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The Joystiq Weekend: March 24 - 25, 2007
One of our readers, Luigi Hann, produced this killer-toy hybrid, dubbed Mr. Pyramid Head. If you can't guess the toy, perhaps this picture will help. Check out the highlights for this weekend:JoystiqueryGamestop shenanigans sell open games as 'new'Metareview: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (PSP, DS)Reminder: turn 'on' your PS3 tonight for Folding@home foldathonToday's comparingest game video: Virtua Tennis 3 360/PS3Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: mainstream editionNewsDreamcast homebrew game coming to the DSCarpentry sim turns Wii gaming into workIslandofRhodes.org, elaborate fake or new announcement?Broken PlayStation murderer gets four years'This is Living' toilet girl helps flush PAL PS3 salesXbox 360's Red Ring of Death visits Weekly Geek Show2D Ocarina of Time creator dies in car accidentTarget $24 DS game saleCulture & Community10 things to hate about the PSP and DSHow to make the DS betterBanking and insurance adverts show gamer demo growing upOld people experience Wii, could this help grandkids?
Silent Hill hits... the arcade circuit?
Thank goodness for Google's translating abilities, else we'd probably shake our heads at these pictures and move on. Scroll about one-third of the way down and you'll see what we're talking about. What you're looking at is, undoubtedly, a Silent Hill arcade shooting title. While the translation is about as babble-free as that lovely brook outside of your uncle's country cabin (meaning it is full of it), we've gleaned a couple of things from this. Two players! ...Of course. Unlike most arcade shooters, you have 100 health (a la Wolfenstein, etc) to begin with instead of the two or three allowed hits. Multiple endings and branching paths like House of the Dead titles. Fight such familiar entities as freaky nurses, puppets, zombies (?), and Pyramid Head. Will we see this thing stateside? Chances are low, but stranger things have happened. Does it go against the whole meaning behind Silent Hill, moving from psychological horror and into frantic shooting action? Probably. Still, it's worth noting just because we love Silent Hill so very much.
AOU 2007: Silent Hill to frighten arcade-goers
You wouldn't want to have your pants scared off in a public place, would you? Well, Konami doesn't care: pay your money, take your choice. Silent Hill: The Arcade, unveiled today at AOU 2007, replicates the chilling atmosphere of your darkened living room with... a little black curtain. Sneak between the drapes and you'll find what Famitsu is calling a "gun action shooting game." We'll bring you more details of this intriguing light-gun game just as soon as we get our trousers back on. %Gallery-1689%[Image credit: Impress Watch]
Is Silent Hill canceled?
Konami's Gamers' Day has come and gone. While PSP gamers are certainly happy by the surprise announcement of an exclusive Castlevania, there is one game that was suspiciously missing: Silent Hill: Origins. The game had a very impressive debut, but ever since rumors of troubled development came about, the game has mysteriously disappeared from public eye.Hotly anticipated games like Metal Gear Solid 4 were also absent from the show. Is Silent Hill: Origins canceled? Has the release slipped out of this year? There are tons of unanswered questions right now. Konami's website notes that "major announcements" are coming tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll know for sure soon enough.[Via IGN]
Better on PSP
Sony requires any game ported to the PSP to have extra content not found in other versions of that same title, but that's not what this post is about. A strange thing has happened to game franchises on the PSP, sometimes their best showing is on the portable. Can a franchise that you loathe be loved on the PSP? Well it has happened to me ...twice already. Syphon Filter is a gaming series that I just couldn't stand on the Playstation or Playstation 2. I disliked the graphics, animation and gameplay of every version I tried. Even fams of Syphon Filter seemed to hate the last one that came out on PS2. So when a Syphon Filter game was announced on PSP, I was as interested in it as I was about castration. When reviews started to pour out that stating the game was incredible I lost respect for every reviewer that enjoyed it. Then one day while adding games to my Gamefly Q I decided to put Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror on the list. I didn't do it because I expected to enjoy the game, but rather so I could validate my hatred for the franchise. Continued after the jump...
