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The Symphony of the Night we won't get
Some gamers may feel jaded about the lack of improvements the PSP version of Symphony of the Night will feature. If Rondo of Blood can get the full 3D makeover, certainly this beloved PS1 classic can also receive some extras? Well, more isn't necessarily better, as seen by the Saturn version of this beloved adventure game.1UP showcases the horrors of the Saturn version, filled with unnecessary extras that actually detract from the experience more than add to it. This episode of Retronauts shows you the horrors of a great game ruined by an overly ambitious port design. Let's be glad that our version of Symphony of the Night won't be as horrific as this.
Ziff Davis games division cost too much?
Doesn't look like the potential buyers for Ziff Davis's games group, which includes EGM, Games for Windows and 1UP, are willing to pay the three times revenue price for the group that Ziff Davis wants. Asking for three times revenue, on a division that brings in mid-$20 million, but still breaks even on earnings is, as one source puts it in Foliomag.com, "Very, very over-the-top."Kevin Gifford explores the sale and the Ziff Davis corporation in his latest Magweasel column at GameSetWatch. Avoiding the pitfalls of dumping on how print is a "rapidly diminishing" presence -- going so far as to say he thinks EGM is doing a "very good job at proving why they should exist." -- he comments more on the turn of events at Ziff Davis. A company which profited from enthusiast publications is finding their business eroding by the ultimate enthusiasts publication tool -- the internet.See also: For Sale: EGM and 1UP
Konami Gamers' Day: feel like you were there
You like-uh the Castlevania, yah? Good! Here's more video from the fine folks at 1UP. Hey Konami, where was my invite to your awesome Konami Gamers' Day? Join me as I feel neglected by Konami, and watch these videos: it'll feel like you're actually at Konami Gamers' Day!After the break, you'll see tons of Castlevania footage, Coded Arms, and Brooktown High.
Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles & Symphony of the Night heading for PSP!
Remember that awesome game that 1UP was talking about? It's finally revealed! Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles is a completely remastered version of Dracula X: Rondo of Blood. This long-forgotten entry in the Castlevania franchise was only available in Japan on the PC Engine Duo, a system I can't even remember existing. The PSP version features a brilliant graphical overhaul, which looks lightyears ahead of any of the DS Castlevania games.Oh, and if that weren't enough, the game comes with a port of Symphony of the Night, considered by many as the best Castlevania of all time.Go past the cut to see a video of the game in action. Expect to see even more of this new PSP-exclusive Castlevania on The 1UP Show tomorrow.[Via 1UP]
Mad cows infect After Burner
Those lucky jerks at 1UP have been able to play Planet Moon's latest game, After Burner. The preview is overwhelmingly glowing, with the controls noted as some of the system's best. "The game features some of the best hit boxes on PSP -- just loose enough to work properly with the analog nub, and just tight enough to make it not feel like the game does the work for you."Of course, Planet Moon's usual quirky humor has permeated the game. Of note is one multiplayer mode, called Mad Cow mode, which has you flying around as a cow, trying to survive. If you're interested in finding more about this Sega revival, check out 1UP's preview. Then, you may want to head over to the developer's blog, in hopes of more bovine violence. The game comes out March 20th.(Note: the embedded video is from an early build. 1UP says the near-final build plays much better than this. Let's hope they're right, because this looks pretty junky.)
Secret PSP game next week on 1up show
Last week we wondered where 1up's infamous awesome secret PSP game announcement was. Well, it looks like another week has passed and still no announcement despite it originally being promised for the season premiere of the show. It isn't quite as bad this week though, since Shane did actually address the issue on this week's 1up Show and promised that the announcement would now be on next week's show. He cited the reason for the big reveal being delayed was due to the company involved not wanting the announcement to occur yet.Hopefully this time Shane is actually able to follow through on his promise and after this long of a wait, it better be an awesome game indeed!
