comic-con 2010
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Gears of War 3 producer wants Carmine dead
Rod Fergusson is the executive producer of Gears of War 3, and he wants Clayton Carmine to die. He wore a "Carmine Must Die" t-shirt at Microsoft's Comic-Con party last night, casting his vote for the fate of the third Carmine brother, but he's willing to leave the decision up to the fans: "They kept saying, 'How can you be so mean,' and 'What about Mrs. Carmine,' and 'What's that like [losing her sons]' -- all this stuff," he told us at the event. "And so we're like, let's just question them and see what they want." Fergusson also shared a few development updates, relaying the most difficult part about designing the new Beast Mode: getting all of the playable beasts to control as solidly as Gears and Locust characters. "Just making sure the camera works from a Ticker to a Serapede to a Berserker," he explained, "just refining the technical ways of making people feel like they have control and that they're grounded in the character." It's not so much about balancing the beasts, though -- Epic wants these creatures to feel powerful, so "even if it's overbalanced a little towards the monsters, that's cool. We want to make players feel successful." Thankfully, some development components have gone down smooth. "Ice-T is kicking it as Griffin," Fergusson reconfirmed. "We recorded it this week remote from New York ... Ice is doing a great, great job -- we wanted him to be him somewhat, but he's just bringing that character to life for us. It's really fun working with him on that stuff."
Inafune: Play as 'the Mega Man of your dreams' in Mega Man Universe
During a Comic-Con panel, Capcom's Keiji Inafune offered a scant few details about Mega Man Universe, the Mega Man crossover game (or something) teased by an amazing stop-motion trailer, which you can see again after the break -- it's wonderful! "We wanted to preserve as much as we can of the classic 8-bit Mega Man feel, while allowing players to project their own Mega Man onto the game," Inafune said. So it'll have an 8-bit look like Mega Man 9. "We wanted to create a platform where players can play as their favorite version of Mega Man, another Capcom character -- or maybe a different character completely," he added. "You'll be able to play as the Mega Man of your dreams." The proposed cross-Capcom, cross-character play actually makes us think of another recent 8-bit game (unofficially) starring Mega Man, Super Mario Crossover. "The game will also unite Mega Man fans," Inafune said, "putting them together in one specific place." The awkward, golden Mega Man from the original NES Mega Man 1 U.S. box art will even make an appearance, as he did in the teaser. "We talked about how crappy the original package art was, but there's somebody out there that loves that one and probably wants to play as him." (The trailer, by the way, was info-free for a reason: "We made the trailer purposely mysterious, because we wanted to play on the idea of what Mega Man is," Inafune explained, citing the changing face of the Mega Man series over the years.) Finally, Inafune teased that another big Mega Man announcement was on the way soon, which would address an "oft-requested" desire from fans.
Halo: Reach 'Forge World' and Firefight Versus mode introduced at Comic-Con Bungie panel
Last night at Bungie's Comic-Con panel, the studio went "beyond the canyon" and revealed what's behind the hill in the Blood Gulch remake: "The rest of the map." Turns out this version of Blood Gulch, which will be known as "Hemorrhage" in Halo: Reach, is actually one part of a gigantic five-part map called "Forge World" -- there's an island in the back bay, an outcropping called "The Rock," a hangar built into the cliff overlooking the bay dubbed "The Colisseum," and an open field area up above. The entire map starts out blank, and players will be invited to build their own levels in it using Reach's revamped Forge editor mode. "Forge World is the evolution of what we've been through with Forge," Bungie Community Lead Brian Jarrard told Joystiq at a Microsoft event following the panel. "How do we expand on it even further, and give people even more flexibility, and more toys to work with?" The answer: by combining very detailed and customizable tools with a variety of variables used in whatever ways players see fit, according to Jarrard. The Forge editor can now apply different physical models to pieces inserted on the map, leaving them fixed in mid-air or even half-embedded in other pieces. Additionally, spawn points can now be easily colored according to team, teleporters can be dropped at will and even customized for vehicles, and gigantic structures (like a multi-level tower) can be summoned and placed just about anywhere. %Gallery-96257%
Okamiden media brings the cute to Comic-Con
If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's the overwhelming level of cuteness to be found in Okamiden, the upcoming sequel to Okami. From the pint-sized Amaterasu, to the Animal Crossing-like speech of the game's inhabitants, we're kinda feeling like the proprietors of a very different web site right now. We're trying our best not to dawwwwww all over the place. But we digress. You have yet to experience this feeling for yourself, so go ahead and check out the new media, straight from Comic-Con. If you'll excuse us, we're going to draw some kittens for a while. %Gallery-97979%
Blizzard: World of Warcraft movie has slowed, but still happening
Blizzard Entertainment took the stage here at Comic-Con in San Diego to talk about World of Warcraft-inspired merchandise, and when the topic of the WoW movie came up during the Q&A, Vice President of Creative Development Chris Metzen confirmed that though the process has slowed recently, the movie is still happening. Director Sam Raimi is still "very, very passionate" about getting the movie made, but Metzen said that a treatment is still being hammered out. If that gets approved, he said, then "hopefully it'll start moving very quickly, very soon." Metzen and the rest of the panelists also talked about the next lore-based novel to be released -- it's called The Shattering, and will set up a lot of the events leading up to the Cataclysm expansion. Metzen cautioned the game's fans that there are "dark times ahead" for Azeroth with the return of Deathwing and quakes destroying large parts of the game world. "It's going to get rough out there for a while," he admitted. "But there's a plan. The great heroes always rise to the top."
