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Capcom pulls Super Street Fighter IV, Lost Planet 2, Monster Hunter 3 from Q1 2010
According to an investor document (PDF) posted by Capcom Japan today, several major titles have been moved from the company's fiscal fourth quarter, which ends March 31, 2010. The delays, which appear to be worldwide, include Super Street Fighter IV and Lost Planet 2, in addition to the North American and European release of Monster Hunter 3. The releases of these games and others, including Dead Rising 2, are planned to be "spread across all four quarters" of Capcom's fiscal 2011, which begins April 1, 2010 and ends March 31, 2011. The decision to delay the games was made in order to "avoid competing with the major titles that other companies plan to introduce." Curiously, Dark Void has not been delayed, though Capcom has drastically reduced its sales forecast from 1.3 million units to only 600,000 (the split between Xbox 360 and PS3 copies was not specified). Given the reasons for Capcom's schedule shuffling, we can't help but wonder if other companies will follow suit. When all is said and done, the Great 2009 Holiday Release Migration just might be set to repeat itself. If so, does Yves Guillemot win a prize?
Japanese retailer names underperforming games of 2009
Japanese retail blogger Oosaka King has compiled a list of what he believes are the games that did worst for stores in 2009. These aren't just poor sellers, they're also games with low margins or other problems that kept retailers from profiting. Topping the list: Blood of Bahamut, a DS RPG released by Square Enix on August 6, just a few weeks after Dragon Quest IX. No mystery why that one didn't sell! Monster Hunter Tri, which may be more surprising, was the blogger's number two choice, due to low margins on the standard edition, as well as some unspecified shipping issues from Capcom. The full list of what one retailer believes was unprofitable in 2009 is after the break. It features a few more big names, like Sonic, Mario, and Gran Turismo. The preponderance of major games is probably due to the fact that retailers stocked way more of the big games, expecting more sales, and stocked presumably niche titles more judiciously. [Via Andriasang]
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 defeated HD Remix in sales battle
Capcom and Udon Entertainment spent years redrawing and re-balancing Super Street Fighter II Turbo for its HD Remix version. Later, Capcom announced and released a port of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 over the course of a few months, with filters on the original sprites. Guess which one sold better? "We have three titles that have drastically over-performed our expectations," Capcom's VP of strategic planning and business development Christian Svensson told GamesIndustry.biz. "The most recent of which was Marvel vs Capcom 2, which we didn't expect to exceed Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix's numbers, but it has." One IP that hasn't quite exceeded Capcom's expectations in the west is Monster Hunter. The company is working to turn that around with events like Monster Hunter Tri University designed to familiarize press with the workings of the series. "We are strategically investing in the brand in the West," Svensson explained, "because we know that as a company we're going to continue to be creating Monster Hunter content, so it behooves us to do what it takes to make it stick here." In other words, Japanese sales ensure that Capcom is going to continue making the things, so Capcom might as well try to sell them outside of Japan as well. %Gallery-51288%
Iwata: Wii's 2009 lineup allowed the 'mood' to 'cool'
At a press conference about Nintendo's earnings, president Satoru Iwata blamed a weak first-party Wii lineup in part for the decline in Wii sales, and for the corresponding decline in profits. "Wii is stalled," he said. "We didn't release good software continually, and let the good mood cool." Siliconera gathered up Nintendo's Wii lineup to illustrate Iwata's point. The first half of 2009, the period described by Nintendo's earnings report, was largely anchored by New Play Control GameCube ports. The second half of the year saw major sellers like Wii Fit Plus accompanied by somewhat niche titles like Endless Ocean 2 and Sin and Punishment 2 -- not that we're complaining about those games! But with New Super Mario Bros.and continued sales of Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort, it should look better than the first half. It's likely that not even Nintendo wanted to get in the way of Monster Hunter 3, which did turn out to be a big success -- and one that helped Nintendo achieve the level of hardware sales it did, thanks to a bundle. However, with that out in August, it didn't factor into the first-half results.
