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10 games added to PS3 Greatest Hits lineup, Sony confirms
Looks like the Walmart ad we posted yesterday actually undersold the number of PS3 games that Sony will soon add to the $30 Greatest Hits collection. The following 10 titles will be decked in red and reduced in price in the U.S. and Canada within the next few weeks: inFAMOUS (Sony Computer Entertainment) God of War Collection (Sony Computer Entertainment) Killzone 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment) LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year (Sony Computer Entertainment) Resistance 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment) Dead Space (Electronic Arts) Fight Night Round 4 (EA Sports) Resident Evil 5 (Capcom) Soulcalibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) UFC 2009 Undisputed (THQ) That's a pretty good assortment of quality titles -- assuming, of course, that this isn't some kind of horribly distasteful April Fools' Day joke.
Rumor: inFAMOUS, LBP GOTY and others joining Greatest Hits
According to a recent Walmart ad dug up by NeoGAF user ghostmind, a whole slew of new PS3 titles will soon be added to the $29.99 Greatest Hits collection. Featured on the ad are five games which will apparently get the red box treatment: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition, Killzone 2, inFAMOUS, Resistance 2 and UFC 2009 Undisputed. Actually, according to the flyer, the games are being offered for $29.83. That, dear readers, is the Walmart difference. We've contacted Sony America to find out if the Walmart ad is authentic, but we have no reason to believe it's a mock-up. We mean, all those games are "hits," and they're all pretty "great," right? [Via 1UP]
Hitman, UFC, American Idol added to Games on Demand
Three new games have landed on Xbox Live Games on Demand this week. The games offer some vastly different experiences, so there should be something for everyone. For those who enjoy watching sweaty dudes pummel each other, UFC 2009: Undisputed is the game for you. If you prefer more discreet (perhaps even sneaky) violence, Hitman: Blood Money might be more up your alley. If, on the other hand, you'd rather have your singing talents mocked by a virtual Simon Cowell -- and who wouldn't -- it's Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 all the way. Each game runs $29.99 in North America. As usual, pricing and availability will vary in other regions. Shortcut: Add UFC 2009: Undisputed to your download queue [via Xbox.com] Shortcut: Add Hitman: Blood Money to your download queue [via Xbox.com] Shortcut: Add American Idol Encore 2 to your download queue [via Xbox.com] [Via Major Nelson]
UFC 2009 Undisputed goes platinum (and cheaper!)
THQ's UFC 2009 Undisputed is kicking its retail price in the face and dropping it to $30. With a sequel right around the corner, the acclaimed fighter has sold 3.5 million units worldwide. The new price places the game under the "Platinum Hits" and "Greatest Hits" labels on Xbox 360 and PS3, respectively. UFC 2009 Undisputed is the game we typically -- and unfortunately -- neglect to mention when discussing THQ's financial and quality turnaround of 2009. Now we'll need to see if the UFC Undisputed series can muster the fan commitment required for an annual franchise.
UFC to grapple Wii, handhelds (Also, THQ likes profit)
It wasn't so long ago that Joystiq's THQ coverage was a litany of woe and despair. Until yesterday, that is, when the company not only announced that profits were up a staggering 77 percent in its first quarter, but that it had found a breakout, 2.9 million-selling hit in UFC 2009 Undisputed.It's no surprise, then, that CEO Brian Farrell has informed GameSpot that the mixed martial arts franchise will be making its way to more platforms. UFC 2009 was restricted to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, but Farrell says that THQ plans to create future iterations of the game on the Wii and handhelds, though he didn't specify when we should expect them. Given the incredible success of UFC 2009, we'd say "as soon as humanly possible" is a pretty good guess.THQ is also planning to turn UFC into an annual franchise. Shocking, right?
UFC 2009 and Red Faction: Guerrilla bolster THQ profits
Dropping knowledge about its Q2 earnings for this year, THQ has revealed that UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla have both become multi-million dollar franchises for the publisher. With these two, along with a game based on the recent Pixar film Up, THQ enjoyed three of the top ten best-sellers for the month of June. UFC 2009 Undisputed wrestled the competition to the ground throughout May and June, shipping a combined 2.9 million units worldwide. Red Faction: Guerrilla also fared well, shipping a combined one million units across the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms. Not only did THQ dominate the US in June, but the publisher enjoyed the top spot in the UK June charts with everyone's favorite testicle-punching simulator, UFC 2009.
