotaku channel.
Fallout 3 Collector's Edition Confirmed for Worldwide, Non-exclusive Release [Shacknews]
Who wants more storage? Everybody, that's who. What's the best way to get it? Just swap out the hard drive because Sony lets you Mod your PS3! One tweaker built this external enclosure for an additional 500GB of storage. While we admire the execution complete with shiny, matching plastic and the official PlayStation font, it sorta looks like the PS3 got jealous and swallowed a Wii. And a side of fries. And maybe one of those pies. Damn that gluttonous PS3 is making us hungry.
UPDATE: The creator wrote us about the project. We pasted his note after the jump:
Criterion really wants to prove that they understand the desires of the Burnout Paradise community with their forthcoming Cagney update. Not only are they adding three new multiplayer modes and changing the way standard definition is rendered in order to deliver crisper graphics to those of us not blessed with HD, they've even gone as far as implementing custom soundtracks for the PlayStation 3 crowd. PS3 owners will be able to access the XMB custom soundtracks menu from with the EasyDrive menu in the game, allowing them to shuffle or repeat their tracks to their heart's content. If you haven't already, I would highly suggest bookmarking the Criterion Games blog. They're constantly updating it with fresh new information about what is shaping up to be the ultimate Burnout experience.
Criterion Games announces custom soundtracks for Burnout Paradise on PlayStation 3 [The Criterion Games Blog]
As a series, Fallout has always celebrated a dark, often humorous world punctuated by brief moments of brutality. But how do you find the balance when the series enters a 3D world? Bethesda's Peter Hines explains:
We don't want [violence] to be the focal point of the game, but it is what it is. It's a violent world, and so the combat should be violent as a result.He continues: read more »