Another Silent Hill film in the cards
There will be a Silent Hill 2 movie, according to director Christopher Gans. In an interview with French-language site DVDrama, Gans hopes that the Roger Avery-penned sequel will retain the visual aesthetic of the first film should he be too busy adapting an Onimusha film to take the director's chair. In his hypotehtical absence, Gans would like a European director to take his stead so as to avoid making the film "too Hollywood" (loose translation).Of course, some continuity issues run amok if the films follow the same timeline as the games, most notably the inclusion of Pyramid Head; we'll spare you the spoilers and let you read the film's Wiki page if you are curious. The original Silent Hill film, after initial dismay, eventually grew on me as a mediocre horror flick that proved itself better than a multitude of other game adaptations. Gans hopes that sequel will correct the mistakes of the first movie; let's hope it does so we can finally have a decent game-film to hold up as a pillar by which to compare the rest.[Via Digital Battle]
Silent Hill 5 for the PS3 -- oh yeah, it's on
It's still just a rumor, as it has been for a couple of years, but Silent Hill 5 in development? For the PS3? Would that even be a surprise? As a matter of fact, it wouldn't be very far off to assume it'll also come to the 360 -- all but the original went multi-platform. Which is a shame... the first one really is my favorite, even though the graphics have hindered the spook factor for me anymore (therefore, Silent Hill 2 is currently the reigning champion of creepy). Anyway, if you check out the English translation for the JeuxFrance article, you can get a feel for what the rumor is and what the game will play like."CPM the U.K." has the scoop, apparently, telling us matter-of-factly that SH5 is in development. So, what will the game play like? Get ready, because if this is true, I'm stoked. Earlier rumors indicated that the fifth title would resemble the fourth in many ways (even though Silent Hill 4: The Room wasn't even initially part of the Silent Hill universe -- Konami changed that to boost recognition and sales... and it turned out all right. You learn a bit about the crazy people from Silent Hill without actually having to visit it. Which is awesome -- I love intertwining but seemingly unrelated stories) but this is not so anymore. Recent rumors say that the fifth installment would more closely resemble the atmosphere and mood of Silent Hill 2 -- if you watch X-Play and saw their top 10 scariest games of all time episode, you know that this game was number 1. Anyway, sorry to fly off the handle so many times -- this is another of my favorite franchises. Interesting how, while I love RPG's, most of my "all time favorites" aren't such games. Hmm. Take this rumor with a pinch of salt!
Silent Hill producer looks to DS for next project
Turns out, Silent Hill producer Akira Yamaoka is looking to the DS for his next project. This project, which is a DS adaptation of Soichiro Ishihara's Otonaryoku, it translates into Adult Power and is best described as a self-help guide for the dating adult, fitting them with the rules and manners one would need. If any platform is fit for such an oddball game, it's definitely the DS, as it has proven it is one dynamic machine. [Via Joystiq]
From Silent Hill to rules and manners
Silent Hill producer Akira Yamaoka has apparently changed his focus. His latest project is a DS adaptation of Soichiro Ishihara's Otonaryoku. Translated as "Adult Power," Otonaryoku is a self-help guide to improving relationships through the mastery of rules and manners.It's unclear how the themes from Otonaryoku will be used in conjunction with Yamaoka's game. We fear it'll be another drab software trainer, undoubtedly a hit in Japan's quirk-obsessed market, but too obscure to reach beyond. But who knows, maybe Yamaoka's creepy imagination will be permitted to bend the rules.
Rumor: Silent Hill Origins in trouble?