THQ earnings show profits up
THQ recently unloaded its earnings for its first fiscal quarter ending June 30, and with strong sales of UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla (it's all about the ostriches, baby!), the company is, uh, very much not operating like THQ. It reports that net profits climbed a whopping 77% to $243.5 million (from $137.6 million last year) and that net sales (non-GAAP) for the three months ending June 30 was $233.9 million, up 93% from $121.1 million last year.And, again, it's all due to strong showings of Red Faction: Guerrilla and UFC 2009 Undisputed. Both titles shipped over a million units (the latter shipping almost three) and made huge profits for THQ during Q2 of this year, the company's first fiscal quarter of 2010.
Top five best sellers for 2009 tracked for each console
Finding it hard to get interested in the June NPDs? Perhaps a visual aide from the folks at Gamasutra will help boost your enthusiasm. They've compiled the sales figures from all of 2009's NPD charts to find the top five best-selling games of the year thus far on each of the three home consoles.The big winner so far on the PS3 is Killzone 2, trailed closely by Resident Evil 5. On the 360, Resident Evil 5 is currently in the lead, followed by a surprising contender -- UFC 2009: Undisputed. The Wii's current leader is -- who'd have thunk it? -- Wii Fit, followed by Wii Play. For the full five for each platform, check out Gamasutra's writeup.
UFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming
If you've been dragged around the Octagon and beaten to a pulp one too many times due to glitches in UFC 2009 Undisputed's online component, you'll be pleased to hear that the developers are working on a patch. In fact, this blog post on the official site is proof of that.There are several issues the developers are looking to resolve, and one of the more nasty ones involves a lack of repercussion for those who disconnect prematurely. These folks will receive a prize in the new patch, to the tune of some DNF and a loss on their record. Other fixes will target lag, Flash KOs, and the CAF cheat. For the full list, hit up the blog post.[Via Kotaku]
Rumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA
There's been a pretty crazy rumor floating around. originating from the mixedmartialarts.com forums. The rumor states that UFC will blacklist any fighter that chooses to be a part of EA's upcoming game, MMA. That means should any fighter sign up to be represented in EA's game, they won't ever be endorsed by the UFC or asked to join. Crazy, right?It makes sense, though, considering how well UFC 2009 Undisputed sold. UFC has a bona fide franchise on its hands, and will likely begin prepping for a sequel soon (if not already), and doesn't want that threatened by EA's game. But, hey, can't we all just get along? This isn't football, after all.We've put in word to UFC corporate about the rumor and will be sure to get back to you as soon as we hear something.[Via BloodyElbow; Thanks, Ryan!]
THQ moving Vigil studios to new office
Along with working on two major current-gen games in Darksiders: Wrath of War and a Warhammer: 40K MMO, THQ-owned Vigil Games is packing up its stuff and moving to a brand new 33,000-square foot studio in another part of Austin, TX. Unsurprisingly, in confirming the move to Kotaku, THQ reiterates its desire to attract new employees as development ramps up on the aforementioned titles.Though the move was likely decided well before UFC 2009 Undisputed hit store shelves -- and quickly went flying right off those same shelves -- the 1.01 million unit sales of the game couldn't hurt the moving situation. Plusher couches at the new offices, perhaps? If it happens, remember: you heard it here first!%Gallery-19839%
May NPD: UFC on top while DS, PS2 take a beating
THQ's probably quite happy it decided to return to the MMA ring (soon to be joined by EA Sports) with UFC 2009 Undisputed selling 1.01 million units across Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Other games didn't have it quite so good in their debut month, notably Punch-Out!!, which moved 150K copies on Wii.DS and PS2 were both down, but May was an up month for PS3 with sales rising 3 percent. Xbox 360 sales remained unchanged over April.-DS: 634K407K (-39%) -Wii: 290K50K (-15%)-Xbox 360: 175K -- 175K (0%)-PS3: 131K4K (+3%)-PS2: 117K55K (-32%)-PSP: 100K16K (-13%)Check out the software sales chart after the break.
