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Rumorang: Killer Instinct making a return?
EGM rumor-monger Quartermann has once more turned the spotlight on speculation that we've been hearing for ages that Rare is keen on developing a third entry in its combo-heavy fighting game franchise Killer Instinct. Never mind that Rare itself has denied such rumors in the past, because honestly that's exactly what we'd say if we were working on a top secret project too.Going by the mouthful Killer Instinct 3D: Death, Destruction and Doom, the rumored Xbox 360 fighter is said to axe the previous titles' rendered graphics and button mashing in favor of 3D visuals and more robust gameplay. Still, it remains to be seen if this latest attempt rekindle interest in Killer Instinct will pan out, or if once again it will do an Ultra Combo to our heart.
Rumorang: BioShock PS3 port in September
While left out of the Quartermann roundup posted on 1UP yesterday, the oft-rumored, oft-denied BioShock PlayStation 3 port could arrive this September, reports NeoGAF user "SuperSonic1305" upon scavenging the June issue of EGM. The revived rumor suggests the port will include the extra DLC content and sport upgraded visuals (how about a better ending?). In addition, BioShock 2 reportedly will be "shown" around the same time the port is due. Presumably, the sequel (or prequel?) will be released for Xbox 360 and PC, with a likely version developed for PS3 as well -- why not? And if that is the case, it might make sense to prime the Sony faithful with a port of the original, though BioShock is quickly becoming "last year's game." Two questions: Is a PS3 port too late to the party? But if it is arriving, however late, why keep it a secret?
Rumorang: Lite-On not manufacturing Xbox 360 Blu-ray drives, Microsoft insists
Microsoft has again flipped the 'light off' on the glowing promise of Blu-ray for Xbox 360. Of the latest reports spread from Digitimes that Lite-On would begin shipping Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360 later this year, Microsoft told Techradar: "Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360. As we have stated, games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster game available."Additionally, Microsoft used its swift denial as an opportunity to plug Xbox 360's Video Marketplace, saying, "For our customers who want a premium movie experience we offer the largest library of on-demand HD content available" ... and oh, don't forget, a budget-priced HD-DVD player! (While supplies last.)
Rumorang: PS3 Crysis will be '50% new game'
PSW got one thing right, and that's our collective: Huh? The UK magazine would have us believe that Crytek's "hard-worked" code monkeys have confirmed -- "in many interviews" -- that Crysis is coming to PS3 later this year. Not true. But we can count this latest report as another adherent of the 'Crysis 1.5' theory, which here evolves into rumor of a hybrid-port that combines aspects of the original PC Crysis and its sequel into "almost 50% new game." Assuming that a Crysis-brand product will eventually land on PS3 (what else is the console version of CryEngine 2 good for?), we'd be curious to know how much of the alleged 'newness' would translate into better gameplay. Are we really talking Crysis 1.5 -- or just Crysis Lite? (Remember, Far Cry's leap to console had plenty of 'new,' just not any better.) [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Rumorang: The 'final' Smash Bros. Brawl roster
Rumors of the final Smash Bros. roster (past the 25 officially announced characters) are nothing new, but with the game's Japanese release nearing, such rumors seem to be reaching a fever pitch. The latest fuel for the fire is the above picture, which purports to show a final roster of 44 characters from the Japanese version of the game. The screen has been floated on a number of sites with varying degrees of credulity -- it was even included at the beginning of a very official-looking GameTrailers video introducing moves for three of the confirmed new characters in the game.So is this the holy grail of Brawl information? As much as we'd like to believe it so, we just can't. For one thing, the background seems to be taken directly from this official image of a much smaller