Our eagerly-anticipated Silent Hill Origins may be in a little bit of trouble. The game's developer, Climax, recently laid off 14 of its workers in order to "integrate into a single management structure." (Source: Gamespot) According to Kotaku (you should already put on your "doubt" visors), the main reasoning behind the lay-offs was to "salvage the disastrous development of Silent Hill Origins for the PSP." The article continues to state that "the game had been cut extensively... shriveled down to a handful of much smaller levels and three to four hours of gameplay... Konami was understandably disappointed... and employees were told there were "no assurances" that the Origins project would continue."While it would be disastrous if this rumor were true, I'm going to take a leap of faith and say it's untrue. The Kotaku report states that a working engine wasn't made available until June, which sounds false considering the game's incredible graphics engine (which was playable). Secondly, I highly doubt the folks at Konami would allow for a high-caliber project like this to fall apart, especially with their other high-profile PSP titles coming down the pipeline. Lastly, a developer in supposedly as much trouble as Climax wouldn't also be working on another high-profile game: Oblivion for the PSP. Climax is a relatively prolific developer: a few layoffs most likely won't affect the future of any of the games in development.[Via PSP-Vault]
The winner of Leipzig? PSP
NOTE: This editorial is the opinion of Andrew Yoon, and does not represent the opinion of PSP Fanboy, Joystiq or Weblogs, Inc.Every video game convention, there's a "winner" of some sorts. It's pretty safe to say that the Nintendo Wii "won" the last E3, proving that waving around our hands can be fun. Not only did the Wii prove that the control scheme works, there was an amazing list of exclusives, from Nintendo's own Mario to third party efforts, like Red Steel. Nintendo wowed the crowd at E3 because of the amazing quality and potential of the games for its system.Did Nintendo pull the big win at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany this year? No. Did Microsoft? No. Sony took the win for this year's show, but not because of a great showing of PlayStation 3 goods (there were none at the show), but because of Konami's absolutely excellent lineup of upcoming PSP games. Yes, you heard me right: PSP "won" Leipzig.
Bloody beautiful Silent Hill trailer [Update 3]
A few hours ago, we revealed the very first footage of the game in motion. Now, Konami has revealed an official trailer from the Games Convention in Germany Konami's Gamer Day, and it is absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful. Comparing the game to Resident Evil 4 seems apt, not only because of the gameplay, but because of the insane quality of the graphics. Watch and be amazed.[Update 1: Footage actually from Konami's Gamer Day, not Games Convention. Also, Gamespot has added two excellent gameplay videos to their site. They seem to feature some awkward hit detection and camera, but hopefully that'll be worked out soon. Check out video 1 here and video 2 here.][Update 2: A video interview with the producer reveals that the playable build is very early, with most everything being placeholders. So, yes... the graphics and the animations are going to be much better. Players of the original Silent Hill be able to experience how the town became the way it did, but the main character of the game is not responsible for it. The town will be a mix of old and new, with two thirds of it being new. The game will be large: "a good size PSP game." The game features 4 vocal tracks, one of them being featured in the trailer.][Update 3: Another video of the game in motion, now featured after the cut.]
Love Loco Roco? Buy the shirt
Hmm... what to wear? You could wear a t-shirt from Saved by the Bell's Screech... OR you could buy one of these totally awesome Loco Roco shirts. They proudly feature our blubbery friend against a maroon background, and is available for both men and women (but not six year old girls). They may be a bit pricey ($22), but that's a hell of a lot cheaper than those insanely expensive (and cool) King of Games shirts.Also available is a shirt for you Silent Hill fans. Now go watch that Origins footage again, and again.[Via DS Fanboy]
Silent Hill Origins gameplay footage [Update 1]
PSP Fanboy once wrote: "So how about a port of Resident Evil 4? The new over-the-shoulder camera style would be perfect for the handheld!"Well, we might not have Resident Evil yet, but it looks like Silent Hill Origins will fit the bill just nicely. This first gameplay video (delivered by Playstation Portable.de) leaked from the floors of the Games Convention in Germany doesn't show off any enemies, but it shows some particularly nice graphics (the fog looks great), atmosphere and familiar controls. Hopefully we'll discover more nuggets of gameplay over the course of the convention, so keep it locked in to the Fanboy.[Update 1: According to PSP World, the game will offer "a cinematic experience comparable to the previous games, but framed within interactive moments." That sounds a lot like Resident Evil 4's button-mashing cutscenes to me.][Via IGN Boards]
Silent Hill Origins - Comic-Con interview
The exclusives keep on hitting the PSP. Konami showcased Silent Hill Origins for the PSP and GTtv caught up with Producer William Oertel to find out more about the game. You can just watch the video embedded above, but here are some of the more interesting details he points out: It's a prequel to the original Silent Hill, not a remake. "[The main character] is an interesting character... he's a little bit more physical... he's not too emo." "It's going to be a much more personal experience than playing on the console." The barricade system modifies controls so that it changes constantly, making it much more interesting and dynamic. "It's a huge game." It seems like Konami's placing a lot of effort into their PSP efforts, and they have to be commended for that. This game, along with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, show that the company knows what it's doing.