Xbox 360 and IPTV interview
Our compatriots at PVRWire uncovered a 1UP video interview with Microsoft's Chris Satchell and Albert Penello. The group discuss the Xbox 360's feature set and what sort of improvements we might expect in the future. Some of the more interesting topics discussed include Xbox Live, features that the 360 should have, and, of course, a larger hard drive. The interview is broken up into two parts. The first part mainly covers IPTV and the possibility of a larger hard drive for DVR functions. The second half focuses on the 360 itself and its future potential. Part one is embedded above and you can watch part two after the break.
RSS this!
Every week PSP Fanboy brings you a great new podcast that you can use your PSP's RSS feature to subscribe to. We like to call it RSS this! This week's spotlight is one that many gamers probably already subscribe to, but that doesn't make it any less worthy of praise. 1up Yours is 1up.com 's premiere weekly podcast. A typical episode can consist of developer interviews, rumors, news, community features and general conversation about games. The cast usually consists of John Davison, Garnett Lee, Luke Smith and Shane Bettenhausen. One of the most listened to and respected video game podcast around, 1up Yours is a passionate, informative and humorous journey into what makes gaming great and what it needs to do better. When the podcasters aren't attacking their separate viewpoints on gaming, they mock their sexuality. The best part though is since everyone is so honest, you get to know them and even if you don't agree with them, they stay endearing. If you haven't yet heard 1up Yours and you want to add it to your PSP's RSS, just bring up this site with your PSP through our mobile version at m.pspfanboy.com and click on this link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/1up/podcast. Then you can exit your web browser and the show should be in your RSS channels. From there you can set a timer for auto-download of episodes or stream them so you don't take up memory stick space. Got something you have RSS'd and would like us to feature it? Just let us know in the comments, or let other readers know what you think of 1up Yours.
Us to 1UP: where's our PSP stuff?
The newest episode of The 1UP Show was supposed to have the "really awesome" PSP game that was mentioned in the last 1UP Yours podcast. So ... what happened? It appears that the Ziff Davis people are constantly taunting us, as the latest 1UP Yours podcast talks about more good PSP news. Shane elaborates more on EGM Rumor Mill's rumor about Square Enix's support on PSP: "This isn't the end of Square Enix's bizarre love affair with the PSP. There's more s**t coming. The 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy is not over and you'll be really surprised by some of the stuff you'll see later this year (emphasis added) ... You're not going to see a remake of Final Fantasy VII on PSP, but you will see some exciting, unexpected Final Fantasy games on PSP."To ease your fears, we're not getting Chocobo Adventure or Chocobo Racing. Shane explains: "There's specifically one PSP game that nobody could ever guess ever that will blow everybody away." Also, there's going to be a ton of ports heading our way as well: "There are some other remakes and ports that aren't Final Fantasy from Square Enix on PSP and DS."So ... what's your guess? The guess that nobody could ever guess? Mine is a new version of Ehrgeiz (oh yeah, I went there!).
Sony flog and more remembered at 1UP
Sony's fake blog, "All I Want for Christmas is a PSP," still lives in infamy. It hit number three on 1UP's list of "top ten WTF moments of '06." "Chock full of painfully awkward slang, the whole thing peaked with a horrendously embarrassing hip-hop video that as much as we'd like to we just can't un-watch." If you missed out on this marketing blunder, check out the links below:See also:Flog archived for your pleasurePSP for porn, pedophiles and Nazis ... according to FOX[Via Joystiq]
"Really awesome" PSP game to be unveiled soon [Update 1]
The latest episode of the 1UP Yours podcast has editor Shane revealing that he's been playing a "really awesome" game. And surprise, surprise ... it's a PSP game. The only clue we have is that it's from the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes companies like: Factor 5 (Lair), Ubisoft, Digital Eclipse (Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox 360), oh... and Sony Computer Entertainment of America.We'll find out for sure during The 1UP Show's premiere next week, but until then, let the speculation begin![Via IGN][Update 1: A tip from one of our readers leads us to the PSM Podcast. The critically acclaimed developers of Daxter, Ready At Dawn, are working on another game. This could be the "awesome" game that 1UP is referring to. Hopefully.]
