Jason Dobson
Articles by Jason Dobson
Canadian video game sales dip for first time since 2002
According to number crunchers at NPD, game industry sales have given Canadian retail outlets the cold shoulder so far in 2009. Much like the region's warmer cousin to the south, sales have slowed through the first quarter, with NPD reporting an 8.5 percent decline in overall sales compared to the same period last year. Interestingly, it isn't games that shoulder the biggest burden of this hit, but hardware, with sales of portables plummeting a dramatic 21 percent during the period. Console sales fared little better, dropping 14.5 percent in sales year-over-year.The dip represents a first for the market since NPD began tracking Canadian sales in 2002. The group points to an overall lack of "blockbuster titles" so far compared to 2008 as a driving reason for the ongoing slump, with the same period in 2007 buffeted on sales of games like Guitar Hero III and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. As games like Resident Evil 5 and Halo Wars are not enough to get more Canadians checking out new platforms, clearly the time is right for a new hockey or moose hunting game to ski in and save the day.
Cam footage of TMNT: Turtles in Time remake spotted
If recent news of an upcoming remake of arcade classic Turtles in Time wasn't enough to make you scream Cowabunga then, well ... congratulations, you're dead inside. For everyone else, some footage of the game has surfaced and, provided you can keep your breakfast down after the video's shaky-cam style, should give you an early taste of just what to expect.Turtles in Time marks the second Konami oldie lined up for a makeover in as many months, following April's reveal of a new Vandal Hearts for PSN and XBLA. While some of us would have much preferred a remake of the NES original TMNT, given that game's crushing difficulty we doubt many gamers today would have survived that particular ride aboard the Technodrome's wayback machine. [Via Gamervision; thanks, Fernando]
BottleRocket confirms work on Splatterhouse
A BottleRocket representative has confirmed an earlier report suggesting that members of the former Splatterhouse developer's team had been brought on by Namco Bandai to help finish the job. "Yes, that is true," commented the rep, who added the while the studio couldn't talk about how many employees had accepted Namco's offer, "It is my understanding that Namco only offered contracts, not full-time employment."BottleRocket was forcibly removed from developing Splatterhouse by Namco last February over an unspecified "performance issue", with the re-imagining instead rumored to now be in the hands of the team responsible for Afro Samurai.
Batman: Arkham Asylum delayed until 'summer 2009'
Like a bat signal against a cloudy Gotham skyline, Eidos and Warner Bros. have sent official word to Joystiq regarding the alleged delay of Batman: Arkham Asylum: It appears we'll be waiting a little while longer for the Dark Knight to rescue us from the summer release schedule.While the Bat's' upcoming jaunt through the famed comic prison won't take quite as long to get to store shelves as previously rumored, the game is likely to miss its already announced June 23 release. According to an official statement, Batman: Arkham Asylum will ship sometime during the noticeably vague "summer 2009" window. No reason was given for the delay, with parties saying only that the extra time will let devs ensure that the game "is of the highest quality for gamers." We're following up for some more details and will update if we hear anything.Update: Joystiq has received a slightly more specific ship date for the game, with a representative saying that Batman: Arkham Asylum will ship sometime at the "end of summer." [Image]
Need for Speed: Undercover DLC released, PS3 only for now
Need for Speed: Undercover is getting some much-needed extra fuel, both premium and unleaded. Electronic Arts has announced a pair of DLC packs for the ill-received sequel, including a free Challenge Series and a premium collection of customized "boss" vehicles.The Challenge Series promises a handful of new cars, as well as 60 events across a pair of new game modes, including "Highway Wars," a mix of highway battles and sprint racing, and "Highway Checkpoint," where drivers will maneuver through traffic to reach checkpoints and beat the clock. The $5 Boss Car pack, on the other hand, gives players access to every boss car in the game, from Carmen's Shelby GT500 to Nickel's Dodge Viper SRT10. Interestingly, the downloads are currently only available for the PlayStation 3, though EA notes that both packs are "coming soon" for the Xbox 360 and PC. Until then, drivers are urged to turn off their ignition and wait patiently for their turn at the pump.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 'stand-alone expansion' Call of Pripyat detailed
The Ukraine continues to be a popular tourist trap for mutants and Geiger counter salesmen. GSC Game World will again revisit the Eastern European country in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, an upcoming "stand-alone expansion" to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The Escapist recently culled some rad details on the upcoming title from the pages of Russian mag Gameplay, which reportedly referred to the game as a sequel set just days after the events depicted in the 2007 original.Among the particulars is information that players won't be able to side with factions this time around, with more 'varied' and 'detailed' side quests promised instead. Day and night cycles are also said to figure more prominently in the game, with the article claiming that the developers are aiming to fix "mistakes" made in both the first game and its prequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky. Check out the full translation, as well as scans from the magazine on the FPSBanana forums while we wait in our lead bunker for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat to drop sometime this fall.
