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Seen@TGS: Capcom's massive Monster Hunter 4 village
We don't know how to tell you this, but Monster Hunter is kind of a big deal in Japan.
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus hits Japanese PSN/XBLA this Oct.
During a visit to the Arc System Works booth at the Tokyo Game Show, we discovered that the XBLA and PSN versions of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus will be launching sometime in October, provided you live in Japan.This revamped re-release -- of a revamped re-release of a revamped re-release -- will be available for ¥1,500/1,200 MS Points, depending on your platform of preference. Our booth visit also yielded this collection of screenshots, which conjures up nostalgic memories of after-school Grave Digger loops, mini-Faust hijinks and I-No's provocative finishing pose.%Gallery-166123%
Of PlayStation Vita owners, 'almost all' own PlayStation 3 as well
Sony isn't sharing exact numbers, but Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller teased that "almost all" PlayStation Vita owners are also PlayStation 3 owners. We were discussing the potential crossover between Vita and PS3 -- the obvious comparison to Nintendo's latest offering, the Wii U, and its tablet controller. The Vita and the PS3 are capable of producing similar functionality, and, if anything, with higher fidelity, as the Vita is a standalone console. Koller says Sony invites the comparison. "We tell our PlayStation fans all the time that what the Wii U is offering is something that Vita and PS3 can do quite easily," he says. It's not just about the functionality, however, it's about whether implementing that functionality makes any sense. "It's dependent on the content. So we need to make sure the content isn't force fed. And, to us, making sure that the gamer receives the right type of experience is what's most important. So we're gonna pick our spots, but that technology does certainly exist here." It wouldn't be hard to imagine Sony bundling the Vita and its new PS3 model together for holiday sales, pushing up against this holiday's Wii U launch. Koller says not just yet, though. "As we look at the lineup, there are gonna be some opportunities to do that. Whether we want to bundle the hardware together remains to be seen," he explains. It sounds like we'll be hearing more on that front in the future, as "retails asks for it all the time," Koller says. For now, however, he's happy knowing that the vast majority of Vita owners are already prepared for cross-functionality between the two consoles. "In the meantime, you look at the Vita consumer and a very high percentage -- almost all of them -- own a PS3. So you see that crossover works."
Sony explains missing PlayStation 3 price drop on old models, EU exclusivity of Flash memory version
Call it the "SuperSlim," the "Ultrasvelte," or the "LipoStation 3" -- just as long as "it stays positive," says Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller. The new, even thinner version of the PlayStation 3 doesn't have a new name to distinguish itself from the myriad other PS3 models. Like Apple's third iPad iteration, the third iteration of the PlayStation 3 is simply, "The PlayStation 3." And like the second PS3 console, Koller says the new model is Sony's new standard, with previous models going the way of the Puerto Rican shrew (poor little guy is totally extinct). The new PS3 comes in two models for North America, 250GB and 500GB, which Koller says is a result of North American consumers being more "digitally inclined" than other territories. "We have to provide the hard drive size and the opportunity for them to be able to, out of the box, utilize that content," he argues. But this philosophy may be flawed -- one of Sony's main competitors, Nintendo, is applying the same logic to its Wii U, albeit with starkly different results. Nintendo argues that it doesn't want to pass the rapidly declining cost of memory on to the consumer, so you'll be able to attach any form of external memory to its console. That functionality also exists in the PS3 -- Flash memory via USB or a full-on internal HDD replacement -- but Koller says consumers are more inclined to purchase additional consoles rather than replacing internal storage. "When you look at some of the earlier chassis, and the really early adopters -- the 20GB, and the 60GB -- that consumer had a choice. They could either go out and buy another hard drive -- and it's an easy install, so we make it easy for the consumer if they want to take a hard drive off the shelf and plug it in, they can do that. They had a choice of doing that, or purchasing another PlayStation 3. And what's been happening is we're seeing a lot of adoption of second consoles in-house," Koller says. That philosophy is why Europe's the only territory getting a 12GB Flash-based PlayStation 3. Sure, consumers can expand the system's memory with Flash -- the new model allows for internal memory expansion as well, except for the 12GB version -- but that doesn't line up with SCEA's goals in its territory. "The smaller Flash drive isn't coming to North America, and a lot of that reason is the digital consumer," Koller says. "We really want to make sure, out of the box, that there is an option for them to be able to download that content. That is really critical for us, very very important."%Gallery-165870%