Rumor: MTV acquiring 1UP, adding to their collection
GameDaily.biz reports a "highly-placed" source says MTV is looking to purchase 1UP.com and GameVideos.com from Ziff Davis. This seems probable considering Ziff Davis is selling the Ziff Davis Game Group and MTV has been on a gaming acquisition bender, purchasing GameTrailers, Atom Entertainment and Guitar Hero developer Harmonix. MTV's purchase of 1UP.com would allow them to acquire some gaming editorial clout, and because they already have GameTrailers they can either disband, or assimilate, GameVideos.com.Currently there is no expectation MTV will purchase any of the Ziff Davis gaming publications (EGM, Games for Windows). Revenue in the print publications has been flat and the only reason the game group didn't lose revenue was due to the online sections. Ziff Davis's earnings release states, "Lower print advertising and circulation revenues for the group's three print magazines were mostly offset by a nearly four-fold increase in the group's online revenues." Ziff Davis corporation had cash and cash equivalents drop by $5.4 million through September.These Ziff Davis Game Group stories and rumors have been growing exponentially over the last couple weeks. So, if MTV is only interested in the online portion and they've been keeping the publications afloat -- what's that going to mean for Electronic Gaming Monthly and Games for Windows?
For Sale: EGM and 1UP
Ziff Davis is attempting to sell 1UP and Electronic Gaming Monthly. According to reports, publisher Ziff Davis is actively entertaining offers for a few of its divisions, including the Ziff Davis Game Group, which includes EGM, 1UP, the recently renamed Games for Windows and the recently deceased OPM (Official PlayStation Magazine).Simon Carless of GameSetWatch, who has been following the story, believes, "Ziff might have closed Official PlayStation Magazine a little earlier than they might otherwise have done, in order to make the Game Group more attractive to potential purchasers, who obviously care most about 1UP. Which makes sense, because in most cases (prestige low-circulation magazines such as Edge notwithstanding), circs and revenues in consumer print are only going to trickle down over the next few years."What this sale means is still up for great debate. There is currently no firm buyer and even if the unit is sold, readers probably won't notice a change for a couple years -- if ever. All this means right now is the Ziff Davis Game Group is up for sale, which is just standard business.
1UP hands out their gaming presents
For Christmas 1UP decided to hand out gifts to the gaming industry's most elite, selecting only gifts that suite their prospective owners. Not only is their list hilariously true, but we're a little bitter that we didn't think of doing this. Some of our favorites have to be a one year Xbox Live subscription card to Phil Harrison to show him how an online service is supposed to work, the matchmaking source code from Halo 2 given to both Cliffy B and Mark Rein, a box of Trojans to Bethesda because whoever purchased that horse armor got it up the a**, and an apology letter to Rare because first impressions aren't always accurate and Viva Piñata rocks. We agree, these are the gifts everyone should have received. Do you have any gifts that 1UP forgot to mention and who should Santa deliver them to? Make a list, check it twice, and post it for all to see.
1UP Awards: PSP earns more nominations than DS
The PSP took a whopping 31 nominations this year in 1UP's annual "1UP Awards." The DS, on the other hand, only received 22. If you're a member of 1UP, now's the chance to rock the vote and show everyone that the PSP really does have an excellent library of games, no matter what Nintendo fanboys may say. Here are some of the categories the PSP is competing in:StrategyMetal Gear Acid 2Field CommanderShootingSyphon Filter: Dark MirrorSOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2Sports NFL Street 3 NCAA Football 07 Racing ATV Offroad Fury Pro ActionLEGO Star Wars IIMega Man: Powered UpMetal Gear Solid: Portable OpsKillzone: LiberationAdventureDaxterGrand theft Auto: Vice City StoriesFightingPower Stone CollectionWWE Smackdown vs. RawGuilty Gear JudgmentTekken: Dark ResurrectionStreet Fighter Alpha 3 MAXOnlineSOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2Puzzle (the PSP nearly swept this category!)Lumines IIEvery Extend ExtraMercury MeltdownExitGunpeyWTFLemmingsSimulationAce Combat X: Skies of DeceptionMost InnovativeLoco RocoMetal Gear Solid: Portable OpsGame of the YearGrand Theft Auto: Vice City StoriesMetal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
MGS:PO enthralls the hearts of 1UP
This week's episode of The 1UP Show features extensive coverage of the beloved Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. If you don't have the game yet, it's probably because it's sold out at your local retailer. Or, you were on the fence. After watching the 1UP gang showcase Portable Ops, you know you'll eventually get this game.