select screen. Everything matches a little too perfectly, from the transparent background image to the floating cursor in the bottom left corner. For another thing, the images many of the "newly revealed" characters are 2D drawings that don't match up well with the 3D renderings for the officially revealed characters. Even for those that are renders, a closely matching source image can usually be found with a quick Google image search, suggesting an overzealous photoshopper.Still, we'd be more than happy to be wrong on this one and to be able to play with this impressive list of Nintendo favorites come March 9. For those who want to cover their ears and hold out a shred of hope, check out a full list of the supposedly "revealed" characters below the jump.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in, whether they believed it or not]
Rumorang: Crysis '1.5' to PS3, not Xbox 360
The latest whispers down the lane from Crytek sound something like a Crysis port bound for PlayStation 3, but not Xbox 360, at least, that's what PlayStation World UK is hearing (reposted by Games Radar). "Technical reasons" are cited for the lack of Xbox love, but with money kinda tight these days, we're guessing the gang hasn't turned its back on Microsoft's console just yet. (Heck, Ubisoft managed to shovel some semblance of Far Cry onto the original Xbox.) You can bet EA's got a few tricks up its sleeve too.We've reached out to the publisher for the customary "no plans" comment. We'll keep y'all posted.[Thanks, Eugene]
Rumorang: Duke Nukem on XBLA in 'next several months'
After six long years, the team at 3D Realms finally broke their silence last month, showing off a short – and by many opinions, disappointing – teaser for Duke Nukem Forever. Though we're all well aware DNF isn't close to being released, rumor has it (again and again) that Duke Nukem 3D will resurrect the franchise on Xbox Live Arcade so the title's core audience, who were parking their bricks in a pair of Pull-Ons ten years ago, can learn what The Duke is all about. Here's the details: sources close to developer 3D Realms told IGN that DN3D is scheduled to appear on Xbox Live Arcade "within the next several months" featuring four-player online co-op and eight-player online deathmatch. If true, this would be the first 3D Realms-developed game to ship since ... well, the original Duke Nukem 3D in 1996. Okay, there was also the strangely offensive Shadow Warrior in 1997, but we'd just as soon like to forget about that ...
Rumorang: EA says "no plans" for Crysis on Xbox 360
Like some sort of nanosuit-powered supersoldier, EA hurled yesterday's Crysis-on-360 rumor into a nearby shed (which, it's worth noting, broke apart and splintered with startling accuracy). Surprising no one, the software giant has said they have "no plans for an Xbox 360 version of Crysis" reports TGR, despite an Austrian retailer listing an "uncut edition" for release in November '08. The Crysis console question has been considered before – and EA has denied it before – but with sales not blowing any sheds over and a comment by Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli that strong PC sales could convince the developer to work on a console port, we're at an impasse of sorts. Or maybe that was a passive aggressive suggestion: if they sell more on PC then maybe they'll port it to consoles. Hear that PC gamers? Git shopping! [Via X3F]
Rumorang: MGS4 'exclusive' to PS3, 'no plans' for Xbox version, Konami declares
Yes! No!! Maybe so? The tossing of the rumorang continues as Konami has paralyzed New Year's "confirmation" of Metal Gear Solid 4 for Xbox 360: "For the record, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a PlayStation 3 exclusive and there are no plans to develop an Xbox 360 version of the game," a Konami representative has reportedly told TGR. No plans? Well, there are plans – just if and when these 'plans' are executed seems to hinge on sales of the PS3 version: Poor sales suggest Konami would port MGS4 to Xbox 360 in an attempt to recoup development costs. Then again, strong sales could point Konami in a similar direction. Why not fatten profit by going multiplatform, say, like, 12-14 months down the line...? (Hear that? That's the sound of the rumorang circling back around.)[Via X3F]