Level-5's Hino wants to adapt Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky
Ni No Kuni is the first collaboration between Level-5 and Japan's famous Studio Ghibli, and Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino hopes it won't be the last. Speaking during a group interview session at a pre-TGS event at Namco's headquarters in Tokyo, Hino noted that he'd like to work with Studio Ghibli again. "If there is a potential opportunity to work with them again," he said, through an interpreter, "yes, we'd like to work on some joint projects with them in the future – if there is, of course, a possibility."Concerning exactly what sort of project he'd like to pursue, we asked if Level 5 has had any discussions about adapting existing Studio Ghibli properties into video games. Hino said that he would love to but, naturally, Ghibli would have to approve any such projects. Corporate approvals aren't a very entertaining topic of conversation though, so we just went ahead and asked which Studio Ghibli film he would like to adapt. Given the opportunity, he said, he would adapt Castle in the Sky.That strange rustling you just heard was the sound of millions of fingers being crossed.
Hands on: Street Fighter X Tekken Vita/PS3 crossplay bear extravaganza
Earlier today, we had a chance to get our grubby little mitts on the PlayStation Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken during a Capcom event held concurrently with the Tokyo Game Show. Specifically, we pit the Vita version against the PlayStation 3 version to not only test the port's crossplay functionality, but to also determine which is superior: Bear, or Robot Chainsaw Lady?Place your bets, then find out in the video above!
Metal Gear Rising downloadable on PSN in Japan, new trailer
In normal Metal Gear games, you get by cameras by sneaking under them, or deploying a chaff grenade to disrupt their electronics. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's idea of "stealth" just involves jumping up ten feet in the air and cutting the security camera in half. Why didn't Snake ever think of that?Along with this trailer, the Japanese website reveals that the game will be released as both a retail game and a PSN download in that region. It won't be available through Xbox Games on Demand, of course, because there is no Xbox version in Japan.%Gallery-166124%
Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, and more Layton trailers than you can handle
Level-5 showed off its wide variety of Professor Layton material at TGS, releasing trailers for Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney (above) along with Professor Layton and the Legacy of Super Civilization A, Layton Brothers Mystery Room, and Professor Layton and the Century of the Seven Phantom Thieves.
Ace Attorney 5 trailer reveals emotion reading system, inspires emotions
The only thing that could make this TGS trailer for Ace Attorney 5 – which features the new 3D models in motion for the first time – any more interesting is if you could understand the dialogue. And now, thanks to YouTube user and subtitler Bolt2nd, now you can totally understand what's happening.And what's happening is a new system that lets you watch for contradictory emotional responses during testimony. To help with this, new partner Kokone appears to have some kind of empathic ability. It's not an Ace Attorney courtroom without psychic powers!
Injustice: Gods Among Us due April 2013
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced this morning that Injustice: Gods Among Us is aiming to smash through a release window of April 2013 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U.With Tokyo Game Show in full swing, the publisher also shot out a new trailer and screenshots of the DC Universe fighter, being developed by Mortal Kombat studio NetherRealm.%Gallery-166115%
Sony 'Prototype-SR' spotted at TGS 2012: the HMZ-T2 tacks on a camera, plays with user perception (video)
Remember the Sony HMZ-T2 3D head-mounted display that we tried on back at IFA? Well, it's being prominently featured here at TGS, too. Tucked away at a smaller, much more modest booth around the corner, however, is something a smidge more interesting. Kept behind glass and a safe distance away from our grubby mitts and sweaty foreheads resides the "Prototype-SR" (Substitutional Reality) that was outed on YouTube last week. Essentially, the unit appears to be the HMZ-T2 with a front-mounted camera for head tracking and camera functionality -- the sort of thing that will provide what's being called a 360-degree immersive entertainment experience. From what we can tell from the booth monitors, the unit displays 3D video overlaid in real space for the person wearing the device. Details are scarce and extremely limited demos were available in an apparent lottery (no luck here). You can rest assured that if we're able to snag one, though, we'll be sure to offer up some impressions. For now, take a look at the camera-wielding set of hi-tech goggles in the gallery below and the aforementioned video awaits just past the break.