Metareview: Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops
Are you happy to see me? Or is that just a Snake in your pants? Solid Snake goes portable in a big way. Get ready for the biggest non-shock of the year: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is good. Very good. In fact, it's THE killer app that Sony fans have been waiting for: 1UP (95/100) - "All this translates into a game that essentially pushes the PSP in all of its features: graphics, portability, Internet, extra hardware doohickeys, and multiplayer. Sure, it might have hiccups (occasional ghosting, quirky A.I., the one analog nub), but Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is not only a fine MGS title -- it's also a damn good showcase for the PSP.". IGN (90/100) - "It's been a long time coming, but this is what Metal Gear Solid fans, and indeed PSP fans have been waiting for: a title that demonstrates what the technology of the PSP can actually do, with a solid action title to boot. The GPS and WiFi scanning feature is excellently implemented, the online and single player modes are deep, and there are plenty of things to do by tracking down and recruiting new soldiers from various places. This is one of the games to add to your collection if you have the PSP.". Yahoo (80/100) - "This is one of the PSP's best multiplayer titles, giving you essentially a two-for-one experience. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops isn't a must-have for everyone, but most gamers recruited into its ranks will be satisfied." The game has shipped to retailers, so expect them in stores today or tomorrow. Rush in to your game store, and tell us what you think about the game!
Nintendo's Wiimote: innovative controller, or potent weapon?
While there's always the chance you'll be bludgeoned or shot up while holding down the fort for your chance to snag a Playstation 3, those who take the (presumably) easier route and grab a Nintendo Wii may be buying an accident waiting to happen. Those oh-so-cautious execs over at Wally World have already passed on their chance to install Wii demo kiosks due to "safety concerns," and even those testing it out in GameStop will be keenly watched. In preparation for Wiiday, 1UP has sacrificed some of its own men and women to ensure that all that pent-up excitement (not to mention the effects of sleep deprivation) doesn't lead to a Wiinjury. Although the big N fully expects everyone grasping a Wiimote to buckle up (to their wrist) first, we all know that's not likely to happen -- so you should probably take precautions to avoid getting butterfingers, tennis elbow, entangled, strangled, cancer (saywha?), and a whole host of other potential wounds. While you're brushing up on those Wii reviews, make sure you hit the read link to see just how dangerous that cutesy controller can be.[Via digg]
Planet Moon's After Burner is lookin' good
Planet Moon Studios, developers of MDK, Giants, and the PSP-exclusive Infected, have been working hard at reviving a old Sega classic. After Burner: Black Falcon is yet another PSP-exclusive endeavor from this respected developer, and 1UP has the exclusive scoop on the game. They talked to Bob Stevenson on the game, and he explains: "We were interested in taking a classic arcade game like After Burner and adding a bit of artistic license, Planet Moon-style. We were careful not to go too crazy as the game has its own essence that we didn't want to mess with."The classic game will be getting some unique story and character development, something the team at Planet Moon has always been good at. With 30+ single player missions and extensive multiplayer modes planned, you may want to keep your eye on this one on its journey to a Spring 2007 release.
Does Sony hate OPM? The answer is yes [Update 1]
Remember when we asked if the Official PlayStation Magazine hated PSP games? Well, it looks like Sony doesn't care much about the magazine either as they announced the magazine's discontinuation today. "With the launch of the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and its full network and Web capabilities, we are focused on delivering content via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com website, not discs," said Peter Dille. Makes sense to me. With the newly revamped PlayStation.com and PlayStation Store coming, there's no reason to have a print magazine... especially when the main reason people get the magazine is for the demo discs. The final issue of OPM will be the January 2007 issue. Fans of OPM's editorials need not fret, however. The 1UP team will continue providing editorial content available exclusively for PS3 owners. [Via Joystiq] [Update 1: The European version of OPM will continue. While the US magazine is published by Ziff Davis, it appears that the UK's magazine, handled by Future, will still continue. Source: GI.biz]
