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One Piece Unlimited Adventure gets stretchy, swingy
We'll admit to being somewhat negligent in our anime viewing. To put a fine point on it, we don't know the first thing about One Piece. But we know brawlers, and any such game where you can play as a stretchy-arm guy is okay with us.One Piece Unlimited Adventure uses limited "swing attacks" that are activated by waggling-- specifically, shaking the Wiimote. The high-speed pummeling shown above is such an attack. Check the link for pictures of all the other (significantly less stretchy) characters and their swing actions, and click the post break for a couple of screens.
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core trailer -- now with more ridiculous hair
Eternally the Japanese RPG's signifier and the cosplayer's bane, the hair in Final Fantasy games is often as entertaining as it is improbable. Though it might be a deeply rooted jealousy that causes us to question just how Cloud's finely kept anti-quiff defies all known laws of the universe, it nevertheless remains a matter of observation and pertinence. Indeed, if we follow the Grand List of Console Role-Playing Game Cliches' Cloud Rule -- the higher the hair, the closer to God -- it would seem that just about every character in Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP) has a vital part to play in the story. Surely we can find some significance and excitement in that? Also, the graphics look pretty cool. [via PSP Fanboy]
Def Jam Icon demo heads to the PlayStation Store
On Thursday (tomorrow), Sony will be updating the PlayStation Store with a new playable demo that (shock!) isn't a racing game: Def Jam Icon. EA's music-inspired fighter hasn't earned the greatest critical praise, but at a price of "free," it'll probably be worthwhile to check out the demo. Also available on the store will be videos of the already-released Resistance: one trailer and three behind-the-scenes features that cover gameplay, concept art and level design. [Via 1UP]
Take this! New Dragon Ball Z footage
Take this! Take this! My playthrough of the upcoming Dragon Ball Z game didn't really have sound, and maybe that was a good thing. No matter how fun the game may end up being, the repetitive voiceovers in this new gameplay video will certainly irritate anyone. Watch the video, and tell me: don't you want to punch Trunks in the face?
Naruto game announced ... but which one?
You might have to take some notes on this one, because it's a little complicated, especially since the games involved have very long, very similar names. Tomy and D3 Publisher have announced a new Naruto game called Naruto: Clash of Ninja MVZ, to be released on the Wii in the US with exclusive new content.However, exactly which Naruto game it is is somewhat of a mystery. The unruly (but perspicacious) NeoGAF horde thinks that it's not the Wii Naruto (Naruto Shippuden Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX) that just came out in Japan, but rather a port of the Gamecube Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 with some new characters, minigames, and, we would assume, new controls. But Gamespot is reporting that we're getting a version of EX with the animations and characters changed to reflect where the US localization of the anime is in the Naruto storyline. We don't exactly know what's going on. There will be a Naruto game of some kind on the Wii this fall, and the rest is obscured by ninja trickery, deployed in a successful attempt to confuse and disorient us.
Bleach Wii screenshot explosion
When we say screenshot explosion, we mean it. JeuxVideo put up fifty screens from Bleach for everyone outside Japan to sigh over. It's been out there for months, and we haven't seen any sign of a non-Japanese release, which we think is a travesty, particularly after seeing the trailer. Hit the jump for a selection of screens, and let us know what you think the odds are that we'll ever see this in an English-language version.
PREPARE YOURSELF for new Mortal Kombat Armageddon screens
Is it okay to get nostalgic about Mortal Kombat? We know the series isn't that old, and, in fact, still exists. But, for example, we can't help but reference the old "PREPARE YOURSELF" slogan from the 1993 print ads when we're talking about any MK game. We miss the old games, and it took the new one to put us in that state.Looking at the big, empty environments of the new Wii version of Mortal Kombat Armageddon makes us long for the detail-filled stages of the old games, and the sort-of-plain character models remind us of how amusingly hokey the digitized sprites used to be. Those were the days, when we didn't need fancy polygons to enjoy virtually ripping some dude's spine out. We had Claymation bosses and we liked it. It was a simpler time-- a TOASTY!! time.Screens, with obligatory Wii-gesture diagrams, after the break.
