Dead-or-Alive-Xtreme-2
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The breast video game boobs to haunt our mammories
It's been a while since we noticed a gaming site go straight for the Maxim demographic full force, but boy did GameDaily ever do it with its "Boobs through the Years" pictorial. Twelve pictures of boobs (eleven women and one man) from the last 30 years of gaming litter this feature. The Soul Calibur IV breasts, which are certainly the most gratuitous in recent memory, get the feature bouncing along. Once again, the piece is so base, but the site sure did get creative with some of the descriptions. For example, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 (pictured) is described as having mammary glands where each have their own "mother brain." And don't forget about Rachel from Ninja Gaiden's "heaving mounds of fury." Oh mercy, time to go make a donation to the Girl Scouts on GameDaily's behalf.
Microsoft celebrates Year of the Boar with boring bundles
Microsoft is ushering in the (Lunar) New Year with a pair of discounted Xbox 360 game packs. One set includes Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ridge Racer 6; the other, Dead or Alive 4 and Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. The 'Year of the Boar' branded bundles are being sold in Taiwan, where Xbox 360 launched last March. At $1,490 TWD (about $45 USD) a pop, the festive fun-packs aren't screaming "buy me" -- at least from our perspective. We're looking at three launch titles that have since been bargain-binned and a virtual peep show. This the best Microsoft could scoop outta the over-manufactured heap? Or do these hit the "target"?
Itagaki defends the DOAX2 jiggle
In a 1UP interview, Team Ninja's main man Tomonobu Itagaki talks about everything DOAX2. Itagaki explains why certain decisions were made that affect DOAX2's gameplay, online functionality, exploits, and future updates. Not only does he have no remorse for the game's craptacular online options, but even goes far enough to say that the game's multiplayer "would have been better just to not have it to begin with". Also, a patch is going to be released removing the free money exploit, but don't worry because Team Ninja will be selling all the goods via micro-transactions. It's the old "we're removing this cheat so you can buy it from us" routine. And if you've ever questioned Team Ninja's dedication to their games; when asked about putting up a demo on the XBLM Itagaki stated that "for people who are looking for a demo it's unfortunate, since I've already begun moving on to the next game". Is it us or is Itagaki totally back peddling in this interview, stumbling over his own response, and seems totally clueless to what the fans actually want? [Thanks, Jonah]
A few select DOA X2 screenshots (pron) [update1]
We're betting that the above image already piqued your interest and that we don't have to say much for you to click the "Read" link below. But we'll explain anyway. Over at gamerhelp they've wrangled together over 30 special screenshots of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 ... and we mean special. Everyone knows that the core focus of the DOA series is all about the gameplay (yeah, right), but they're chock full of half naked women too. So, if you're interested in some pron-like DOA screenshots get a clicking, but be warned they aren't G, PG, or even PG-13 ... maybe not even R. Update 1: Fixed the spelling errors ... the peak of the mountain was made of chalk. [Via Digg]
Babes & bikinis & blood, oh my!
The latest installment of the Onechanbara series will debut on Xbox 360 next week in Japan. Is it significant that this cult franchise has jumped from PlayStation 2 to Xbox 360? Has Microsoft finally scored a key victory in Japan? Definitely not. In fact, Microsoft likely prefers to distance itself from this unexceptional achievement. As Onechanbara Vortex opens we find our heroine washing off the day's grime, her schoolgirl sister eyeing the news just as zombies emerge. Newly rinsed, our heroine elects to don a cowboy hat, bikini, and blade, and, joined by sis, embarks on a bloody quest to save the world. The one-button hack n' slasher is rounded out by a dress-up mode. While seemingly an amalgamation of two high-profile titles -- Dead Rising and Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 -- Vortex's budget production likely means the game will never see release outside of Japan.
Pole dancing: the reason for DOAX 2 (video)
It didn't take long, and DOAX2 videos are already flooding YouTube. It's a veritable bevy of busty digital babes, with videos of the various minigames everywhere. The pole dancing sequences, however, take the cake. While most of the minigames, from butt battles to beach races, can be written off as innocent excursions, the pole dancing can be called nothing other than what it is ... um ... it's pole dancing. Sample a digital vixen shaking her stuff after the break. Be warned, the video is not safe for work (and some of the other ones we've found are very not safe for work).
