q2-2010
Latest
Mega Man Zero Collection zeroes in on June release
Capcom has revealed that the Mega Man Zero Collection for DS will hit its projected "early summer" release, despite its delay in Japan. Specifically, the publisher announced that the compilation of four Game Boy Advance side-scrollers will arrive in North America on June 8 for $30. That's just $7.50 per Zero! Additionally, a new trailer can be seen above, and the (lovely) box art has been added to our gallery. New features in the collection include customizable controls, art gallery functionality (which displays art on the bottom screen and the game on the top screen, so you can look while you play), and a new "Easy Scenario" mode to help new players get through these difficult games. %Gallery-86228%
Rocket Knight touches down May 12 on XBLA and Steam, May 18 on PSN
We've known for a while that Rocket Knight, Konami's resurrected opossum adventure (a resurrected adventure about an opossum, not an adventure about a resurrected opossum), would land on XBLA, PSN, and Steam in May. On Facebook, Konami just announced precise US arrival dates for the airborne marsupial. PC and Xbox 360 owners will be able to download the game on May 12, while those looking to play on PS3 will have to wait until May 18 to join the fight against Axel Gear. But what's a six-day wait after the years spent anticipating a new Rocket Knight? %Gallery-90099% [Thanks, Joey]
Backbreaker ad packs in the tackles, release pushed to June 1
It's okay, you don't have to read this. You saw that there was a new Backbreaker video and you came to watch some dudes get tackled. That's fine, and we understand. So, really, you don't have to read this just to make us feel like we're earning our keep. Besides, we've already seen the video, and you should totally watch it. Like, seriously, so many dudes get tackled. Actually, there is one thing you should read: The Backbreaker release date has been pushed back a week to June 1. Okay, now you can watch.
Apple has another record quarter, posts $3.07b profit
Apple might not be too happy about having a fourth-gen iPhone prototype get stolen, but there's nothing like cold, hard cash to turn a frown upside-down -- and the company certainly made plenty of it in the second quarter of 2010, posting a $3.07b profit on $13.5b in revenue. That's the Apple's best non-holiday quarter ever -- profits were up 90 percent while revenue was up 49 percent -- and yet another record quarter for Steve and the gang. Mac sales were up 33 percent from a year ago with 2.94m units sold, iPhone sales were up 131 percent with 8.75m units sold, and iPod sales were down one point with 10.89m units sold. We're just about to jump on the analyst conference call, we'll let you know if we hear anything good -- we wonder what people might be asking about? Update: Oh, why not -- let's liveblog this thing. Follow along after the break at 5PM ET.
Singularity falls in line for a June 29 point of delivery
Last we heard about Singularity, the game got pushed back to an amorphous "June" release date by publisher Activision. Heck, the game's developer, Raven Software, even had to lay off some folks last summer to reflect a lightened workload after the release of Wolverine and Wolfenstein. But the game popped back up on our radar last night when its latest trailer was shown on GameTrailers TV, complete with a solidified June 29 release date (as Amazon and Gamefly listings previously indicated). If you're into WWII-era alternate realities featuring god-like special abilities, the trailer that we've embedded after the break is right up your alley. If not, well, here are the Wonderpets with a very sewious message. Update: We've added the trailer above.
