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Interview reveals some secrets behind MGS: Portable Ops
1UP has chatted with the people behind the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and there are a few bullet points that are pretty juicy. [Andrew's note: I'm typing this while Sony continues to not say anything interesting in their press conference.]The classic Kurosawa film Seven Samurai is the inspiration behind your newfound ability to recruit friends in the game.The unique character generated through multiplayer is determined by the IP address of the hotspot you connect to.The characters obviously feature unique attributes. Unsurprisingly, Snake will not be the best character to play as in the game. He's very recognizable, as he's gained quite a bit of infamy by this point in this story.The game is being developed by the same team as Metal Gear Acid, for better or worse.
Video Sandwich: September 12, 2006
Thought I forgot about your beloved Video Sandwich? Of course not! For those of you that are new to the Sandwich, here's an overview: you get two videos as the "bread" and some commentary in the middle as the meat in the middle (or hummus, for you vegans). This time around, we have one awesome music video from the upcoming Lumines II. Entitled "Heavenly Star," the video was co-written by gaming guru Mizuguchi himself! It should put you in the right mood for some Lumines. Read up on the creation of this song and more at 1UP and expect some a lot more coverage of Lumines II soon.The bottom video is what I declare the end of the bickering between DS fanboys and PSP fanboys. You guys have waged a video war for too long. At last, we have a real winner in this console war, and it's not what you might expect...
More analysts on non-global PS3 launch, one sees Wii in better position
We've chimed in on Sony's latest blunder so now it's someone else's turn. Who wants to offer their opinionated projections? Hmm? Oh, it looks like Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies, Michael Pachter or Wedbush Morgans, and Mike Wolf of ABI Research all have something to say. Of all the things that is said among them, Mr. Pachter's statements are the only ones that are overall Wii-positive."To a limited extent, Microsoft will [benefit]. There aren't very many guys that will buy both a PS3 and a Xbox 360. There are maybe a couple (100,000-200,000) that will get a 360 instead... but a lot of people are going to buy a Wii, and it'll reverse the order of purchasing in Europe, with people getting the Wii first, then the PS3. It benefits Nintendo in the onset... MS also wins in terms of a PR battle."Pachter seems to be pro-Wii in the wake of Sony's latest news. His recent comments prior to this story support this. Of course you all already know our viewpoints on the matter, so let's hear from you. How does Sony's latest news affect us Nintendo-loving gamers out there?
Metareview: Star Fox Command
One of the highest-profile Wi-Fi titles of the year has finally released and the critics were quick to offer up their opinions. Generally, the game has seen a fair amount of praise, however critics have mentioned that the title's multiplayer is not exactly on par with the game's single-player experience. The scores are as follows: IGN - 80%: "It's at the very least a great start to the franchise. Bump up the difficulty, add some variety to the missions, bring back the forced-scrolling on-rails levels and the wingman-in-danger elements in a sequel and you'll have yourself the ultimate Star Fox adventure." Gamespot - 75%: "Star Fox Command has great controls and introduces a strategic layer that's fairly interesting. However, the random feel of the story battles and the frantic multiplayer mode don't make the most of this game's solid foundation, which might cause nostalgic fans to long for the series' good old days." 1UP - 70%: " None of the strategy elements that comprised the core of the single-player game are in multiplayer -- how cool would it have been to battle for strategic positions and race to key items on the overhead map against friends? How loudly does this game scream for a custom map editor? Should Command see a sequel, competitive strategic multiplayer ought to be a big part of it." We've heard from the critics, now how about the readers?
LGC Nintendo booth pics
To get you psyched for tomorrow's keynote speech from Nintendo, 1up has posted some early pictures and video footage from all over the show floor. Perhaps the venue isn't quite as grand as E3, but it doesn't seem as though any company is taking this event lightly. Remember, though, that no Wii games will be publicly playable...only behind closed doors to special invitees. Le sigh. Anyway, there are plenty of pretty shiny things after the jump, so enjoy the eye-candy.