Itagaki denies sexual harassment claims
Earlier this month, we reported that a former Tecmo employee was charging Tomonobu Itagaki (creator of the DOA series) with sexual harassment. After completing its own internal investigations, Tecmo has publicly responded, categorically denying the sexual harassment claims. Furthermore, the company clarifies that the woman was not fired but quit of her own volition. After that, however, things get a little sticky. From what we can gather, something definitely happened. According to Tecmo, the woman (and presumably Itagaki) "mingled personal affairs with their corporate responsibilities," resulting in "unnecessary confusion." In the aftermath, both the woman and Itagaki were demoted and had their salaries reduced. Something tells us "unnecessary confusion" must be pretty serious if it results in a pay cut. In an attempt to counteract the defamation of his name, Itagaki plans to countersue his accuser for damages. Sexual harassment is no joke, but one has to wonder if this has affected the sales of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. [Via Evil Avatar]
Mr. DOAX busted for sexual harassment
Tomonobu Itagaki, the man behind Xbox hits Ninja Gaiden and the Dead or Alive series, has been formally charged with sexual harassment. According to ZAKZAK, the former employee -- she quit on September 10th -- claims that she had a physical relationship with Itagaki since 2003 and is asking for the sum of 10 million yen (US $85,000). Itagaki acknowledges the relationship, but claims that it was consensual. Itagaki has reportedly been demoted at Team Ninja, though it is unclear if this was done as punishment or if it was done to downplay his image in court. We have to admit the grim humor of the situation. He is the creator of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, after all. We're fairly certain that it's at least a little funny that the man who basically introduced 3D bouncing breasts to the world is now being charged with sexual harassment. Whatever the outcome, we hope it doesn't interfere with Ninja Gaiden 2. We'd also like to note that this news traveled very fast; Itagaki's Wikipedia page is already updated for crying out loud! For our Japanese savvy readers, feel free to translate the original article. Man, first there are movies on Marketplace, and now Tomonobu Itagaki is busted for sexual harassment. This is shaping up to be a weird day.
Ctrl-Alt-Del take on DOAX's bouncing breasts
Tim Buckley takes on everyone's favorite gravity defying breasts in his latest comic on Ctrl-Alt-Del. He also takes the time to give a little rant on the game (and links us in the process. Thanks, Tim!). In his own words: "Seriously, did you see those things? They're out of control. Breasts are supposed to be soft, attractive, harmless. Not constantly spazzing out like someone strapped Gloop and Gleep to some girl's chest. Those things have reached critical mass, and no one is safe. I don't think those tiny little bathing suits can contain that shit." We love the comic, especially the title, "Secession" -- it'll make sense once you read it. Good stuff, and definitely worth checking out. Do we smell a winner in the next Joystiq Webcomic Wrapup?
DOA's bouncing breasts to test "sex sells" cliche
Team Ninja's latest Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer (available on Xbox Live Marketplace) has been called "too bouncy." Indeed, if you care to watch, you'll be transported to a fantasy island where unreal beauties frolic and dance, wrestle and massage, read and relax -- and bounce.Big boobs and bikinis are enlisted to sell all kinds of products, from magazines to music to beer. But can they sell games? Should we consider DOAX2's gross exaggeration of the adage "sex sells" to be pioneering?
New DOAX2 trailer pushes the limits
We never thought we'd say this, but the new Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer may be too bouncy. Available on Marketplace right now (the old E3 trailer has been re-re-released as well), the trailer is very long and very bouncy. So bouncy that it's disturbing, and, dare we say it, unrealistic. But that's really what it's all about, right? Still, this trailer is naughty. Lei Fang on a stripper pole, a little girl on girl "back rub" action, and more tiny swimsuits than you can shake a stick at. Honestly, we wouldn't be surprised if DOAX2 becomes a media target when it ships this winter. Seriously, it's just south of actual porn. See what all the fuss is about after the break. Oh, and they're all technically wearing clothes, but it's still probably NSFW.
TGS: DOAX2 passes the "one hand" test
Let's be honest: there is no reason to play Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 other than to gawk at the pixelated softcore porn. The gameplay is Xtremely simplistic to the point of boredom. With that perspective in mind, we can safely say that DOAX2 is easily playable using only one hand (we'll let you make the next logical step about what your idle hand can do).We first tried our hand (har har) at the main game. With our middle and index finger we moved around our bubbly player, and our thumb moved between A and B buttons. To our knowledge, the shoulder buttons serve no purpose -- that, or they weren't needed to return the serves.After that we moved on to water sports. The Jet Ski minigame (image after the break) is a simplified Wave Race. You move between yellow and red buoys trying to stay in between in order to earn boosts, which is not hard to do as the buoys are widely spread apart. Again, our fingers used the joystick to turn. This time, A is accelerate and B moves the camera in front of you so you can stare at the player's other assets to make sure no one is tailing you. Because of the buttons' respective placement, we could simply lay our thumb down on both A and B at same time, saving us the effort of having to win the race in order to gaze longingly into the racer's exaggerated cleavage.Controlling your character takes about as much effort as fast forwarding through dialogue on a Skinemax film, which is only appropriate. DOAX2 fails as a game, but passes admirably as an interactive wet dream.