Lego Harry Potter 'Behind the Scenes' video shows us around Blockwarts ... er, Hogwarts
Are you ready to explore the "largest, most detailed Hogwarts" that's ever been created in a game world? We're not certain that we are either, but TT Games certainly has high hopes that we'll get to that point before LEGO Harry Potter's delayed June release window arrives. The latest "Behind the Scenes" video (seen above) has employees from the UK-based developer detailing the enormous, immersive world that they've built (primarily out of LEGOs, as one might imagine). And though we might argue that we're not exactly looking for "immersive experiences" from our LEGO-based titles, well, it's pretty cute watching little LEGO Harry in action. Even "He Who Must Not Be Named" is kinda adorable with a cylinder head -- how could we resist?! %Gallery-89979%
Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC coming to PS3 May 4, worldwide on May 5
If you're a regular reader, you probably already know why we use the word "exclusive" in quotes so often. But if you're not, you might not know that it's because of situations like this, where the Xbox 360 "exclusive" Modern Warfare 2 DLC (a five map pack titled "Stimulus Package") is suddenly announced as heading to PlayStation 3 and PC. In fairness, as detailed by Microsoft to Eurogamer back in January, we already knew this particular exclusivity deal had a built-in expiration date. What we didn't know, however, was an official release date for the PS3 and PC versions. Infinity Ward community man Robert Bowling revealed the May 4 US release date for PSN via Twitter, also detailing a May 5 release date worldwide for PS3s and May 4 for PCs worldwide. Though he doesn't specify, we have to imagine that pricing will remain in line with the content's $15 tag on XBLM. We've followed up with Bowling for clarity's sake and will let you know the solid pricing details as soon as we hear back. %Gallery-89046%
'Jam with the Band' headed to Europe after 5-year wait; other Nintendo releases dated
[Daigasso! Band Brothers & Daigasso! Band Brothers DX] Nintendo of Europe released its summer lineup today, featuring dates we mostly know -- Super Mario Galaxy 2 on June 11 -- or aren't terribly concerned with -- Repetto Presents Ballerina in May. Metroid: Other M is still undated, having been slated for Q3, and therefore out of the bounds of the new listing. However, there are a few welcome surprises, most notably: Jam with the Band. Originally released way back in 2004 as Daigasso! Band Bros., this rhythm game disappeared from Nintendo's launch lineup elsewhere, never making it to the West until now. We don't know why Nintendo decided to revive it now -- or if it's the first game or the sequel (both covers pictured above) -- but it's scheduled for release in Europe on May 21! Samurai Warriors 3 for Wii has been dated for May 28, as well. Nintendo has also dated Capcom's Mega Man Zero Collection for June. The release date for this DS compilation of GBA Mega Man games had been up in the air following the announcement of its delay in Japan. Also, a previously unannounced DS title from Hudson, Shooting Watch, is set for release in May. We assume this is based on Hudson's Shooting Watch toy, which measures the number of button presses you can achieve in 10 seconds.
Lead & Gold rides onto Euro PSN Apr. 22
Click to be lead to larger image Aside from the headline above, we're going to try our very best to use as few Old West-related puns as we can in giving you the news that publisher Paradox Interactive today announced an April 22 European PSN release date for its upcoming, third-person online shooter, Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West. Apparently, the game won't be moseyi .... er, arriving in other territories until some time "soon" after (we followed up with Paradox for a US release date and were told one isn't available at this time). We have to imagine that cowpo ... damnit! ... gamers on PC are assuredly sneering at us right now, given their two-week lead time. But we'll see who's got the last laugh when we install Linux on this PS3! Oh ... right. %Gallery-84320%
Quantum Theory set for 'summer' release
What are you doing this summer? Oh, you're going to Six Flags? Screw that, you're going to want to blow stuff up ... and punch junk ... and play Gears of War 3 instead, right? Okay, we can't help you with that last one, but VG247 reports that a very similar experience will be available this summer: Quantum Theory. A Tecmo Koei spokesperson confirmed to us that the game is set for "a TBA Summer 2010" release. Previously, the game was set to release sometime in March, but was pushed back due to quality concerns. We're sure you can't wait to see Tecmo's, uh, softer side.
Mass Effect 2 'Kasumi' DLC launch video confirms April 6 release date
Despite the somewhat amorphous "early April" release date we last heard from EA, the launch trailer for "Kasumi's Stolen Memory" – the $7 DLC chapter for Mass Effect 2 – embedded above solidifies the previously announced April 6 release date (hey, that's tomorrow!) for the content. Kasumi marks the twelfth and (presumably) final member of Commander Shepard's scrappy group of mercenaries, rounding out the character selection screen for those of you still waiting to play through BioWare's space opus. Us? Hey, we're just excited to get Ms. Shepard in a fancy dress for some good ol' fashioned infiltratin'. %Gallery-88127%
Darksiders PC release announced, arrives in June
THQ and Vigil announced today that Darksiders is bringing its apocalyptic brand of action adventure to the PC. The game will hit the platform this summer, with THQ offering only a June release window. It's being optimized for the PC, with Vigil's David Adams promising "key features such as user-defined resolutions, interface and both keyboard and game pad control sets." Darksiders released earlier this year on Xbox 360 and PS3. It received decent reviews -- from both Joystiq and the industry at large -- and it enjoyed healthy sales, something THQ was quite keen to announce. No doubt THQ hopes to see some of that success repeated on the PC. [Via Big Download]
Left 4 Dead 2 'The Passing' DLC pushed back, priced at 560 Microsoft Points
We're not exactly used to finding out hot scoops on Valve's game projects from Xbox Live's "Inside Xbox" feature "SENTUAMESSAGE," so it was especially odd to us when we heard that Left 4 Dead 2's upcoming Left 4 Dead 1 crossover DLC "The Passing" got an official price (560/$7) -- and an ambiguous new release date of "Spring" -- from the feature. But that's just what the latest episode told us, not to mention a handful of new deets on the DLC, including info on new variations of enemies and a few new weapons. Back at X10 in February, Valve told us that the content was set to arrive on Xbox Live/Steam by "late March," though it seems that the window has been extended a few more months. We've fired off an email to Valve to see if a more solid release date exists, and we'll keep you updated if we hear anything back. In the meantime, we've embedded the Inside Xbox clip after the break. [Via Kotaku]
Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo in April, retail release now May 11
Capcom has announced that a multiplayer demo for Lost Planet 2 will arrive on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network on April 21 and 22, respectively. The demo will feature the Turbulent Jungle map and allow up to 16 players to duke it out online and track their stats. If you'd rather not wait until late April, Capcom has also announced it will be giving the demo away to its "most avid fans" starting next Wednesday, March 31. The press release doesn't say how or when the company will hand out the "community-distributed voucher codes" for the demo, though we'd say it's probably a good idea to keep your eyes on Capcom-Unity. Finally, fans will definitely want to snag the demo, as it will unlock the Machine Gun SP -- which fires three shot bursts -- in the full version. Speaking of the retail release, Capcom has also announced that Lost Planet 2 will now launch on May 11, a week earlier than originally planned. The PC version will release this fall.
