q2-2010
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Green Day: Rock Band releases June 8 worldwide
That's right, folks -- Harmonix has just revealed that Green Day: Rock Band will be available for all come June 8 on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. Up to 6 players (3 mics; 3 instruments) will progress through the career of the trio, unlocking collectible images (more than 100, apparently) and some 40 minutes of "rare and unreleased" footage from interviews, outtakes and performances along the way. As alluded to above, GD:RB will also sport the same vocal harmonizing feature that made The Beatles: Rock Band such a delight for mic hogs and comes loaded with 47 Green Day tracks, including "Brain Stew," "Jaded," "Hitchin' a Ride," "American Idiot," "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Oh, and if you're looking to export these tunes, worry not: all 47 tracks are fully exportable to a console hard drive and playable in Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and the recently announced Rock Band 3. The export fee is $9.99 via Xbox Live or PSN. The export features is not available for the Wii system. Additionally, if you've picked up the six Green Day tunes already available as DLC, you can play them in the new game with added harmonies, "unique" visuals and more "exclusive archival material." Green Day: Rock Band will be available as a standalone game for Xbox 360 and PS3 for $59.99, while Wii owners will get a bit of a price break at $49.99. A special edition Green Day: Rock Band Plus will also come to Xbox 360 and PS3 for $69.99 and includes fancy packaging, an "export" feature (we assume, a voucher to export the disc tracks to the hard drive) and the six previously released Green Day DLC tracks. Update: The GameStop pre-order bonus for the standalone game is an export voucher (for Xbox 360 or PS3). Essentially, pre-order GD:RB from GameStop, and you can export all 47 tracks to your console hard drive for free. %Gallery-87997%
RUSE date a trick after all, release moved to June 8
R.U.S.E. is quite a crafty game. It turns out that the recently revealed June 3 release date was nothing but a smoke screen for the real date. The fully legitimate, actual release date is June 8. The game's PC beta began today and, according to Big Download, Ubisoft also announced the change in launch schedule. Normally, this kind of thing would be upsetting but, given the title, it just seems appropriate. The beta, incidentally, is available now to all Steam users. It allows both single-player and multiplayer action with six different factions on seven multiplayer maps.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior aiming for Xbox 360 & PC in 'Q2 2010'
click to zoom and enhance First of all, no, there isn't a better title for an FPS than "Sniper: Ghost Warrior." That's just a fact. Second of all, the game's coming from the makers of such gaming classics as Chicken Riot and I Love Beauty: Hollywood Makeover, so we expect nothing but the best from the just-announced title. Sniper: Ghost Warrior is the first Xbox 360 venture from Poland-based devs City Interactive, an idea the company says was born out of some recent television programming. "With all-new programming airing nationally on the History Channel and the Military Channel regarding the training of snipers and their missions, interest in the art of sniping has never been greater," VP of sales Lisa Rivera explains. The game is said to be centered around the assistance of rebels who are trying to overthrow "an aggressive and hostile military command" that has taken over the once-democratic (and fictional) nation of Isla Trueno. A handful of screens were released with the game's announcement this morning (which we've dropped into a gallery below), and if those tickle you pink then it'll interest you to know that the game's got a "Q2 2010" release window. %Gallery-87697%
The Red Star to shine on PSP and iPhone this spring
The Red Star never had its chance to reach an audience. Originally in development by Acclaim for Xbox, the game was delayed when Acclaim ceased to exist, and didn't make it into stores until 2007 (well after the PS3 launch), when XS Games published the PS2 version to generally positive (and occasionally effusive) reviews. XS just announced that it's giving the alternate-universe Soviet shooter-brawler game another shot at success, by releasing downloadable versions of The Red Star on PSP and iPhone. We have no idea how the game will play on an iPhone, but the PSP has buttons very much like a PS2 controller! The publisher offered an "early spring 2010" release date for both versions, which sounds like soon.