Up to 7,000 PSOne-to-PSP titles by 2007, reports UK PSP Magazine
"Riiiiiidge Raaaaacer!" Kaz Hirai's famous declaration at Sony's E3 media breifing might not have garnered much applause, but, according to UK PSP Magazine, there are plenty of other emulated PlayStation titles (for the PSP) that will. These five AAA titles should be available when the emulation service launches: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy VIII Silent Hill Tomb Raider In addition, UK PSP Magazine reports that up to 7,000 PlayStation titles will be available for download by the end of 2007. Say what?! 7,000! Yes folks, it's possible -- Wikipedia: "As of March 2005, there were 7,743 software titles available (this figure counts games released in multiple regions as separate titles)."Forget PSOne, the PSP has officially become the first, truly portable PlayStation. We knew the thing would find its calling sooner or later...
Silent Hill 5 rumor round-up
QJ.net rounds up some Silent Hill 5 rumors from the Team Xbox forums and provides instant analysis: The game will have a next gen release, all signs indicate it'll be coming to the PS3, but it's likely the 360 will not be left out in the cold. It'll be developed by an American R&D team. Gameplay will be influenced by the highly successful and popular Resident Evil 4 They pretty judge it "Obviously," "Interesting," and "Neato, but don't screw it up" in that order. I'll silently agree.
Sony: "Silent Hill" and "RV" coming to Blu-ray
Add two more titles to Blu-ray's growing library. Sony Studios is planning on releasing RV and Silent Hill in August. These titles are set to release on the same date as their normal DVD counterparts: August 15 for RV and August 22 for Silent Hill. This is what needs to happen in order to present the consumer with the option of high-def. Plus, there is good chance that these Blu-ray discs will be discounted the first week like normal DVDs.
Silent Hill: Origins poster at E3
Here's another snap from the pre-E3 LA Convention Center, this time of Silent Hill: Origins. Common sense dictates that this is simply an alternate title for the forthcoming PSP remake of the original game, titled Silent Hill: Original Sin. Rampant desire and unlikely to be fulfilled dreams, however, suggest that it's the name of the gloriously rendered PS3 version of Harry's twisted quest to find "a little girl with black hair" and his occasional run-ins with deranged cultists, meat monsters (with sewing machines for hands) and deserted wheelchairs. I can hope, right?It's great that the original game in an excellent series is being revisited, but I'm dubious of how well a portable platform will be able to reproduce the qualities of Silent Hill. Immersion may be difficult to pull off successfully in a handheld device, but given its video and audio capabilities, the PSP is likely to be the best choice for a survival horror title.
Silent Hill tops weekend box office
Despite a disastrous critical reception, Silent Hill has climbed to the top of the box office following a lucrative opening weekend in which the film grossed about $20.2 million. Of course, this comes at a time when the film industry is in a down cycle as it gears up for the summer blockbuster season. Silent Hill's biggest competition was Scary Movie 4, which was entering its second weekend of release.[Thanks, Sean]