Web sight: All four Shattered Dimensions Spider-Men in action
In case your Spider-Sense hadn't already alerted you to the fact, all four of the Spider-Men playable in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions have finally been revealed. (Peter Porker, a.k.a. Spider-Ham was, sadly, not among them.) We've even taken the fourth and final dimension -- the Ultimate Spider-Man universe -- for a spin (and a swing) at San Diego Comic-Con. Now you can see all of the Spideys and their respective dimensions together in one video. We know, convenient, huh! See, we're all about the efficient delivery of Spider-Man information here at Joystiq. And, er, other stuff too, of course. But for now we're just focusing on Spideys plural. See 'em after the break.
iPad-toting Syte Shirt redefines 'multitasking'
Disgusted with Apple's refusal to bestow honest-to-goodness backgrounding to the iPad, even though the (presumably) weaker iPhone 4 has been doing it for weeks? You aren't alone. Syte Shirt, a new startup with a vision to change the world in a way you've never even dreamed of, has just announced its first product: the iPad-toting shirt that you're undoubtedly gawking at above. This pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton tee sports a slit on the inside for sliding your tablet into, and there's a window on the front that enables the wearer (or anyone else, for that matter) to fully interact with the tablet without you having to disrobe. Imagine that! Heck, there are even ports for accessing the dock connector and the 3.5mm headphone jack, which certainly helps to justify the otherwise unconscionable $49.95 to $54.95 price tag. Right? Right? %Gallery-98005%
Preview: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (Noir and Ultimate)
With Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions' fourth and final locale out of the bag (it is "Ultimate" Spidey, as many surmised), Activision was showing off the first playable build of the game at a pre-Comic-Con event last night. I played both the newly revealed Ultimate Spidey, in his black symbiote suit, and the Noir version. While I wasn't clued in to the game's multidimensional, overarching story (perhaps at the Comic-Con panel then?), I did get a feel for the combat, which is arguably the make-or-break component of the game. Though I only played within two of the game's four universes, I found the combat to be solid -- if a little shallow -- and in practice it came together better than I had expected after watching a developer play the game last month. %Gallery-97998%
Preview: James Bond 007: Blood Stone
Bond is back in Bizarre Creations' James Bond 007: Blood Stone. I got a first look at the game's opening act during an Activision media event in San Diego yesterday, where I also spoke with designer Sandy Lockie about the development of this original Bond adventure. Primarily a third-person shooter, Blood Stone immediately drew comparisons to Bizarre's other shooter, The Club, when it was announced last week. Indeed, Lockie confirms that the new Bond game has its roots in the studio's previous effort. "It's basically the Club team," he tells me. "We rolled off on The Club and started working on this straight away." But while The Club was all about scoring points and more points, Bizarre is designing Blood Stone to be "a much deeper shooting experience." %Gallery-97612%
Final, Ultimate Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions universe revealed
As deduced by our industry-leading experts on men who are also spiders, the fourth and final Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions universe will be Ultimate. That is to say, it will be set in the Marvel Comic Ultimate universe -- we can't vouch for its relative "ultimateness" quite yet. So, what's different about this one? Well, according to IGN's Comic-Con preview, the world of the Ultimate universe is bright and cel-shaded -- a stark contrast to Spidey's pitch black Symbiote suit. Spider-Man (who's voiced by series veteran Josh Keaton in the Ultimate 'verse) will encounter large groups of SHIELD troops and Carnage Symbiotes, which they'll be able to deal with simultaneously using their suit's increased offensive capabilities. Whip swaths of enemies with your Spidey-tendrils, shoot web-spikes out of your chest, or summon black spikes from the ground to wreck enemies' shops. So, he's basically like the guy from Prototype, only he's much less inclined to eviscerate every single civilian that wanders into his field of vision. How nice! Look for our multi-dimensional preview of the game later today.