Rumorang: MGS4 on Xbox 360, 12-14 months late
We know we don't need to tell you guys this, but Metal Gear Solid 4 coming to the Xbox 360 is still a rumor despite gaming site Xbox Family saying, rather unequivocally, "Metal Gear Solid 4 is coming to the Xbox 360. This is not a rumor." Well, duh ... it's a rumorang.With that caveat out of the way (and stowed safely in a locker somewhere), we'll proceed to relay the rumorang your way: An unnamed Konami rep apparently dropped some knowledge on Xbox Family, whispering that MGS4 would sneak onto the Xbox 360 12 to 14 months after the PS3 version is released (whenever that is). The site also published a lengthy email from Microsoft's John Porcaro basically saying "no comment" which they also suspect may be further proof of the rumor. (Why did he write so much? He's very polite, you know.)With Konami execs straight up saying that Metal Gear Solid 4 may go to other consoles, and MGS4 producer Ryan Payton saying the game needs to sell a million copies on day one to make the pricey production profitable, it's not like Konami's showing their best poker face either. But that doesn't mean it's not still a rumor which, of course, we don't need to tell you guys.[Thanks, The Dutch Slayer]
Rumorang: Microsoft toying with motion-sensitive controller
After an erroneous rumor concerning an Xbox 360 motion-sensing controller prototype made the internet rounds yesterday (turns out it was a known Wiimote prototype), the folks at TeamXbox claim to know a little something something and – after said rumor made waves – felt compelled to share with us a little early. They said, "TeamXbox.com can confirm that Microsoft has been researching alternative input technologies for the last two years" including motion-sensing technology ala the Wiimote or Sixaxis.They also note that Microsoft is specifically looking to improve the right-analog stick (request to MS: fix the D-pad while you're at it), and TeamXbox will "bring you a real list of next-generation Xbox controller prototypes soon." We skipped the previous rumor but since TeamXbox is putting their neck out on this one, we're inclined to give it a little more weight. We'll know if they're right soon enough.
Super Mario Galaxy DS video a hoax
About ten days ago, we got our first glimpse of a video showing a downloadable, Nintendo DS version of Super Mario Galaxy, supposedly hidden inside the Wii version of the game. We watched with rapt attention as the shaky-cam footage showed Mario and Luigi jumping from the Wii to the DS using a previously unknown, hidden galaxy and the DS' WiFi download capabilities. We were surprised to see low-resolution versions of Mario and Luigi running around low-resolution versions of familiar Mario Galaxy levels. We were shocked and hopeful when the video promised each DS star would be redeemable for 10 Wii shop points.We weren't ready to definitively declare the video real or fake at the time, but now, after some digging, we're ready to set the record straight on this hoax. Read on for our evidence and thoughts on the matter.
Rumorang: Updated 'Dreamcast' trademark spurs Dreamcast 2 speculation
The internet has been all a-titter recently over the rumor that Sega might be getting back into the console manufacturing business. The source of this rumor is an updated trademark application for "Dreamcast," which overlaps with the current trademark filing for the title, set to expire in December 2009.At best, this rumor is a stretch. Renewing trademarks is a common practice for companies, and any overlap between previous filings and updates can be attributed to the indeterminable amount of time between filing and proper registration of those trademarks. To either confirm or deny the speculation, GameDaily contacted Sega for an official response, and while PR rep Charlie Scibetta was unsure of why the trademark was updated, he did state that Sega has no intentions of re-entering the console business. According to Scibetta, Sega's quite content with their current platform-agnostic status, and it would be unwise to shift their business strategy during a period of "outstanding growth." Sadly, it seems like this rumor might be little more than smoke and mirrors. Of course, we're always happy to be proven wrong.