Pure Futbol slidetackling into retail this May from Ubisoft
If there's one thing we could use more of in the first half of 2010, it's Euro-centric soccer games. How convenient, then, that Ubisoft today announced Pure Futbol, coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this May. As you can see in the trailer above, the game looks to take soccer from the stadium to the local park, while at the same time keeping the professional players and losing referees for (as far as we can tell) a more arcade-style sports game feel. Pure Futbol's announcement release corroborates our take on the trailer with a tagline that reads, "No referees, no rules – just soccer." It also further details your choice of footers, elaborating that "230 elite soccer players, 17 international teams, and 17 legendary players" are included, though you can also sculpt your own star from bits and polygons and shared or trade him with friends online. Will we finally be able to live out the dream of playing as a team full of Ezio Auditore lookalikes, engaged in fierce battle with a team full of Prince of Persia lookalikes? For now, all we can do is hope. %Gallery-87388%
RUSE June 3 release date is no trick; beta next week
If you were paying close attention to Twitter this morning, you might've noticed Ubisoft community developer Aymeric Evennou noting that a R.U.S.E. public beta would be strategically moving itself onto Steam on March 9. More importantly, though, if you were looking way too closely into the French publisher's YouTube video details, it's possible you would've seen this little tidbit about the game's release date: "R.U.S.E. will be available on PC, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on June 3, 2010." (June 3, a Thursday, is likely the European retail release date. We've contacted Ubisoft to confirm the North American date.) From Ubisoft ... ahem ... tricking us into believing the game would see release in Q1 2010, to a private beta last year, and now the announcement that we'll get a chance to play the game next week, it's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for us over the last year at Joystiq. Thankfully, Ubi also released five minutes of soothing fan service in video form that we've embedded after the break for you (and for our own well-being). %Gallery-48492%[Via Big Download]
Red Dead Redemption date wrangled, pinned to May 18
As part of its latest financial results report today, Take-Two delayed Red Dead Redemption by several weeks. Previously scheduled to arrive on April 27, the game is now slated to release in North America on May 18 and internationally on May 21. The announcement doesn't specify a reason for the move, though it's worth pointing out that the new date moves Red Dead Redemption out of the publisher's fiscal Q2 (February–April) and into its third quarter (beginning May 1). [Update: During an investor call corresponding with the financial report, Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick clarified that the delay was issued to extend the game's pre-release marketing period.] Take-Two also notes that financial guidance for its fiscal 2010 has been adjusted to take the date change into account. While Read Dead Redemption was at the center of a controversy concerning developer Rockstar San Diego, a barrage of recent media assets and confirmation of retail pre-order bonuses seems to indicate that development is on track.
Tecmo Bowl Throwback official, coming to XBLA & PSN
Tecmo Bowl Throwback was first revealed through a trusted Joystiq source back in January (and then subsequently popped up in an ESRB rating), so we weren't exactly thrown into a tizzy when Tecmo released the official announcement today. Throwback will be released on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network this spring. As previously understood, the game will be a remake of the SNES's Tecmo Super Bowl and will feature an option to "switch to the classic 2D style." Developed by seasoned remake studio Southend Interactive (Lode Runner, R-Type), the game's main new feature (aside from "all new 3D graphics," of course) is online play. Today's announcement additionally revealed Throwback will feature 32 teams and online leaderboards and customizable options for teams and rosters, and ... and ... whoa, whoa, it's almost like we're talking about a simulation football game here! Relax -- sorry about that. Try to cool down with the screenshots below. %Gallery-87016%
Meet your giant new pal: Namco Bandai announces Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom
Namco Bandai has announced that it's localizing Majin: The Fallen Realm, Game Republic's action-adventure about a boy and his giant, adorable monster pal. The game, now called Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, is expected to release in North America on both PS3 and Xbox 360 this summer. According to the publisher's press release, Majin stars a "cunning young outsider" who explores a kingdom that was mysteriously overwhelmed by a "dark force" one hundred years prior. During his travels, he meets Majin, a super-strong monster, and the two explore the kingdom together. Gameplay-wise, the player works with the AI-controlled Majin, who acquires new abilities throughout the game, as they solve puzzles, fight enemies, and navigate ruins together. Namco Bandai calls it an "emotional journey of courage and respect." %Gallery-86981%
Alpha Protocol obtains June 1 release date [update]
Alpha Protocol is ready to spy hard on May 28 and June 1 in Europe and North America, respectively, according to IGN. Spies in the land down under will get their chance to play the game on May 27. Obsidian's RPG has been plagued by delays, shifting its launch from fall, to spring, to summer. Hopefully, this time Sega can make the game's latest release date -- or at least let us know in a reasonable amount of time if it's delayed, again. Update: Sega has confirmed the June 1 release date for North America. All three versions -- PS3, Xbox 360 and PC -- will release on that day.
Roundup: Wii and DS game release dates for 2010
Today's Nintendo Media Summit played host to a whirlwind dating game with quite a few players. If all the excitement got your heart thumping but left your head spinning, then you'll be relieved to find our list of matches -- each game paired with its release date (or release window ... or release season) -- posted just after the break. You're welcome!
