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Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of June 18th
It's that time again. Time to look over the coming week's offerings and either laugh or cry. Or both. The releases for this week are as follows. US Games No new releases EU Games Armoured Core 4 Asian Games FolksSoul Def Jam Icon Interesting stuff. The Japanese have had two potentially excellent games released in the last two weeks. While we know that Ninja Gaiden Sigma includes English text and voices, we're not yet certain about FolksSoul. We have our suspicions and will keep you informed as soon as we find out. Don't forget, your PS3 just loves playing games from any country. Seriously. Loves it. So if there's something on the list you fancy, then don't be put off by its region. Release dates are in a constant flux, so be sure to call ahead before wasting a trip to the shops.
Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of June 11th
Ready to discover Sony's release plans for this week? Us too. Let's get started. US Games Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer EU Games Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer Asian Games Call of Duty 3 (Japan) Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Japan) Amored Core 4 (Korea) Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom (Korea) Hooray. Another movie tie-in. Just what we English speakers have been waiting for. At least the Japanese will be having some fun this week with Ninja Gaiden. Knowing their mad skills they'll have completed it by the time it's released in the west in a couple of weeks. If you need something to occupy you until then, then you might want to pick up my new book - How to generalise an entire nation in a single sentence: It's easy with my three step program.. If you're particularly language savvy, or you can deal with just looking at the pretty pictures and not the words, then feel free to import any of the Asian releases. You may not be able to read those funny squiggles, but your PS3 can. Release dates are subject to constant change, so check with your retailer just in case.
XBLM gets Armored Core 4 demo
According to the ever so knowledgeable Major Nelson, there is a new demo on the XBLM today by the name of Armored Core 4. This mech demo will allow you to play three single player missions and give you a taste of what the game has to offer. And even though Armored Core 4 hasn't been feeling much review love, maybe you can find something that tickles your fancy. Also, be sure to note that the demo comes in at 791MBs and is only available to the US, Canada and Mexico. So, give it a download ... or don't. It's entirely up to you and won't affect our long term relationship. We promise.
Japanese release day highlights: 03.22.07
Some game release Thursdays in Japan are surprisingly dull. Today is one of those days, really, but there is some digital sunshine in the Akihabara sky. If you have the means, do consider these three gems before economizing for the big releases of April*: Armored Core 4 (online mech goodness from From Software; Xbox 360) Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu Portable 2 (bigheaded baseball; PSP) Front Mission: The First (SquEnix' frontin' robots; DS) *Next month's Japanese hitters include Super Paper Mario, Gyakuten Saiban 4, Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, and Panel de Pon DS. Wallets at the ready.
Today's best-looking mech video: Armored Core comparison
It's an old-fashioned PS3 versus 360 graphics showdown in today's video pick, with GameTrailers running a side-by-side comparison of Armored Core 4. Which version of this mech title looks best? Judge for yourself after the break, or visit the HD version -- it doesn't embed like the SD file -- on the GameTrailers site. Let the scrutiny begin!Image from CSG_Starfury's account of life-sized BattleMech project.
Armored Core 4: 360 vs PS3 comparison
With this Tuesday's release of Armored Core 4 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3, GameTrailers decided to put together a visually informative graphics comparison video. After watching their comparison, one thing that is noticeably different between the 360 and PS3 versions is that the 360 version is much darker where as the PS3 version is more white washed. Sometimes the 360 version is way too dark, but sometimes the PS3 version looks like a snow storm ... it's a give and take. Though, we feel the two versions are nearly identical in some respect, we fully expect someone to pick apart each frame to see which version does better lighting, textures, and anti-aliasing. Watch the video above and tell us which version you think looks better. Don't worry, if you like the PS3 version better we won't ban you from our site ... yet.[Via TeamXbox Forums]
Japan gets Armored Core 4 demo
If you're of the opinion that the Xbox 360 doesn't have nearly enough giant robots smashing each other to bits, then you may be interested to know that an Armored Core 4 demo has been released in Japan. While most of our readers aren't from Japan, that doesn't mean they can't sample the robot goodness for themselves. It just so happens that there is a fairly simple way to grab Live content from other regions -- not that we condone that sort of behavior. No, we couldn't condone that sort of thing. It would be out of the question for us to, say, post a link to the method for circumventing region lockout.So, if you've been hungering for some giant robot destruction, you'll just have to look elsewhere (wink wink).
Armored Core 4: pretty mechs, nice tunnels, drab outdoors?