Rumor: Batman: Arkham Asylum delayed until holidays
It may take a bit longer for the Caped Crusader to round up his rogues gallery in Batman: Arkham Asylum, as "sources close to the game" tell Game Informer the title has been pushed back from its expected June release until sometime later this year.Despite impressing us earlier this year, the unspecified sources tell Game Informer than the game will now ship in 2009's fourth quarter. If true, and while disappointing, the delay will give us more time to work on work on our Batarang hurling technique. Neither Eidos nor Warner Bros. have offered a comment on the cause behind the delay, though we have reached out to both ourselves for more.[Thanks, Christian]
Joystiq interview: High Voltage Software on The Conduit
While the Wii can often become a minigame jukebox, games like House of the Dead: Overkill and MadWorld prove that there's still room on Nintendo's console for players hungry for more than just another party. Despite Nintendo's preaching that it has not abandoned core gamers, others, like Illinois-based High Voltage Software, are doing something about it.High Voltage's upcoming shooter, The Conduit, was positioned early on as the studio's effort to prove that the Wii could handle a hardcore FPS. Now, with it set to release in June, we cornered High Voltage creative director Matt Corso and spoke at length on the Wii, its perception with the hardcore crowd, and how his game's graphics size up to other titles like Gears of War. %Gallery-33787%
See Fable 2's future on May 12
Information continues to trickle in from the trusty crystal ball regarding Fable 2's upcoming "See the Future" DLC, which Lionhead now reveals will be available on May 12. The content will cost 560 ($7) Microsoft Points, a currency that thankfully still holds value in the distant future.In addition to adding in new items, quests and fluffy companions, Lionhead also promises that all Xbox Live Silver account holders will be able to adventure alongside their Gold cousins for free from May 8 through May 11. So grab your dog and your favorite sword -- the future's waiting.%Gallery-49378%
TimeShift dev taps Havok for 'several' upcoming games
Developer Saber Interactive has been keeping to itself since its time-bending shooter, TimeShift, first bored critics in 2007. Employees have been spending their hours competing in weekly dance-offs doing the Time Warp, a heated competition that'll likely be put on hold now that the company has a new game to work on. Make that games -- plural -- as middleware firm Havok announced that its Havok Destruction tech is now in the hands of the company for use in "several" upcoming games.While no games have been announced, Saber Interactive teases that Havok Destruction will help bring "a new scale and complexity to the fully destructible city" in its next title, including the ability to punch holes through walls. In addition, the developer notes that the software allowed it to realize "large-scale destruction sequences" and reduce costs, with the outfit's budget for interactive assets dropping by 40 percent or more as a result of the Havok license. Exploding barrels, is there anything you can't do?
Gunstar Heroes Achievements hint at XBLA release
That didn't take long. While Sega's Gunstar Heroes was noticeably absent from Achievements uncovered earlier this month, Xbox360Achievements has again given us reason to live. Or at least reason enough to believe that the Treasure classic will be running and gunning for Xbox Live Arcade sometime down the line. The site highlights twelve Achievements for the fan favorite side-scroller, worth 200 points in all. While we're disappointed at the lack of creativity in the list, which mostly focuses overcoming the game's top baddies, we continue to hope for online co-op play once Gunstar Heroes' XBLA debut is made official. Come on Sega, make it happen! [Via 1UP]
Dead Rising 2's hero thrills, eviscerates in new trailer
Nothing says love like a chainsaw on a stick. Unless it's two chainsaws on a stick, which is just one of several implements Dead Rising 2 protagonist (and loving father!) Chuck Greene uses to cut a swath through Fortune City's pesky zombie infestation. A new video showing off Greene's hatred of the walking dead has made its way onto the sprawling internet -- we're certainly not above sharing the love after the break.%Gallery-44178%[Via CVG]
Eidos stays independent following Square Enix acquisition
Despite having all of its hit points gobbled up by Square Enix, Eidos still expects to remain autonomous of its new parent company, saying in a press release that Eidos will continue to function as "an independent operation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary" of the role-playing giant. To drive this home, Phil Rogers will stay on as the CEO at Eidos, where he will report directly to Square Enix boss Yoichi Wada, who calls the union an "international marriage." Aww, we forgot to bring a gift. Eidos was finally acquired by the Japanese company last week for £84 million. However, despite our suggestions to the contrary, the British pub will still answer to the name Eidos instead of adopting something a bit more creative.