LGC sneak peak: Nintendo's booth
To get you psyched for tomorrow's keynote speech from Nintendo, 1up has posted some early pictures and video footage from all over the show floor. Perhaps the venue isn't quite as grand as E3, but it doesn't seem as though any company is taking this event lightly. If you look closely above, you can see "Dual Screen" setups using large LCD displays. Especially cool is the tunnel walkway to reach Nintendo's booth...check it out after the jump.
Vice City Stories to be PSP exclusive
The latest episode of the 1UP Yours Podcast held an interesting revelation about the highly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Some fans felt burned by Rockstar's decision to bring the beloved Liberty City Stories over to the PS2 in a direct port. Well, according to the podcast, an editor that had a chance to play the game found out that Vice City will not makes it way to the PS2. Why? Because the game's going to be completely optimized for the handheld, making it more difficult to do a straight port Considering how Liberty City sold 2.2 million copies worldwide, it doesn't seem like a bad decision at all. [Via IGN Boards]
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins video review
You may remember that the 1UP network wasn't too pleased with Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins' horrifying difficulty. Now, you can see their complaints in video form in the latest episode of The 1UP Show (available as a video podcast). There's a lot to go over, such as the dated controls, the randomly spawning enemies, and the unpleasant rings system, which can nullify all the hard work a hapless player may have endured through. Will this stop you from picking the game up, or is the masochist in you raging for a beating?
PS3 developers share same XMB as PSP owners
Last E3, we saw how the PS3 would share the same XMB (menu system) as the PSP. You'd be able to look at photos, listen to music, watch videos, surf the internet, and I guess you could play games too. Well, thanks to a video from 1UP, it looks like the final PS3 devkits share the same interface. The menu isn't as fancy as what PS3 players will experience, but I guess it gets the job done.[Via Joystiq]
Goodbye Computer Gaming World, hello Games for Windows magazine [update 1]
Microsoft, the computer industry giant, and Ziff-Davis, the gaming-mag giant, just sent word that they've joined forces to rip the covers off all future issues of the seminal (and creatively titled) computer gaming mag, Computer Gaming World. In their place will be shiny, new Games for Windows: The Official Magazine covers. And here we were thinking CGW was a creative name! As part of their rebranding strategy, they'll also be renaming the cgw.1up.com site (we imagine to the much more memorable gfwtom.1up.com).Don't worry about the mag's intrepid staff, they aren't being booted on their keisters (just yet), rather "the new magazine and web initiative will carry on the editorial, production and art staff of Computer Gaming World." So this is just branding; Microsoft's goal of marketing Windows Vista as a gaming console continues. Like any "official" magazine, we'll need to reconsider coverage of first-party (in this case, Microsoft Game Studios) properties but, otherwise, CGW already was a Windows-focused gaming mag. But when the oldest video game publication still in existence (founded in 1981) adds corporate sponsorship to their name, you know something's up in dead tree land.[Update: Firing Squad spoke with CGW ... err, GfW:tOM's editor Jeff Green about the situation. They write, "Green also said that their contract with Microsoft states that Microsoft will not have any editorial influence on the new Games For Windows magazine and said that long time CGW readers should trust that will be the case." The last issue of CGW will be Oct. 06 and GfW:tOM will debut in Nov. or Dec. 06.]Read the entire press release after the break.
Behind the Music: Q? Entertainment
1UP's continuing coverage of Q? Entertainment has been awesome. Yesterday's update provided us a look into the musical talent behind Lumines and Every Extend Extra. The video chronicles musical legends, including Mondo Grosso. Here's a sample:1UP: Mizuguchi, what sort of special persuasion did you have to provide to Osawa in order to reassure him the music would be used well? Tetsuya Mizuguchi: Well, the first occasion that we met was in a café like today, and, going back to when we were talking about demonstrating the game on laptops since we didn't have an office, I showed [him] my bio and what I was trying to make of this upcoming game. So I showed it, and [Osawa] was like, "Oh, this could work." But it wasn't an instant stamp of approval; he made a face, because it wasn't quite clear how it all worked together. But at the same time, as a musician, even though Osawa-san doesn't completely exist in the videogame industry, a lot of the visual styles in his videos look like [they] could blend together in this interactive world. So to me it wasn't like he was a complete outsider to the interactive arena, [and] I felt like this could still work even though there might be some challenges we still had to overcome. This is a MUST-READ and watch for any Lumines fan out there!