Capcom posts strong Q2 2009 earnings, despite 'soft' overseas sales
Capcom has posted its financial results for the six months ending September 30, 2009, and things are definitely looking good for the company. The publisher reported net sales of ¥38.892 billion ($426 million), up from ¥31.236 billion ($342 million) during the same period last year, which amounts to a 24.5-percent increase. The majority of those sales were generated by Capcom's home video games division, which pulled in ¥27.748 billion ($303 million) -- up from ¥16.486 ($180 million); a staggering 68.3-percent increase. Capcom credits strong sales of Monster Hunter Tri in Japan, as well as continued sales of Resident Evil 5, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite and Ace Attorney: Investigations to its recent financial success. However, the company stated that overseas sales remained "soft" for the period thanks to the delay of Dark Void and the weak performance of Bionic Commando and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. Joystiq readers will recall that Capcom leveled complaints at the same games in its first quarter report earlier this year. It's worth noting that overseas sales still amounted to ¥11.739 billion ($128 million), which accounted for 57-percent of the home video games division sales. We suppose Capcom might consider that "soft," but the suits can't be too broken up about it. Source -- Capcom | Favorable Financial Results for the 6 months ended September 30, 2009 Source -- Capcom | Consolidated Financial Results for the 2nd Quarter of the FY2009
Capcom still undecided about Monster Hunter 3 fees
We'll start with the good news about the upcoming Western release of Monster Hunter Tri: according to statements given to MTV Multiplayer by Capcom Community Specialist Shawn Baxter, the North American version of the game will use Capcom-hosted servers, like the Japanese version does, enabling players to connect and play online, free from friend codes.The other part isn't necessarily bad news, but it could be in the future: Capcom still hasn't decided whether to use the pay-for-play model found in all online Monster Hunter games in Japan, or whether to make online play free like it has for those same games in North America so far. It's likely that Capcom will do things the same way as before (which means free online), but with the company not saying anything, we can't be sure yet.%Gallery-34117%
Review: Monster Hunter 3 (Ramen)
No, this is not a hands-on preview of the upcoming US release of Monster Hunter 3. (You'll have to wait until next year for that!) Nor is this a review of the Japanese release. (You can, instead, read our hands-on preview from TGS.) This is the next best thing: a review of the limited edition Monster Hunter 3 ramen -- or "hunta-men" as the packaging states.Available for 200 yen (about $2.20), this packaged instant ramen is surprisingly good, featuring a hearty meaty taste and slight spicy kick. There are even dried meat pieces floating in the soup. While it may actually be beef, we're going to pretend it's dragon meat, because that's what a real monster hunter would eat, right?
Cheat at Monster Hunter 3, get banned until 9999 AD
Even long after Bruce Willis has saved the universe, identified cheaters will still be unable to play Monster Hunter 3. At least that's the case for one Japanese player, who tried to connect online and was given a dismissive prompt (in Japanese; machine translation here), indicating that he'd been banned until December 12, 9999.The message cited "modded data" as the cause for the banning, and while we can't confirm that there was any questionable data on the system, we will say that if you're looking to hunt monsters (possibly around early 2010), you may want to avoid the uber hax!!1! option. We'd hate for you to have to go on living a lootless life for the next couple thousand years.[Via Kotaku]
Monster Hunter 3 is Japan's best-selling third-party Wii game