Razer's customizable fight stick returns to TGS for final beta, is still nameless (video)
Remember that disassembly friendly, unnamed Xbox 360 arcade stick Razer trotted out at TGS last year? It's back, and while it hasn't gained any traction in the moniker category, it's received a few notable hardware tweaks. Razer's TGS team told us the stick has been through a total of thirteen revisions since it entered closed beta last year, and is now entering its final beta before production. Leveraging feedback from over 200 enthusiasts, Razer has made a number of tweaks to the controller, including alternative joystick tops, an included miniature screwdriver and a honeycomb screw-mount bottom so modders can install custom PCBs. The new unit also wears an acrylic cover, allowing perspective buyers to swap Razer's default artwork for a custom inlay. Just like last year, this unit features Sanwa Denshi components -- but picky players will be able to swap them out for their preferred parts without fear of voiding their warranty. Razer couldn't tell us how long the final beta phase would last, and only said that the stick would be released once it was "perfect." Our host did hazard a guess, however, that it would be out by early next year. Want to see more? Relive our TGS booth visit after the break.
Sony PlayStation Vita Sapphire Blue hands-on (video)
After breaking from cover at yesterday's pre-TGS presser, the two new PlayStation Vita color variants have gotten cozy at the Sony booth on the show floor. Unlike the quick photo opp that we snagged a few hours ago, we were able to actually fondle the "sapphire blue" model in all its metallic-hued glory. Speaking of shiny exteriors, both the blue and red schemes feature a bit of sparkle along with the slathering of new paint. The duo look quite glittery, giving the two some added flair over the regular ol' black and white versions in addition to the color change. The hardware is the same as the existing models and the key difference is strictly visual. As you can see in the gallery below, the backsides of these Vitas is also covered with the same shimmering color as their facades. The pair will arrive in Japan in November and we're keeping a close watch on availability elsewhere.
Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix announced for PS3, features remastered PS2 games
Square Enix has revealed Kingdom Hearts is finally on its way to current-era home consoles. In typical wacky naming fashion for the publisher, the bundle including HD remastered versions of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts - Re:Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days will launch in 2013 under the banner of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix.No stranger to re-releases, the Kingdom Hearts franchise will further update the PS2 re-release of Chain of Memories – originally a GBA game – to the PS3. Final Mix was a Japanese-exclusive re-release of the first game, which added new content found in the North American version of the game. Though the DS-exclusive 358/2 Days would probably see the most tweaking to get it to land on home consoles, speculation based on a Famitsu report is the PS3 release will only feature remade cutscenes from in the handheld title and not its gameplay.Additionally, Square Enix revealed a browser-based, online social card game set within the Kingdom Hearts universe, according to the same Famitsu report.Joystiq has a team in Japan for TGS 2012 – which officially begins tomorrow – and will look to have Square Enix explain exactly what the PS3 bundle includes and whether the company plans to bring it stateside.