Rumorang: Gerstmann-gate edition
We're sure you'll agree our reporting on the continuing controversy surrounding Gamespot's firing of Jeff Gerstmann has been quite extensive. Still, there are a few angles that have come up that we still feel a little questionable reporting on as fact, or even credible rumor. Still, they are getting play elsewhere around the web, so we'll let you have a little peek behind the curtain and in to the sausage-making world of the news process. Here's what we know and why we're a bit skeptical: Some sites are reporting that Gamespot staffer Tim Tracy has also been fired and/or left the company, possibly for reasons related to Gerstmann's dismissal. The sole source for this rumor seems to be a cryptic post on Tracy's Gamespot blog where he appears behind a stack of shoeboxes with the footer, "It's been real." This could mean that he's no longer with the company ... but it could also means he just has a shoe fetish. We're working to get an official comment on the situation from Tracy or Gamespot and will let you know what we hear, but for the time being we don't want to speculate on what, if anything, this could mean. Some commenters around the web are suggesting that the firing was due to the influence of some recent hires at CNET, specifically Executive Vice President Stephen Colvin and Director of Games & Entertainment Josh Larson. These commenters will point to Colvin's previous involvement with bastions of journalistic integrity like Maxim, Blender, and Stuff magazine (read: sarcasm!) and Larson's heavy career focus on marketing to gamers. This circumstantial evidence doesn't do much for us, and while we've heard some rumblings of their involvement from somewhat credible sources, nothing has been better than second hand information. We'll keep digging, but right now it's too early to implicate anyone specific (or in general, for that matter). Finally, some commenters are claiming that Gerstmann wasn't fired because his Kane & Lynch review was negative in tone, but because he did not actually play the game sufficiently before reviewing it. The supposed evidence, as often happens with such allegations, is Jeff's Xbox Live Gamercard, which only has six achievements and 90 Gamerscore points for the game (some overstate this claim to say he only got one achievement. Fact check your rumors, people!) Reviewers often start reviews playing early code that might not have achievements unlocked. Gerstmann could have been playing on Microsoft's private PartnerNet system when reviewing the game, or simply been on a separate system/Gamertag when doing some of the playing. Furthermore, the content of both the text and video reviews seems to clearly indicate deep involvement with the game. We're waiting to hear back from Gerstmann on this issue directly, but until we do, it'll take more than a Gamercard to convince us Jeff was anything less than a professional in this matter.
Rumorang: New Xbox 360 bundle, Core this holiday
A "mole" has unearthed a pair of juicy rumors for Opposable Thumbs, detailing not one, but two new Xbox 360 bundles expected just in time for the holiday splurge. The first, described as the Xbox 360 Pro package, will reportedly include a single case featuring both Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, much like what was done with the old Sega GT/Jet Set Radio bundle for the original Xbox. Rumors of this bundle first surfaced last month, and this latest report seems to add a measure of certainty to those claims.This package is expected to drop on October 9, with a similar bundle for the Elite coming October 23. Unfortunately, according to the aforementioned mole, there won't be a price drop, but two free games is two free games. The mole's most interesting suggestion, however, is a new Xbox 360 Core model that will arrive "at the end of October," sporting a HDMI port, wireless controller, 256MB memory card, and five XBLA arcade games (Boom-Boom Rocket, Pac-man, Uno, Feeding Frenzy, and Luxor 2) on a single disc. Even better is that, according to the subterranean varmint, the package will carry the standard Core price of $279.99.If true, these deals look to offer a number of options for those still hesitant to dive into the Xbox 360 pool, making October a month to watch.
Rumorang: The brewing Apple/Nintendo "war"
If you believe everything you read, then by now Apple should have already merged with Nintendo, released a game console and taken over the portable gaming market with the iGame. The New York Post has mixed up all three of these recurring rumors and comes up with a "juicy" story about an imminent war over portable gaming between Nintendo and Apple.The key to the speculation is the recently unearthed Nintendo patent for a motion-sensitive portable. Since the iPhone already has an accelerometer (albeit not an overly sensitive one), obviously this means that Apple has been "secretly plotting its foray into portable video games for months" and that the announcement by January's MacWorld show will "put the two tech titans in direct competition."Never mind that Nintendo hasn't announced any products based on this motion-sensing patent (ditto for their iPhone-like cell phone gaming and multi-touch portable patents). Never mind that the games currently available for the iPhone are largely crappy, web-based Javascript clones and that third-party applications currently have to run through the Safari web browser. Never mind that the persistent rumors of Apple getting into gaming have been around for at least two years now with nothing more to show for them then some simple iPod games.Apple is getting into games! And Nintendo should be worried! This time we're serious! Trust us!