Sinobi posted a list of the top ten third-party games on the Wii in Japan in terms of sales. At the top of the list, based on Enterbrain sales numbers acquired early by Sinobi, sits Capcom's Monster Hunter 3, with 720,000 copies sold.Despite the best-seller status, we doubt Capcom is pleased with these sales numbers. The publisher famously shipped one million copies of the game, which have yet to sell through. While sales of the hardware bundle have been good, the standalone version of the game sold only 40% of its stock in the first week, and is already being dropped in price in some stores by over half.[Via Andriasang]
Famitsu hands Monster Hunter 3 a perfect 40
It's not impossible to earn a perfect score from Famitsu, you know. The latest to earn top marks is Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (based on translation over at NeoGAF), which comes as little surprise considering everyone and their grandmother loves the franchise in Japan.The true question is: Will it receive such critical acclaim when it hits the States and Europe in early 2010?[Thanks, Victor]
Monster Hunter Tri coming to US, Europe in (sigh) early 2010
Wii owners eager to take sword in hand and slay humongous creatures had best take note of Capcom's latest announcement: Monster Hunter Tri is set to depart from Japan (and assured smash-hit status) and arrive in American and European homes in early 2010. The Wii incarnation will boast both online and offline cooperative modes, as well as "strikingly beautiful" graphics and the challenging quests that fans of the franchise have come to expect.If you consider yourself to be outside that rather large group of the gaming population and have no idea what to expect, understand that among franchises like Devil May Cry and Resident Evil, Monster Hunter stands out as having a remarkably straightforward title. As the titular monster hunter, you'll track down and slay all manner of snarling creatures, only to turn them into better equipment to facilitate more dangerous monster hunt ... ery. Find it, stab it and then make it into a nice hat!%Gallery-34117%
Introducing Monster Hunter 3's 'Chacha'
All right, Monster Hunter 3. You got us. We are officially enchanted.This Claymation-style trailer, introducing the new "Chacha" creature, is one of the cutest things we've seen in some time, and definitely the cutest thing we've seen in a long time about hunting and killing large animals.Apparently, just like in the video, the Chacha will follow you underwater, and has a special "dance" attack. In the video, the "dance" appeared to summon a large monster, but we aren't sure if that's what it really does in-game.As much as we enjoy looking at this Monster Hunter stuff, we must still note that the game hasn't been officially dated for North America yet. Please, Capcom? And if it wouldn't be too much trouble, we'd like it in bundle form as well. Thanks!
Capcom bundling Monster Hunter 3 with black Wii in Japan
Not only will a new black Wii be out in Japan this summer, prospective owners will have the option of buying it in a bundle with what will undoubtedly be 2009's biggest game for that region: Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (Tri).The Monster Hunter 3 bundle will be released on August 1, concurrent with the standalone version of the game, and will include the game, a black system, and a black Classic Controller Pro for 33,000 yen ($342). In addition, a black version of the MH3/Classic Controller Pro bundle will be sold for 8,490 yen ($88).Despite the fact that the red DSi is coming out on the same day as Dragon Quest IX, no bundle has been announced for that yet. %Gallery-32281%[Via GAME Watch]
Monster Hunter 3 trailer hunted down, captured
With Monster Hunter 3 (tri) now officially dated for Japan, it's time for Capcom to step up the hype even more than it already has. Will Monster Hunter be able to turn the Wii's slowdown around? Only if enough people see this new trailer. The trailer looks really good, is what we're saying. It's not too much of a departure from previous Monster Hunters, but a new, nice-looking series entry, with new controls, new monsters, and new locations, is more than enough for obsessed fans. Check GAME Watch for some pictures of the limited-edition bundle (the one with the DVD, not the one with the Classic Controller Pro), to facilitate your coveting of the rather fancy box it comes in.