Super Joystiq Podcast Special: TGS 2012 Day 0
The Tokyo Game Show may not be in full swing yet, but there have already been some big announcements and cool games on display.Richard and Jordan have been running from publisher to publisher seeing the lastest and greatest coming out of Japan. The guys hit on their trips to Namco Bandai, Level 5, and Team Ninja, with impressions on Tekken Tag Tournament 2 for Wii U, Ni no Kuni, Tank! Tank! Tank!, Dead or Alive 5, and more.Then, it's on to Sony. Richard and Jordan share their thoughts on the "super slim" PlayStation 3 redesign, new PlayStation Vita colors, and PS Plus going portable.Thursday marks the first day of the show proper, so see you right back here tomorrow for more straight from Tokyo.Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast: Subscribe to the Super Joystiq Podcast in iTunes Super Joystiq Podcast is also available in the Zune Marketplace Add the Super Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator Download the MP3 directlyDetails about each segment are available after the break.
Super Joystiq Podcast Special: TGS 2012 prepper
Are you ready for another batch of Super Joystiq Podcast specials? You had better be, because we have the Tokyo Game Show all hooked up.The actual show doesn't start until tomorrow, but Richard and Jordan are already on-site getting ready for the killer coverage. This one is all about Akihabara, Gundam cafes, Japan's "Best Buy," and retro games galore.Stay tuned throughout the week for more Super Joystiq Podcast Specials out of Japan and the Tokyo Game Show 2012.Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast: Subscribe to the Super Joystiq Podcast in iTunes Super Joystiq Podcast is also available in the Zune Marketplace Add the Super Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator Download the MP3 directlyDetails about each segment are available after the break.
Take a tour of Namco Bandai's Tokyo headquarters
Namco Bandai held a preview event prior to the Tokyo Game Show this year. Rather than doing so in a hotel or a lavish club, however, the company brought gaming press to its headquarters in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Check out the video above and the gallery below for a look at Namco's massive HQ, featuring Gundams, a waterfall and more Pac-Man than you can shake a stick at.%Gallery-165947%
Soul Sacrifice sacrificing souls Spring 2013
Soul Sacrifice will launch itself -- and presumably a blade forged from the spine of a ruthless warrior -- into Japanese homes sometime in the spring of 2013, creator Keiji Inafune announced during Sony's pre-Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier today. No information was give regarding a North American release window."It's not that development has been delayed," Inafune said during his presentation, but rather that Comcept wants to implement user feedback gained from this week's Tokyo Game Show, as well as an upcoming demo. Sony Computer Entertainment has been gracious with development scheduling, says Inafune.It makes sense when you stop and think about it, considering that spring is the time for love, and what love comes without sacrifice? Well, that may not be the best comparison since our relationships usually don't involve trading body parts and loved ones for unimaginable power. Usually.
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z a partnership between Keiji Inafune's Comcept and Team Ninja [update: trailer!]
Famed Japanese developer Keiji Inafune surprised the crowd at Team Ninja's pre-TGS event to discuss his collaboration with the studio, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. It's not the first time we've heard of the game, but it is the first time we've seen the full title. As it implies, it is a spin-off of the Ninja Gaiden series. The game focuses on ninjas and the undead, with Inafune admitting he's a big fan of zombies (Dead Rising, anyone?). The collaboration represents a "dream come true" for Inafune, to create a game featuring both zombies and ninjas. It's hard to argue with the assertion.The project represents a chance for Inafune to make the kinds of games he really wants to make, he said. Referring to the comments Inafune made saying the Japanese industry was dying, he said "we are going to survive and make good games that will lead the Japanese game industry."The game tells the story of Yaiba, who's only mission in his undead life, it seems, is to take revenge on Ryu Hayabusa, star of the Ninja Gaiden series. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, is currently in development for "consoles."Update: Fresh from Japan, feast on this Yaiba trailer.%Gallery-166040%
Dead or Alive 5 downloadable on PSN day and date with retail release
After showing the launch trailer for Dead or Alive 5 at its Tokyo Game Show event, Team Ninja head Yosuke Hayashi revealed that the game will be available as a download on the PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Store. The downloadable version will be available day and date with the retail version on September 25. A downloadable version is also headed to the Xbox 360, and will be available three months after launch.