The other day, while many people were out buying roses, chocolates, dinners, movies... or in more extreme cases donuts and beer (ahem), the good folk over at IGN got to have a hands-on with the upcoming Armored Core 4 game. They said good, they said not as good, but overall it was a pleasant preview. Let's highlight: Tuning the mech is mandatory, but not overbearing or overly tedious. Action is fast and furious, unlike many mech games based on realistic, slow bulky robot battles. The controls are streamlined and easy to get the hang of. Laser swords. Different mission objectives range from defeating a certain obstacle in a certain amount of time, conserving ammo, or just blowing everything up on the map. Most unlocking of upgrades is more mandatory for the online mode, so you can better differentiate your mech from other people. Outdoor levels can appear drab or empty, but indoor levels are nicely done. Destructable environments are present, but not everywhere. Kind of sad that some buildings can be destroyed but others can't. Online modes will include deathmatch and 8-person team deathmatches. You can trade parts with people you meet online. No voice chat for PS3. 360 and PS3 builds will look identical, so no need to compare! That's it for now. We'll pick this game up when it's released in mid-March and... see you online!
Armored Core 4 championship offers $17k prize
Well, US$16,674. Will that suffice? Armored Core 4 players in Japan (and, presumably, importers who live outside of Japan) have until March 1 to get their rusty mechs polished for the Armored Core Championship Battle 2007. Previous years' tournaments had been held regionally throughout Japan; thanks to the wonders of online play, though, this year's event will be played out via the PlayStation Network over a period of three weeks. The final stage of the tournament will, however, be held in Tokyo, where the top two players as of March 21 will do battle for the grand prize of ¥2million. The Xbox 360 version of Armored Core 4 is (coincidentally?) released in Japan on March 22, so this year's tournament is open only to players of the PS3 version.
Armored Core 4 -- updates, release dates, explosions!
From Software is listening to their Japanese players! Thousands of user requests have been compiled, sorted, and the game has received patches and updates to coincide with those requests that seemed fair. Or parts of the game that needs balancing. Why is this important? Because the American and European gamers are going to get a much more balanced and fair title. Speaking of which, the title is getting released on the PS3 and 360 simultaneously -- March 20th.As far as online play goes, it may not be quite as fair and balanced as the game build itself. See, the Japanese crowd has had a month to hone their skills and we quite simply cannot allow this! We must band together and show them how fast we learn to fly our mechs into battle and emerge victorious! Okay? It's a date.Also, perhaps someone else can verify the assumption over at InsertCredit: "the aforementioned Regulation file feature may also be unique to the PS3, unless the 360 guidelines are changed. Selectable patches aren't something Microsoft allows..." What do you guys think? I thought the 360 did that just fine, but perhaps I am sorely mistaken.
Armored Core 4 English website activated
Can't wait until the end of March to get your giant robot delight on? Sick of surfing through numerous different sites to catch a trailer of the game? Looking for some up-to-date, hi-res screenshots to put on the background of your PC? Your search is over. The English Armored Core 4 website is up and running. There's a ton of info to look over here, not to mention a pretty slammin' song to make you want to look around and read up on the universe that From Software has created -- manufacturers of the machines, storyline, historical mythology... it's awesome.You can get all the screenshots and trailers you need, too. Well, not all you need, but quite a bit of content. Take a look around, see what you think. Come the end of March, hopefully the 360 crowd and the PS3 crowd will be able to duke it out online in the 8 player online matches. That could be a lot of fun!
Armored Core 4 prepares to assault 360
Joystiq brings word that the 360 version of Armored Core 4 should see a Japanese release in March, with an English version hitting the US afterwards. As with many releases these days, Armored Core 4 will come in both regular and collector's editions. The collector's edition comes with a bonus DVD and an art booklet. SEGA plans to bring both versions to the states, though a specific release date is unknown at this time. It's important to note that this is the first iteration of the Armored Core series to appear on a non-Sony platform. Though it was confirmed for 360 some time ago, From Software was initially cagey about platform designations. With other big name exclusives -- like Virtua Fighter 5 -- being culled from the PS3's library, we have to ask: is the era of 3rd party exclusives over?[Via Joystiq]
Armored Core 4 on Xbox 360 in March
Xbox 360 will receive some love from an important Japanese franchise in early 2007. From Software's Armored Core 4 is scheduled to arrive on Microsoft's console on March 22 -- it's already available on PlayStation 3. The deal will be sweetened by a "special movies" DVD and art booklet, available to reservation makers.Sega, which has signed on as publisher, plans to bring both versions of Armored Core 4 to North America. The Xbox 360 release marks the first time the Armored Core series will be available on a non-Sony platform (with the exception of mobile phone spin-offs).See also: PS3 loses more exclusives
New Armored Core 4 trailer elicits "HardCore" fun
Not sure how the "HardCore" was supposed to work. Some sort of Armored HardCore 4 joke, but it's one of those "this makes sense if you're on the same wavelength" jokes. Anyway. As of December 1st, IGN posted a new Armored Core 4 trailer and let us tell you: it looks hot and sexy, just as sleek metallic robots should. Now, they edited out the menu screen-clogging stuff from the actual gameplay footage, but you can tell when it's gameplay because you're staring at the back of a beautiful 'bot. That aside, awesome. If this were a movie, you bet it'd beat up the new Transformers movie left and right -- but not the classic 80's animated film of Transformers. That was the best movie ever, at least in the Transformers universe. Anywho, check out the trailer at IGN and leave your thoughts here.It's also of note to say that the game was delayed a week, from 12/14 to 12/21. Oh well.