Backbreaker hits the field on May 25
505 Games' ambitious tackle-em-up Backbreaker is looking to prove that an NFL license isn't all one needs to make a good football game -- and it'll get its chance on May 25, when the Euphoria-powered game will release in North America. Europeans anxious to break a back (and maybe an arm or two) will have to wait until May 28. So, what's your favorite part of football? Is it all of the home runs or the great names, like Dick Butkus? %Gallery-82057%
Naughty Bear stuffing shelves on June 8
505 Games has announced that A2M's adorable cotton-shredder, Naughty Bear, will stalk retail shelves this summer on June 8. The game follows the eponymous Naughty Bear, who finds something very odd about his usually pleasant surroundings and neighbors -- and then attempts to resolve it by making everyone hug ... a shotgun. Check out our impressions if you're not sure where you stand on the issue of cruelty to stuffed cartoon animals. %Gallery-79926%
Splinter Cell: Conviction PC sneaks out two weeks after 360 version
It would appear that the rock Ubisoft sent out to press may have been a little short on the specifics for all versions of Splinter Cell: Conviction, considering the publisher today confirmed a two-week delay for the PC version. BigDownload spotted an Amazon listing and followed up with Ubi, who confirmed the new release date of April 27. As seen above, both versions of the game were previously confirmed for release on April 13. We might normally say, "Hey, at least you PC gamers can enjoy the demo in the meantime!" but it appears that a PC demo won't be coming. So, um, maybe you should pick up a good book? And hey, how about that local sports team? Did you read that book about the local sports team?
Skate 3 rolls in on May 11
EA has narrowed down the May release date for Skate 3. On May 11, North Americans will once again have the opportunity to channel any interest in real, dangerous skateboarding into a nice, safe, sedentary video game. The game will be available May 14 "worldwide." EA has also revealed the roster of skaters that will appear in the game, including ... a bunch of guys whose names you'll totally recognize if you're into skateboarding -- as well as My Name is Earl star and former pro skater Jason Lee, in his Coach Frank persona.
Borderlands 'Double Game Add-on Pack' arrives April 6 in NA, April 9 'internationally;' not coming to PS3
"A two pack?" you ask, confused by today's announcement of the Borderlands DLC retail package. "But doesn't that game have three DLC packs? And aren't there more coming?" Yeah, sure, and you might even have a point! But for now, 2K Games chose to announce the release of The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned and Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot, together on disc, for $19.99 (starting on April 6 in North America and April 9 everywhere else). More confusing? Apparently the retail pack won't arrive on PS3, though both pieces of content are already available digitally (for the same price, no less) on the PlayStation Network. Yep, we're not really sure what to say either, but we've asked Gearbox and 2K Games for a reason why the pack isn't heading to the PS3 (or if it ever will, for that matter), and if this also be the case with future DLC releases at retail. We'll let you know what we hear back as soon as we can. %Gallery-80032%%Gallery-75689%
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker release sneaks to June 8
Konami's pushed back the release of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker to June 8, a recent press release states. Back in January, the Japanese release was also delayed, so we've been waiting for the other combat boot to drop and it's finally happened. Yup, we're crying under our cardboard box, too. Of course, in addition to the game itself, the newly-announced PSP bundle will be released on the same day. What we want to know is, if the Japanese delay is a crime, what's the North American delay? A case of first degree joy-icide?