TUAW's Daily App: Pilgrim's Punch Out
Comic-Con starts in San Diego today, and I'm down here wandering the aisles, looking for geeky gear and cool games. Scott Pilgrim is already one of the stars of the show, with the excellent comic series having finished up, a new console game coming out soon, and of course the Michael Cera-enhanced movie in theaters in a few weeks. To celebrate, NBC Universal has released this free retro Punch-out game starring the characters from the movie. It's not quite as good as the upcoming console game, but it's an amusing little retro distraction that fans of the movie will get a kick out of. The app's also connected up for Comic-Con -- it's got news and updates straight from the convention floor, and there is a trailer and gallery from the movie to unlock. Yes, it's adware -- if you have no interest in the movie, there's not really a reason to download the app. But if you're already interested in Scott Pilgrim and want a little more fun from the franchise on your iPhone during Comic-Con, definitely check this one out.
Super Hero Squad Online video highlights fun and accessibility
Yesterday brought the news that Super Hero Squad Online will be playable at Comic-Con this week, but what if you can't attend, or simply can't wait to get a good look at the game? Well, the fine folks at The Amazing Society have you covered with their new walkthrough video of SHSO, which takes a look at character creation, character progression, and some of the more lighthearted aspects of Super Hero Squad Online. Characters will play in the familiar Marvel world; if you want to have a dance party on top of the Daily Bugle or fly around Oscorp, you can. And speaking of dancing, the character emotes are something that the team obviously had a lot of fun creating. From dances to "snow angels" in the concrete, each character has his or her own unique emotes to enjoy. Finally, the game is all about accessibility. You're a superhero, and the developers want you to feel like one from character creation on. There will be character progression, but you'll have some powers to reckon with right away. Check out the video after the jump for the full tour!
Driver comic series debuting at Comic-Con
With all of the comic book news lately, you'd think Comic-Con was right around the ... oh. Well, Ubisoft has another comic book based on one of its properties ready to roll out at this week's event, this one based on the upcoming Driver: San Francisco. Unlike its Assassin's Creed book, which will just be shown and discussed at a panel, issue 0 of Driver will be given away at the booths of Ubisoft and DC Comics (under whose WildStorm imprint it's being published). The series -- no word yet about its planned duration -- is being written by Stray Bullets scribe David Lapham and Illustrated by Greg Scott (Gotham Central). Its covers artist is Mark "Jock" Simpson, who's probably best known as co-creator of The Losers, a comic which was adapted into a motion picture released back in April. Jock will be signing copies of issue 0 tomorrow through Saturday. We've got the whens and wheres for you -- along with super-sized cover images, in case you can't make it -- just after the break.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets Doom, Super Skrull, Chun-Li and Trish
Though the Comic-Con festivities don't technically kick off until tomorrow, Capcom's getting things started early with a batch of new character announcements for Marvel vs. Capcom 3. From the Marvel universe, iron-clad antagonist Doctor Doom will be making a nefarious appearance, along with the multifaceted Super Skrull. From Capcom's titles, the pint-sized powerhouse Chun-Li joins the fray, as does Devil May Cry's femme fatale, Trish. Check out some gameplay footage featuring these new characters in the video posted after the jump, or catch a glimpse of some of their special abilities in the gallery below. Also, doesn't Super Skrull have like, every power ever? That hardly seems fair. %Gallery-97909%
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World trailer beats up the internet
If you've still got that glow from finishing the last installment of the book series upon which it's based, you're probably in the perfect place to check out the Comic-Con trailer for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Heck, even without all that book-learnin', you should still probably give it a glimpse.