First in-game images of Dante's Inferno PSP surface
Curious what hell looks like in the palm of your hand? Eurogamer.pt has posted a pair of in-game shots taken from the recently announced PSP version of Dante's Inferno, which, while impressive, only further cement the notion that this particular take on Divine Comedy offers the liberalest of interpretations. Set to ship sometime in 2010 alongside home console versions, Dante's Inferno for the PSP is being jointly developed by EA Redwood Shores and Wet developer A2M. The Prince of Lies' involvement in the project, however, remains purely rumor and speculation -- but, we can hear him whispering, whispering, whisper ...%Gallery-51141%
Famitsu, retailers say Bethesda publishing Wet
It looks as if Wet has finally have emerged from the murky waters of publishing limbo, though the likely reveal comes from the unlikeliest of sources. The latest issue of Japanese mag Famitsu, according to Siliconera, lists Bethesda as the publisher behind the Western-developed, stylish third-person shooter, which has been without a champion since being cast off in the wake of last year's Activision-Vivendi merger.In addition, several online retailers, including Amazon, Gamefly and CD Universe also claim that the action romp has been picked up by the Fallout 3 crew. However, there seems to be some disagreement on when the game will arrive at retail. According to Amazon, Wet will ship on August 31, while both Gamefly and CD Universe expect the game to arrive on September 30 and 31 respectively.Whatever the case, it seems probable that Wet has found a new home among the publisher's traditionally RPG-heavy catalog. While still unofficial, we've reached out to Bethesda in hopes of toweling off any additional information.Source -- Bethesda gets WetSource -- Bethesda Softworks Rescues Wet
American McGee says XBLA, PSN need to evolve
When it comes to digital distribution on consoles, American McGee feels that the model "still has some evolving to do." The game designer -- whose credits include Alice as well as Doom and Quake -- recently told Geek.com that while his ambitious 24-episode experiment Grimm could be ported over to such platforms as Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, the process needs some work before that would happen."Porting this sort of stuff is straightforward," claimed McGee, who added that "the biggest issue" sits with the platforms' content approval and distribution model. XBLA's certification process has long proved a cumbersome hurdle for developers, with McGee noting,"When a single title might take months to get through review and approval (take Braid, as an example), pushing 24 episodes through would translate to years of approval process."McGee is currently spinning his creative wheels on the recently announced sequel to Alice, a property that's also been mentioned in movie circles for some time. The rights currently sit with producer Scott Faye, who was responsible for 2008's big screen take on Max Payne, a film McGee lambasted, saying, "I wasn't able to sit through the entire thing ... I just couldn't connect to the film version." You, sir, were not alone.[Via 1UP]
Jim Lee to illustrate Gears of War comic cover
Why miss, you look awfully proud of yourself. Is it because you had the gumption to down a brumak or did you look down and realize that you were drawn by comic book icon Jim Lee? Just go on sitting inappropriately atop that beastie's noggin while you mull it over.Calling Gears of War "visceral yet elegant," Lee will illustrate the cover for the #9 issue of DC's comic book adaptation, which launched in late 2008 under the company's Wildstorm imprint. The issue is said to introduce a new character to the story, who we'd guess is miss sassy pants up there. According to the publisher, the series has enjoyed success so far among comic book enthusiasts, with the first two issues completely selling through their initial printing. The Jim Lee-covered issue is expected to fill collectors' pull lists in July, while a second alternate cover by Epic's art director Chris Perna is promised as well. Now, climb down off that thing, you're making us nervous.
Atari founder Nolan Bushnell to keynote LA Games Conference
The man created both Pong and Chuck E. Cheese's pizza, so you'll have to forgive us if we take pause whenever Nolan Bushnell opens his bearded maw. The Atari founder is slated to take the stage at next week's LA Games Conference, and will offer his thoughts on the current crop of consoles as well as where he believes the industry is headed. Straight into the nearest uWink, no doubt.Bushnell is just one of several speakers pegged to headline the event, which will include additional keynotes from PopCap top dog David Roberts, Qualcomm exec Mike Yuen and Benchmark Capital partner Mitch Lasky. The event is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in LA, and should make for an interesting primer for E3's media bombardment in June.
Rumor: Bizarre's new racer is 'Blur'
Don't blink, or you'll miss this latest tidbit concerning Bizarre Creations' potential new racing project. Going by the name Blur, urban racer was reportedly revealed within the pages of French gaming mag Joypad, with the hazy racer adding power-ups, weapons and new collision tech to the developer's long-held love of racing.While still unconfirmed, Bizarre Creations' next racing project was first teased in late 2008 as "Mario Kart meets Forza," and we've fired a turtle shell in the developer's general direction to find out more.Source: NeoGAF translationSource: First Info on Bizarre's Blur
Dante's Inferno set to burn up PSP next year
Electronic Arts has announced that its forthcoming, hellish action romp, Dante's Inferno, will be heating up the PSP in 2010. The portable version will ship alongside those previously announced for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with Wet developer A2M working with EA Redwood Shores to translate the game's nine circles of hell onto the small screen. Even with this news, details remain scant on the project. Still, given the game's purported God of War-style gameplay, we have high hopes that Dante will be able to follow in the Ghost of Sparta's miniaturized footsteps when Dante's Inferno ships for the PSP next year.