Capcom releasing two Monster Hunter 3 bundles in Japan this August
This week's Famitsu magazine reveals the Japanese release date for Monster Hunter 3 (tri-): August 1. Capcom is graciously offering fans three different ways to blow a bunch of money on the game -- in addition to the standalone game, two separate limited-edition bundles will be released.A Classic Controller Pro package, containing the game and Nintendo's new controller, will be available for ¥8,490 ($88), and a Limited Edition pack, containing the game, a "making-of DVD" and other unspecified extras will retail for ¥9,440 ($98). The Famitsu article also shows the silhouette of a "Monster Head Figure" to be handed out as a bonus with early copies of the game.[Image via Wii Everyday]
Monster Hunter 3 coming to U.S. and Europe, Capcom working on nine Wii titles
Those who took the time to dig through Capcom's most recent statistic-filled investor briefing for the upcoming fiscal year could find two interesting nuggets therein. The first, and most savory of these nuggets was a release date chart which revealed Capcom's plans to bring its upcoming pelt collecting action-RPG Monster Hunter 3 (Tri-) to the U.S. and Europe some time during this fiscal year. For those who slept through Econ 101, that means it should be in your hot little hands before next April Fools' Day.The second interesting bit was the revelation that Capcom is currently working on nine Wii titles to release in the current fiscal year. We know about six of them: Monster Hunter G (which dropped last month), Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Resident Evil Archives, Resident Evil Zero Archives, Spyborgs, and now, Monster Hunter 3. What could the other three titles be? Further reboots of old series? Another Archived Resident Evil? Brand new franchises? We may never know. No, wait -- yes, we will. Sorry about that.
Monster Hunter 3 appears on Capcom press page
If one were to draw an analogy between the North American announcement of Monster Hunter 3 (tri-) and the birth of a baby, one would say the game's been crowning for months now. In February, it was mentioned in the same breath as the North American market by Capcom, and now it's shown up on the company's press page alongside other TBA titles like Dark Void and Dead Rising 2.Now, Capcom, would you please just announce the thing already so we can decide what color we're painting the nursery?[Via Siliconera]
Ten minutes of poorly played Monster Hunter 3
YouTube user laucc001 somehow got an early copy of the Japanese Wii port of Monster Hunter G, which happens to include a demo for the upcoming Monster Hunter 3. He set to work immediately recording over ten minutes of gameplay! Thanks to his work, we can now at least see the Monster Hunter 3 demo, which is after the break. It's a bit lacking in visual quality due to the off-screen recording. It's also a bit lacking in player proficiency -- the title of the video features the explanation "Yes, I'm Sucks :P" and laucc001 offers a similar sentiment in the video description in English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese. Despite the slight awkwardness, the video is worth watching if only for the giant sword. Seriously, it's like he's swinging an airplane wing around.
Capcom promises big push for Monster Hunter series for Western audiences
Capcom isn't content with the five gazillion dollars of money it's made with the Monster Hunter series in Japan so far. No, the company is looking to make American gamers follow suit by turning the multiplayer RPG to the gaming equivalent of crack cocaine. Speaking to MCV, Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto admitted there has been a serious lack of marketing for the Monster Hunter games. This will be rectified for the upcoming PSP release, dubbed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. "This time we're taking things far more seriously in terms of the promotion," Tsujimoto said. "The first step is to actually get the game noticed. No one here knows what the game is so we just need to spread the name of Monster Hunter."A lengthy new trailer (seen after the break) may be the first step in a long campaign to raise awareness with the English speaking community. If Capcom can get the buzz flowing around Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, we may see an even bigger push for the Wii-exclusive Monster Hunter 3.%Gallery-48571%
Monster Hunter G's online Monster Hunting Fees
Capcom's Japan-only Wii port of the PS2 Monster Hunter G adds two significant features: online multiplayer and a fee for online multiplayer. The company announced the fee structure today at an event celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Monster Hunter series.For 800 Wii Points, players will get a 30 day subscription. 1,500 Wii Points provides access to Network Mode for 60 days, and a 90 day subscription costs 2,000 Wii Points. Each game comes with a 14-day free trial.Why are the fees for a Japanese game that isn't being localized significant to us? Because this is most likely a preview of the pricing scheme for online play in Monster Hunter 3, which is being released worldwide.Update: commenters are pointing out that Monster Hunter games have always been fee-based in Japan, but not the US. That puts the situation regarding Monster Hunter 3 right back up in the air. It doesn't change anything for G, of course, which is not leaving Japan.[Via Siliconera]