Split/Second releases May 18; renamed 'Split/Second: Velocity' in Europe
Click to gigantisize. While Nintendo threw a release date party in San Francisco today, Disney Interactive rev-ealed the scheduled arrival of Split/Second on May 18 to Joystiq in an email today. "The Split/Second release date is May 18 in the US and the name in the US is still Split/Second ... Split/Second: Velocity is only for Europe and will be released on May 21," the publisher clarified. Now Gamer recently reported the UK release date exclusively alongside the reveal of a new moniker in the EU. Along with a more specific release date (previously known as "May 2010"), Disney sent along some new box art (as seen above). Unfortunately, we were told no new details are yet available on a demo for the upcoming Michael Bay-esque racer. %Gallery-47488%
Monster Hunter Tri releases April 20, will be free to play [update]
Update: Capcom sent word that the Monster Hunter Tri demo disc will be freely available to any GameStop patron starting March 8. If you pre-order the game, you'll also get a 500 Wii Points card. Original post: At today's Nintendo Media Summit, Nintendo dropped some pertinent details about Capcom's very successful and Wii Speak-compatible hunt-em-up, Monster Hunter Tri. The game will release on April 20 in North America as two versions: bundled with a Classic Controller Pro for $59.99 (while supplies last) and as a standalone game for $49.99. The game will also ditch the pay-to-play model for online play, as used in Japan, in favor of free online functionality. Additionally, GameStop pre-orderers will receive a demo disc on March 8. Additionally, GameStop will offer free demo discs starting March 8 and those who pre-order will get themselves a card with 500 Wii Points on it. Considering Capcom was beating itself up over whether or not to charge for online play, we're glad the publisher finally came around and went with the option that requires us to spend less money. Just imagine -- with all the money we'll save, we can import even more delicious ramen! %Gallery-86439%
Metroid: Other M rolls into North America June 27
The galaxy is at peace, now that we know we'll be able to demand our copy of Metroid: Other M from the patient retailer of our choice on June 27. The date for the Nintendo and Team Ninja collaboration was just announced at the Nintendo Media Summit event. Even better: Nintendo has a playable build of Other M on hand at the event. We're shooting down every door between us and the demo immediately, so we can deliver our impressions to you later tonight! %Gallery-65847%
Picross 3D shaping up for May 3 release
If you've been looking for a way to tease your brain into an overloaded, catatonic state while on the go, Nintendo and HAL Laboratory will soon deliver an application that should aid in your endeavor. Picross 3D, the DS puzzle game that hit Japanese retail last March, will be released on May 3 in North America. The announcement came during today's Nintendo Media Summit and added that the game would receive DLC in the form of extra puzzles, à la Professor Layton. With continued support like that, Picross 3D could be capable of frying our brains for the foreseeable future. We can't wait. %Gallery-86436%
Sin & Punishment: Star Successor descends on June 7
Treasure's unhinged third-person shooter, Sin & Punishment 2, is finally set to arrive on June 7 in North America, several months after its October debut in Japan. The date was announced today at the Nintendo Media Summit, which also re-dubbed the game "Sin & Punishment: Star Successor." It's been a long and often uncertain wait, but at least Star Successor should manage to escape Japan (on a crazy techno-surfboard) with more rapidity than its N64 predecessor.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 flies into retail space May 23
Those of you eagerly awaiting more exploration of tiny, gimmick-filled planetoids don't have long to wait. At its Media Summit event today, Nintendo announced the May 23 release date of Super Mario Galaxy 2 in North America. Last night, news from Nintendo of Australia suggested that Galaxy 2 would see a summer release, and we're delighted that the wait for a more specific date -- one that applied to America, as well -- wasn't long at all. Speaking of delight, we'll now get to see just how high Mario can jump when he ditches Yoshi mid-air ... in space! %Gallery-64834%
Nintendo Australia: Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid Other M out this summer
IGN reports that Nintendo of Australia released some big news about two upcoming Wii titles at its media summit. Metroid: Other M and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be released between June and August. Other M was previously named as a summer release by Nintendo of Japan, but Galaxy has only ever been specified as "2010." Those dates are presumably for Australia, but at least set a rough time frame for the rest of the world. We'll find out more tomorrow during Nintendo's US media summit. Nintendo Australia also dated the black Wii console (March 11) and the DSi XL (April 15, in burgundy and bronze). %Gallery-64834% [Thanks, Caleb Schowalter!]
Dragon Ball Origins 2 flying to DS on a cloud this summer
If, like us, you were surprised by how much fun Dragon Ball: Origins for DS was, prepare to be delighted once again. Namco Bandai announced that it is publishing Dragon Ball: Origins 2 in North America, with a summer release in mind. The sequel features the same kind of Phantom Hourglass-esque, stylus-controlled action, with the option to switch to buttons. This time, a two-player co-op mode is included, so Goku and a non-Goku friend can beat up the Red Ribbon Army over local wireless. The Japanese release also includes an emulated version of what we know as the NES's Dragon Power -- there's currently no word if that awful game will be a bonus in the American version. %Gallery-85949%
Blade Kitten coming to PSN this spring
"Part cat, part girl - and fully lethal." That's how Krome Studios' press release describes the heroine of the upcoming Blade Kitten, a two-part, downloadable arcade action game coming to the PS3 this Spring. The anime-inspired game is based off a comic of the same name, created by Krome Studios co-founder Steve Stamatiadis. A gameplay trailer will debut later tonight exclusively on Spike TV's GameTrailers TV. Expect to see some platforming, sword fighting and a disturbing focus on her -- we kid you not -- "smart mouth" and "hot body." Meow. Before then, you can watch a teaser trailer after the break. %Gallery-85940%