Smashin' 'bots online with Armored Core 4
So, sitting in your room alone, destroying massive robots with your own massive robot, you think to yourself "gee, this AI isn't bad, but I really wish I could ruin some other kid's day by annihilating his robot. Heck, I'd love a team of people to lay waste to a band of little girly-men." You know you'll be thinking that after tackling the single player mode of Armored Core 4 and that's exactly why From Software has decided to talk a little bit about their online plans for the mech-battling game.Online support includes battle royal and team-based combats for up to eight players. This should turn into a pretty intense bout if you manage to get a full eight players -- just think of the mayhem! Also of note is the SIXAXIS, or the lack of using any of tilts. That's right: you don't have to worry about jerking your controller around. The idea was looked at, but the From Software team weren't certain they could implement it in a way that would make the game better. So, who wants to join me for a mech battle in a few months?
Armored Core 4 trailer, so much drama [update 1]
In marketing limbo for some time, From Software's Armored Core 4 was recently confirmed as a 360 title. Previously known only as a PS3 title, we welcome it into the 360 fold. The trailer shows off a nice mix of both CGI and in-game footage. Filled with lots of explosions and contrails, it also proves an old trailer making adage, "if you want to make a trailer really dramatic, put a big choral number in it." Check out the (very long) trailer after the break.
Giant robot pictures! Armored Core 4 is sleek and sexy
We love giant robots. From Software has released a plethora of Armored Core 4 pictures and they're very nice (but not very big). Lots of "companies" are making these giant steel beasts of awesome and each looks unique enough that you shouldn't have to customize too much (but you will, oh, you will...). This is shaping up to be a key launch title and will hopefully lead to some decent lines at the Tokyo Game Show. Now then, the question must be asked: out of the pictured steel creatures, which one would you most enjoy taking for a stroll and destroying many, many things? We'll keep you posted as more Armored Core 4 info surfaces.
Armored Core 4 movie goodness [update 1]
myFlash = new FlashObject('http://www.gametrailers.com/umremote310.swf', 'swffile', 425, 362, 8); myFlash.altTxt = ''; myFlash.addVariable('mid', 12512); myFlash.write(); God is force. At least that's what this Armored Core trailer says. But we all know the truth. God may be force, but Armored Core is giant robots blowing each other to smithereens. Smithereens, we say! So, you can either argue about whether or not this movie is real time, or, you can enjoy the contrails and robots asploding. Your call. Also, is it just me, or does the mech at the beginning of the video have an H. R. Giger look to it?The video is surprisingly devoid of any platform designations. Interesting. Discuss.[Update: It's H. R. Giger. Not Geiger. One of my favorite people and I misspell his name. Oy.]
Armored Core screens impress (giant robots)
If there's one thing you can say about From Software, it's that they know how to make a pretty game. These shots from the upcoming Armored Core 4 prove it -- that and From has a thing for giant robots apparently. Sure, the game has some storyline about future governments or something, but it's all about the giant robots blowing the crap out of each other. We all know it. Blowing up robots and looking good doing it. Let's just hope this giant robot game doesn't destroy our 360s.
Armored Core 4 set for launch... at PS3 launch
Great! Here's another chance to deal out some massive damage in the mech world on our PS3's. In a recent issue of Famitsu, Armored Core 4 has been set for a November release date in Japan, meaning we'll probably get it at about the same time. There will be network support for up to eight people... and the 360 version is still boasting a TBA release date. But what about the game itself?Unlike the other Armored Core titles, this one takes place in a different world... sort of. Think of it as a pre-post-apocalyptic earth, where overpopulation has led to food shortages and lack of resources. You take over your giant robot of destruction and fight other giants of destruction (despite the natural resource dearth... but that's besides the point) as the war which will lead to a post-apocalyptic world starts. The creators say the battles will be the fastest ever seen in a mech game (faster than Zone of Enders? Cool). There will be tons of customization, a staple of the series, but there will be a simplified option for beginners. Same goes for mech control. Complicated, but can be automated for beginners. In all, sounds good. Armored Core 2 was a lot of fun, pick that one up if you want to gauge what to expect (it's cheap if you can find it). Until the Tokyo Game Show, we can only imagine how the mechs handle.