Def Jam: Icon tournaments at Gamestop
Gamestop is partnering with EA to host a few Def Jam: Icon tournaments around the US before the game is released. The tournaments will be hosted at various Gamestop and EB Games stores at different dates in four cities. The tournaments will kick off in Atlanta tomorrow and will start in the coming weeks in Chicago, Los Angles and New York. Also, at random stores, there will be a rap artist stopping by to partake in the activities and show you how a real rapper throws down. So far only Fat Joe has been confirmed at the Union City SWM Gamestop store in Atlanta, but more artists will be announced when the other tournaments near. And if you attend any tournament in Atlanta please post your impressions of not only the tournament, but how much you enjoyed your time with Def Jam: Icon. Head over to Gamestop's official page for dates, locations and more information ... yah dig? [Via Gamertag Radio]
Fight Night producer ponders Wii version
If you've grown tired of furiously pummeling those smiling Miis in Wii Boxing, there's hope for you yet. Speaking to Gabriel Montoya of Doghouseboxing.com, the producer of Fight Night Round 3 explains that a Wii entry into the fisticuff franchise is currently being discussed within the towering offices of EA. "We're contemplating and we definitely feel there are some exciting things we can do with the Fight Night franchise and the Wii," says Michael Blank. "When you play Wii Boxing it is a very simple experience and I think that is what they designed it to be just to let you know that you can throw punches. With Fight Night we have an amazing simulation of Boxing and so we need to take those Wii controls and tailor it to what the Fight Night consumer might want to experience." Though nothing definitive has been announced, Fight Night Round Wii seems like an inevitability. With SSX Blur showing EA's willingness to embrace an alternative control set and Wii Boxing providing a solid, albeit simplistic boxing example, the way is paved. Even if it is with bloody teeth. [Via CVG]
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"?
Def Jam: Icon: we're speechless
We have no idea what to think about Def Jam: Icon. On one hand, it has some interesting, new dynamics for a fighting game. On the other, it doesn't seem to come together as solidly as a good fighting game should. The graphics are nice and the sound is bangin', but something is missing. Read on for our impressions of the demo.
Def jam demo hits the streets
The announced Def Jam: Icon demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for Gold members. The Xbox 360 has been woefully short of fighting games so far, other than Dead or Alive 4 and a few Xbox Live Arcade offerings. Will Def Jam: Icon bring us new hope, or will we be stuck waiting for Virtua Fighter 5? You'll just have to download it and see. Expect some impressions of the demo later today.
It's a beat down, new Def Jam: Icon gameplay videos
In a few hours the Def Jam: Icon demo will be available on the XBLM and for those of you who just can't wait Gamertag Radio posted a few new gameplay videos. Yes, we know we already posted a Def Jam: Icon video before, but these are fresh sucka! There is a total of four new gameplay videos and they aren't done by amateurs like the previous one. And after watching the videos we must say that the game is quite pretty and the music themed fighting is a unique idea that will be interesting to see how it'll pan out. Anyway, hurry up, watch these videos, then in a few hours download the demo ... that's what we in the know call instant street cred.
Def Jam: Icon demo thugs it out tomorrow
After the promised Def Jam: Icon demo went MIA last Thursday, EA has announced that it will arrive tomorrow instead. The demo will feature two playable characters, T.I. and Big Boi, along with the songs "Kryptonite" and "Top Back." Players will be fighting it out in a gas station. Def Jam: Icon will introduce a new dynamic to the series, as music will now play a central role in the fighting. Skilled players will be able to use the beats of the music and the environment to their advantage. The videos we've seen so far have left us less than impressed, but we'd love to be proven wrong. Anyone looking forward to downloading this tomorrow?
Bleach 2 brings the pain
Oh, we don't mean the pain of the action variety. This is more the pain of "where the hell is Bleach DS?!" We haven't even seen the first one and they're already on a sequel. What gives? Folks outside Japan can certainly appreciate a good fighting game. Oh well, looks like those of us who can't live without a little violence might have to turn to importing. This isn't just any violence, either. We're talking four-on-four multiplayer WiFi violence. Did any of you guys import the original? This sequel is said to improve on the gameplay, and that's a tall order. It did take them a while to get around to showing off anything from the sequel, so maybe some extensive fine-tuning did go on. If only we had more than a few screens to show off, but these will have to do for now. Check 'em out after the jump.