Fighter cut from UFC 2009 because of ... his hair?
Hey, UFC fighters. Over here. Would you like to avoid appearing in a video game without getting fired? We have the solution for you: Stop cutting your hair. According to Fight! magazine (via 5thround.com), UFC fighter Clay Guida was cut from UFC 2009: Undisputed because his trademark shaggy locks were causing clipping problems and creating issues with collision detection. THQ supposedly offered Guida money to trim his hair so that he could be included in the game, an offer Guida seemingly refused.We applaud Guida for not (essentially) selling his hair to THQ, but come on, he had to be cut because of his hair? Hasn't hair been in 3D fighting games since ... forever? Couldn't they have given his in-game model a headband or something? The mind reels ....[Via GameSetWatch]
UFC 2009 Undisputed, Red Faction: Guerrilla demos now available
THQ has been busy today, dropping demos for both UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Both demos, which will no doubt square off for your attention this morning, are only available for Xbox Live Gold subscribers. In the blue corner, the demo for Undisputed features Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua battling for control of the Octagon. In the Red corner, the demo for Red Faction: Guerrilla finally gives players a taste of single-player action, following a lengthy multiplayer beta. Unfortunately, Guerrilla's demo does not feature the (completely realistic) ostrich hammer ... thankfully, the demo for UFC 2009: Undisputed does. Yes, we were surprised too.Download - UFC 2009: Undisputed DemoDownload - Red Faction Guerrilla Demo
Clinching mechanics explained in UFC 2009 video
People are always asking us, "Joystiq, can you tell me more about the clinching mechanics in UFC 2009: Undisputed?" Previously, our standard practice was to stare at them quizzically until they walked away, but no more! Now, we can direct them to the above video for all their clinching needs.The confusion came, we think, from a difference in nomenclature. What the UFC calls "clinching" we call "totally hugging." And we know our hugs. Heck, if they'd just called them hugs from the start, we probably could have been more helpful.
UFC 2009 demo grapples PSN, XBLM next week
Good news for fans of mixed martial arts, as the UFC 2009 Undisputed community site reports that a demo for the game is expected to arrive next week. Specifically, you'll be able to grapple with the new demo on both PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace on Thursday, April 23. There are no details regarding what we should expect from the demo but, based on what we've seen so far, we're betting on scantily clad ladies, sweaty dudes and plenty of angst-inducing rock.[Via VG247]
Trophies: UFC 2009 Undisputed
Ultimate Fighting needs Ultimate Trophies. Can you handle UFC 2009? View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal
UFC 2009 Undisputed trailer shows advances in sweat rendering
We love watching guys pummel each other into a gooey pulp just as much as the next group of gaming bloggers, but we've never understood the appeal of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Sure, a no-holds barred brawl in an octagonal cage of death sounds delightful, but we've found that many of these televised matches quickly end up turning into a bro-hug festival.However, very few bro-hugs are featured in the above trailer for THQ's UFC 2009 Undisputed -- though there are bro-punches, bro-kicks and bro-body slams abound. True fans of the sport will no doubt be pleased by the trailer's accurate portrayal of a UFC match, though considering the lukewarm reception of most pre-existing UFC titles, we wouldn't blame them for being a cautious lot. Could THQ's offering be the first worthy contender in that narrow genre, or will it, like a flimsy-fisted first-time brawler, be forced to tap out?
UFC 2009 game set to smash your face next spring
THQ is taking over the UFC license with a new title: UFC 2009 Undisputed. This will be the first game branded with a U, an F, and a C since the last game from 2004. UFC 2009 will contain 80 UFC fighters from five different weight class divisions, each one captured with "photo-realistic" graphics. Authentic personalities and arenas are also standard featured content.Create-a-Fighter, a mode that most wrestling game fans are familiar with, is making its way into this mixed martial arts fighting game. A career mode whereby you take your fighter to the Hall of Fame is also another expected component. "Online support" is mentioned, though it's not clear if this means online play; Downloadable content, however, is for certain going to be available as part of that "online support." The game is set for a Spring 2009 release.[Via press release]