Rumorang: Conflicting reports on PSP redesign
It seems there's some disagreement as to which aspects of the PlayStation Portable are due for a change in its officially non-existent but chronically rumored redesign. Rumor Reporter (guess what they do?) today responded to Kotaku's earlier article on the PSP Lite, PSPetite, PSP Slim or what have you, claiming that "undisclosed sources" have labeled the initial specification changes as "mainly factually inaccurate." Rumor Reporter's Bruce Kelly, who previously outed Warhawk as a downloadable PSN title (though it's arriving on Blu-ray disc as well), asserts that his informants hold details that "contradict" those provided last week, but conveniently notes, "we still don't have enough to confirm anything as fact." These potential non-facts are offered as counter-points to those previously aired: The new PSP will still have an LCD screen (one letter different from the previously mentioned LED screen), it will not have any "big speed increases", will feature a slot-loading UMD drive and will "likely" feature only 4GB of on-board storage. Though it sounds more like a me-too take on the continuing rumors as opposed to a contradicting one, we still like to envision this as an epic battle between two musketeers using elongated balloons as swords. There's a lot of squeaking and squealing going on, but the most grievous injury can only be suffered by one's credibility. If the improved PSP is indeed on the way, we're sure to be given some sharper implements once Min-E3 is in full swing.
Rumorang: Excite Truck 2 rumors keep on trucking
These Excite Truck 2 rumors just keep on coming, but this time around they come from the Official Nintendo Magazine in Spain. This, of course, causes us to believe that ... oh wait, these images are recycled. How hilarious that the magazine would recycle what are known to be fake images as those for a sequel to the game. But one thing is different: the rendered truck has changed.Personally, we'd like the game to receive a sequel and it would make sense for Nintendo to do so. Maybe add some Wi-Fi functionality to it?[Via Go Nintendo]
Rumorang: NiGHTS 2 spotted on game mag cover
Apparently, world exclusives just aren't what they used to be. Shortly after Official Nintendo Magazine teased readers with "world exclusive" information on a new game, only to backpedal once internet speculation deemed the game to be NiGHTS 2, comes this image of an upcoming issue of Swedish mag, Game Reactor. Their exclusive is right there on the cover -- the androgynous acrobat himself sporting a grand new costume. No mention of platform is made, though most online pundits point to Wii.The image, which was posted on the NeoGAF forums and the Game Reactor website, has since been replaced on the latter page with a version containing an empty outline of NiGHTS. Is that the official motif for teasing gamers with the sequel to a deeply loved Saturn classic? Caution requires us to continue labeling this as an unconfirmed rumor, but we think it's about time we changed our line of questioning.It's not a question of whether NiGHTS 2 exists now, but rather a question of how completely modern Sega (sans Yuji Naka) will mangle a cherished property. We say it in jest, but deep down, we can already picture an Afterburner clone, complete with fly-by shootings and bordello bombing runs.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Rumorang: Gamefly says Beautiful Katamari this fall
Gamefly, the online game rental service, has never been the harbinger of new releases; but unless they're getting into the habit of offering up officially unannounced games, expect Beautiful Katamari to release in October for PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii version supposedly comes out one month later. Although October and November look like placeholders at this point, maybe spurred by previous rumors, the fact that the game is even listed is a good sign that the King of all Cosmos will send his son to roll balls on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii this fall.Like the ESRB database, Gamefly might become a nice source for future, and especially in this case, unannounced games. If this becomes a habit for the service, we wonder what other treasures Gamefly may accidentally tell us in the future. We will certainly laugh if they end up making the Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII announcements for Xbox 360 before anyone else.In related news, OrangeLoungeRadio, who originally reported the rumor of Beautiful Katamari, wrote last week their Katamari "story has been removed by request from Namco Bandai." A nice strong-arm tactic by Namco Bandai that does nothing but show OrangeLoungeRadio was on the money the whole time. We've contacted Namco for a statement about Beautiful Katamari. The Prince's cosmic Leo is certainly out of the bag.[Thanks DPCough]