The other music puzzler: Gunpey
1UP's weeklong coverage of Q? Entertainment brings us yet another PSP game, one which you might not be too familiar with: Gunpey. This new puzzler has (surprise) an emphasis on music, and psychadelic imagery. It might sound and look like Lumines, but the gameplay is pretty different. Your goal is to create a complete line from left to right by pushing and moving blocks that have lines in them. The video will show you how simple it is in theory: but in execution, it'll take practice to become an expert.The PSP version of Gunpey features over 40 skins, which dwarves the skins found in Lumines. In addition, there's a Super Gunpey mode, which has to be "super." You might want to check out DS Fanboy later in the day to see how the DS version compares.
Every Extend Extra exposed
Every time I see Every Extend Extra, my desire for it increases. 1UP continues their expose on Q? Entertainment by revealing their upcoming shooter bomber. The article reveals key gameplay elements, such as the "Quickens" which increase the pace of the game, increasing both the difficulty, but potential to create massive chains. There are massive bosses in each stage, similar to classic shooters, and using a limited number of lives and a limited amount of time, it is your goal to create chains that destroy the boss. Interestingly, there appears to be an intense ad-hoc only multiplayer mode, which looks to be as fun as Lumines' not-often played multiplayer mode. Check out the video above, and don't forget to read the complete 1UP article for more details, screenshots and an interview as well. The game comes out in November.
Interview with the Lumines team
1UP: How did it feel when you left Sega? Was it like "We're gonna do this and make our own company" like The Three Musketeers? TM: Huh? This week's 1up cover story focuses all on Q? Entertainment, the minds behind Lumines and the upcoming Every Extend Extra. You'll learn interesting tidbits from today's interview, like how Lumines was created in a karaoke room. You'll also learn how the team wanted to portray something artistic on the PSP's beautiful 16x9 screen. Your fears about short battery life in the upcoming video-intensive Lumines II will be relieved: it seems like the video won't cause too much of a hit on battery life. Your thumbs will get weary knowing that the maximum possible score in Lumines II is now 10 times higher. Finally, you can also read about Q? Entertainment's plan to save the world with downloadable music packs: TM: Yeah, a Relief pack. Within a couple of weeks, we could make a specialized pack -- maybe it costs $5 to download, but it would benefit the victims [of disasters]. There's a ton of really interesting info in the interview. In fact, there are 7 pages to read through, so you better get started now.
New Justice For All interview, and the single greatest accessory of all time
Phoenix Wright: Justice For All is probably the most anticipated game for the collective DS Fanboy staff. As such, when an interview arises filled with such ambiguity and non-commital statements that would make the current presidency green with envy, we still post with glee, hanging on every word. Though the 1up.com interview fails to reveal much about gameplay, some interesting views on the game's creation process and audience differences are revealed. Certainly worth a read......but the real treat here, folks, is found on the second page of the interview. Those lucky enough to be attending the annual San Diego Comic-Con will not only be able to try out the English build of the game, but also have the ability to obtain a specialized DS stylus shaped like Phoenix Wright's finger. Move over, Power Glove. Stand aside, Rez Vibrator. This is the single greatest accessory in video gaming history. San..San Diegans? San Diegoans? San DiegAAAns. If you attend this event, do yourself a favor. Pick up a part of gaming history...and grab us a few, too.