Become an Icon, Def Jam demo Thursday
We really want to like Def Jam: Icon. The concept is interesting enough: put your favorite hip hop stars in brutal fist fights, all while integrating the music into the mix. The idea is to make the music central to the fight. If you're doing well, then your anthem will play, potentially giving you an opportunity to deal extra environmental damage. It's sounds neat on paper, but videos of the game in action have left us (and others) skeptical. It looks like we'll finally know for sure this week, as a demo is expected to drop on Thursday. We hope Icon turns out to be decent, because the 360 needs another fighter, and Virtua Fighter 5 is at least 5 months away. Keep your fingers crossed.
Singapore's DSTA launches urban warfare robot contest
While it's not unusual for a nation to desire a full fledged robot army to handle its dirty work, Singapore's Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is actually offering up a reward to anyone who can "build a robot that can operate autonomously in urban warfare conditions." Obviously, the task is easier said than done, but the country is aiming to acquire an intelligent, street-fighting machine that can move in and out of buildings, open and close doors, and most importantly, "search and destroy targets like a human soldier." Notably, anyone (including institutions) in the world is open to participate in the TechX Challenge, but foreigners must collaborate with local partners in their construction. The contest is being created in order to shift away from remote-controlled robots that tie up human resources, but the goals of the project may indeed be a bit lofty for today's technology. Robert Richardson from the University of Manchester, UK has proclaimed that the "competition could present a major challenge to even the most sophisticated robot," and added that doors and elevators would likely give the autonomous drones the most problems. Crafty individuals interested in the admittedly tempting S$1 million ($652,000) reward must (hastily) submit their entry by May of this year, where a few rounds of elimination will eventually end when a winner is chosen in August of 2008.[Thanks, John S.]
New Def Jam Icon trailer is misleading
There is a new trailer out for Def Jam Icon, the upcoming hip hop fighting game from EA. Given the game's ... eccentric premise, the trailer is drop dead serious. In fact, we'd wager that more than a few people will be expecting a completely different game after watching it. The game, for those that don't know, is a fighting game with a heavy emphasis on music. The background changes and interacts with the beats of the music. In fact, you choose your characters music track before each match. If you're winning, then your track will play. This can be advantageous for the player that utilizes environmental hazards at the right time (check out Joystiq's impressions for more info). It's an interesting idea, and hopefully one that translates into a fun game. The trailer, however, shows off something more like a gang drama. In fact, there isn't even a hint in the trailer that Def Jam Icon is a fighting game, and an unrealistic one at that. It's a nice trailer and everything, but it's a little misleading. As a service to prospective players, we've embedded both the new trailer and some footage from the game after the break (second video NSFW).
Joystiq impressions: Def Jam Icon
I recently sampled Def Jam Icon in its close-to-finished state; the game will ship for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in March. The title takes a genre in which I have little personal interest -- hip-hop stars like Ludacris, Big Boi, and The Game fighting -- and focuses on the best part of that premise, the music. Each player begins a match after choosing a song for their character. As the fight progresses, the music becomes an integral part of the game, with the leading character's anthem blaring and the background objects bumping with the rhythm. With the right timing to the music, the background objects even cause extra injury. I saw a lot of potential to this approach, but Def Jam Icon is high on my skeptic sense of hit-or-miss; if the game behaves the way EA describes, it should be a fun fighter. But in my short time seeing the game, I wasn't convinced that the downbeats would match the beat-downs as EA touts, especially with user-imported music. I'll have to wait until I'm able to scrutinize the game on my own to make a fair assessment.
New Dragon Ball Z game announced
It looks like our previous story about a new DBZ game on the way was right. IGN is reporting that Dragon Ball Z fans can look forward to another installment in the Shin Budokai series. Atari's Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai: Another Road will add more than 50 new fighting skill and ultimate attacks, a new storyline that deals with Future Trunks and his fight agains Majin Buu. The title will have available characters from all of the Dragon Ball anime worlds. The title is due out in March. I bought the first Dragon Ball Z game on the PSP and had quite a bit of fun with it. I didn't care for the plot though, so hopefully the plot is improved in this sequel. Either way, the DBZ games remain some of the best anime fighters on the market. Are there any readers that are excited like me about Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai: Another Road?