TGS: DOAX2 video makes us feel naughty
The TGS video madness continues with this clip of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. We all know DOAX2 is about watching digital hotties in swimsuits, but this is just south of ridiculous. Just when you thought Itagaki and friends couldn't get any raunchier (remember the E3 video?), they go and make this. Let's just say this: the video is technically safe for work, but don't let anyone catch you watching it. Before checking out the video, we would be remiss if we didn't note a few things. One, it looks like the hair physics have improved since DOA4. Two, the game should hit the States on November 15th (before Japan actually). Our Japanese is rusty, but we're guessing that the date mentioned for Europe was "coming soon" -- can anyone translate? Click onward if you dare; you have been warned.
Tokyo Game Show videos aplenty [update 1]
Videos have started hitting the net from the Tokyo Game Show 2006, and they're already impressing us. It's nice to see so many new RPGs coming out. Here are some of the best for your viewing pleasure.
DOAX2 and the importance of sunscreen
No, that X on Kasumi's stomach doesn't mark buried treasure -- and if it did, it certainly wouldn't be on her stomach. That X means only one thing, Kasumi has committed a fashion faux pas and allowed herself to get a tan line. Great. All anyone wanted was to relax with some nice, scantily-clad volleyball and, ahem, hip wrestling, and now we have to micro manage tans? Sheesh.Look on the bright side, if you get creative enough, maybe you can line the girls up and make it spell something.[Via Kotaku. Thanks Lorul2]
Start your day with DOAX2 scans
Xboxygen has scored some scans of DOAX2 from the latest Famitsu. To be honest, some of these pictures are downright shameful. But, what should we expect from a man who designs his games drunk? Take a look at the upper left corner of the first scan for a little scissor icon. Digital pin-ups? Just for a change of pace, the second scan features actual volleyball and jet skis.Anyone care to translate, or are the pictures universal?[Thanks, gaetge]
DOAX2 trailer: bouncy as ever
In case you missed it the first time, the E3 Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer has been re-released on Marketplace. The trailer shows off some of the titillating activities the lovely ladies of DOA will be performing. These include jet ski racing, watersliding, taking pictures, and -- ahem -- hip wrestling. It's an old trailer, but I'll do anything to post that picture again (rawr!).
DOA's daddy likes the sauce
Kikizo recently sat down with the real Rockstar of developers, Tomonobu Itagaki. The creator of Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, and the upcoming DOA Xtreme 2 shares some interesting...er...theories about game development. First and foremost, game development is all about getting drunk. Discussing the stage designs in DOA4 and Xtreme 2, Itagaki had this to say: "So you know, all those attractive environments in DOA4, we usually come up with the ideas for that and talk about it while we are drinking. Basically, if we have twenty stages, nearly half of them will be based on theory from when we are still sober, and the other half we just try to come up with crazy ideas, while intoxicated. With the fighting title, maybe forty per cent of the stages were based on being loose and fun, but with DOAX2, ninety per cent is loose and fun!" Wow. Frighteningly similar to blogging... For what it's worth, Itagaki says that he's had his best ideas while drinking whiskey. Sounds good to me. Before you go inebriating yourselves, just remember: friends don't let friends drink and develop. Hit the read link for the whole interview. [Via Eurogamer]
Itagaki confesses to drinking on the job
He's been called an eccentric, a rock star, a hypocrite and once, even a game designer. Tecmo's Tomonobu Itagaki has been called a lot of things and, following on from an interview conducted by Kinkyzoo Kakalukeia Kikizo, we suspect that "drunkard" may be the next label appended to the already impressive list. When queried about how he gets his ideas, Itagaki calmly claims that he often sees them at the bottom of a bottle of whisky. "Of course, there are ups and downs, waves, of how I drink in terms of the amount, but it's a long period of time. In the last ten years - not that you asked this question - I think I had better ideas when I was drinking whisky. When I am drinking shochu, that's a conservative drink, so the ideas are not that great. Beer is just like water to me, so it just helps me and everyone else loosen up a little bit, it doesn't really contribute to coming up with ideas." The interview mostly stays on the topic of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 (a game which Itagaki says he's developing as a hobby), but does reveal that Ninja Gaiden 2 is currently in its planning stages. If alcohol is a vital ingredient in games like Ninja Gaiden, we say let Itagaki and his team have a drink and loosen up. Heck, we encourage him to drink himself into a stupor -- we're sure a couple of vomit-encrusted keyboards are worth receiving another refreshingly difficult ninja kill-em-up. The man's outspoken for certain (don't forget his 5 most hated games, Tekkens 1 through 5), but he usually does a good job of sticking to his promises. That's one trait that many game designers could do well to adopt. Well, that and raging alcoholism. [tHaNKsh enbob89! Hic.]