Marvel Super Hero Squad Online playable at Comic-Con
If you're attending Comic-Con later this week, make sure you leave some time in your schedule to visit the Marvel Entertainment booth. Marvel and Gazillion Entertainment will be fully unveiling Super Hero Squad Online for the first time, allowing attendees to play the game. Super heroes, combat missions, and social spaces will be available for play, and the game's headquarters system will be revealed as well. Players can customize their headquarters based on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, adding trophy collections to dress it up even more. Amazing Society Vice President and Studio Manager Jason Robar thinks attendees will like what they see: "Combining hundreds of items, realistic physics and the unique personalities of the Super Hero Squad members makes an unforgettable experience. We're looking forward to sharing it with all Comic-Con attendees."
Super Hero Squad Online flies to Comic-Con
If you like your superhero MMOs a bit more kid-friendly than DC Universe Online and a bit more ... actually-in-development than Marvel Universe Online, expect a treat at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. Gazillion will be showing off Super Hero Squad Online at Marvel's booth with "dozens of Marvel's iconic Super Heroes, combat missions, and social spaces all available for all con-goers to play." Gazillion will also be showing off the game's headquarters system, touted as the most "in-depth housing system ever created for an MMO." We're unclear why the big push for a superhero MMO wouldn't be the "flying around" system or the "punching things really hard" system, but there you go. If you're going to look up the game at SDCC, we've got all the info you need after the break.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is 38 Studios' first game, due fall 2011
EA just took the wraps off of its 38 Studios-helmed, single-player "open-world" RPG, previously codenamed "Project Mercury." The real title: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. (Yeah, we also preferred Project Mercury.) The platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. While Reckoning isn't 38 Studios' long-in-development MMO, codenamed Copernicus, it takes place in the same "mysterious and magical new fantasy world created by New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore." Developed by Big Huge Games, which 38 acquired from THQ last year, Reckoning is "being developed under the leadership of" Ken Rolston, who you may recognize as lead designer of Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. With a fall 2011 release window, you can imagine details are scant, but Rolston did have something to say about his game. After detailing the contributions from novelist Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane, Rolston said, "And we've added something new that we've always wanted from the genre -- a fast-paced, graphically stimulating action combat experience with fluid control and immersive, discoverable gameplay fans haven't seen before in other fantasy RPGs." We're sure to learn more on Thursday when McFarlane, Rolston, Salvatore, and 38 Studios bossman Curt Schilling take the stage at Comic-Con for a panel discussion on the game.
See and save on Super Scribblenauts at Comic-Con
Comic-Con is turning out to be pretty worthwhile simply for DS-related reasons. In addition to the exclusive Dragon Quest IX content, you'll have a chance to try out Super Scribblenauts, and save $5 on the game for your trouble. Warner Bros. Interactive will have demo stations for the adjective-enhanced adventure in its booth (#4545). Those who go to check it out will get an adjective of their own, thanks to a $5 Best Buy coupon to turn their own copies of Super Scribblenauts into cheap copies. The publisher released this charming artwork today as well, depicting some adjectivized objects found within the game. A plaid kappa! A wooden cat, in a furry cup, maybe? A tiny, striped, winged elephant! These are things that you can use in a video game to solve puzzles!%Gallery-97769%
SOE makes big plans for Comic-Con
Comic-Con is just a handful of days away, and Sony Online Entertainment has announced its lineup for the event. It's a hefty schedule, but there are several highlights for MMO fans. Saturday the 24th will feature a panel discussion including Jim Lee, Mark Hamill, Marv Wolfman, and members of the DC Universe Online dev team. They'll be going behind the scenes of DCUO, discussing the backstory and giving fans a first look at the game's intro cinematic. Those attending the panel will receive a DCUO VIP beta key. Saturday evening there is a fan event for attendees to meet Jim Lee and Marv Wolfman, have another chance at a DCUO beta key, and participate in a Q & A with the development team. Finally, the SOE block party is a free event on Saturday that welcomes fans into the SOE studios for music, food, tours, previews, prizes, and kids events. Shuttle buses will provide transportation to Comic-Con as part of the event. If you're attending Comic-Con, be sure to visit the SOE booth for the full schedule!