Valkyrie Profile, Tekken & Loco Roco on The 1UP Show
This week's episode of The 1UP Show has a ton of PSP love. First, they have an excellent debate about Valkyrie Profile Lenneth, the highly anticipated RPG coming out for PSP this week. James Mielke, a fan of the PlayStation classic seems pretty enamored by the PSP version. In his written review, he calls the game "an adventurous, risk-taking RPG," and awards it a mighty 8.0. However, not everyone at Ziff Davis agrees with such a high score. Shane speaks of the PSP-exclusive slowdown and load times, calling it a "lazy port." He complains that releases like this encourage PSP developers to make lazy ports, a fear that we all share. Make sure you watch the review to see the hot-tempered debate. But that's not the only PSP love on this week's episode. They also have absolutely awesome footage of Tekken: Dark Resurrection. We know it's going to be awesome, but it's great to see the great graphics and awesome load times visualized in handy video form. Finally, if you missed last week's episode, they had an entire episode dedicated to Loco Roco. With these three great exclusives heading to the PSP, the haters can't say that we don't have a kick-ass games lineup. Game-specific videos: Valkyrie Profile Lenneth Tekken: Dark Resurrection Loco Roco [Download MP4 for PSP]
Make a D&D short film, win cool stuff
The 1UP Network and Wizards of the Coast are soliciting entries for their Dungeons & Dragons Fan Film Fest -- part of the Worldwide D&D Game Day activities to be held in LA this November. Aspiring wizards and warriors have until September 1 to put together an original five minute movie of D&D-related content, which can include footage of D&D video games (with the exception of DDO). The grand prize winner will receive a new digital video workstation and a trip to the festival, where your masterpiece will be showcased and envied by dungeon masters the world over. Check out the official rules for more information.If you have any archival footage of that early 80s cartoon, now might be a good time to pull it out.
Stringer says PS3 is "future proof."
According to 1Up, Sony head honcho, Howard Stringer, claimed yesterday that the PS3 is "future-proof." Speaking of the 360, Stringer said that it was a "cheaper transitional" product. Stringer re-emphasizes the idea that PS3 is going to magically break the console cycle and last for decades: "When you bring into new technology, do you go for a cheaper transitional [product], or do you take a chance on future-proof, higher technology which will keep you going for many, many years?" Concerning PS3's incredibly egregious price, Stringer stated, "The price of the PS3 is high, but you're paying for potential." Really? Potential? And all this time I thought I was paying for something that plays video games. Of course the PS3 will be successful, but come on. Lay off the shtick, Howy. You're starting to sound like Krazy Ken. [Via Aggravated Gamers] By the way, Weblogs Inc. started having server problems as I typed this post. It happened at about the same time that I uploaded the pic of Howy there. I'm not saying the two things are related. I'm just saying is all...
Moore: 360 controls a Wii bit complicated
Peter Moore, Microsoft cheerleader and spinmeister, recently sat down with Gamertag Radio and discussed today's complicated controls. While he did say that the novelty of the Wii may wear off after half an hour, he also admitted that today's control schemes are too complicated for some -- including his 14-year-old daughter. The big question is: does Microsoft have newer, simpler, friendlier, and gentler controls on the way? According to Peter: "We're doing a lot of stuff there. Nothing that we're ready to talk about, and we're not going to force anything that is not going to be intuitive and innovative." I think Moore is likely talking about 360's upcoming Vision camera, but the idea of an Xbox ThWiimote is intriguing. Anybody have a chance to listen to the whole interview? [Via openXBOX360]
Psychonauts willing its way to BC List
Peter Moore may think backwards compatibility is for chumps (or does he?), but some of us would like to enjoy our Xbox classics. Psychonauts has been an especially vocal candidate for the back compat list lately. Tim Schafer, creator of Psychonauts, even launched an email campaign to get the game on Microsoft's sacred list. It looks like the petition got someone's attention over in Redmond, because a Microsoft back compat team member was compelled to post this on the IGN forums last week: "Rest assured, we are working on Psychonauts." Good news indeed. Now if they could just do something to make the game sell... [Via Xboxic]
