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Missed Gitaroo Man? It lives again!!! First review
There are two kinds of people in the world: those that have played Gitaroo Man and those that have not. Chances are, you're in the latter group. IGN has posted up one of the very first reviews of this music game, and it's all swell. The game features some sharp visuals, complemented by its zany uber-Japanese style. Mix in a soundtrack that covers everything from "happy sunshine flower time" Jpop to "I want to kill myself while wearing leather" grunge, and everything in-between, and Gitaroo Man has the makings of a game that everyone must own. IGN simply states the game is "one of the finest games the genre has ever produced." The game received a mighty 8.8.If there are any flaws, it has to be that there's nothing really new for veterans of the original. But, more likely than not, you may have missed this original title when it came out on the PS2. Don't miss it again.(And for you DS owners, don't forget to pick up Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!, one of Inis' other music games.)
Extensive look into the PS3 XMB
Joystiq loves stories about the PS3's XMB... and so do we. IGN got their hands on direct-feed footage of the XMB in action, and it shows you how simple everything is on the PS3. You'll notice the return of the homebrew-hating "Network Update" icon, and a list of System Settings that's more than eerily similar. Almost everything is ripped from the PSP, right down to pressing the Right button to continue in menus, and the little clicking noises that are made when selecting an option. If anyone makes fun of your PSP as just a "Portable PlayStation," feel free to tell them that no... it's a portable PlayStation 3.[Via IGN]
LucasArts releases new LEGO Star Wars II screens
I know there are a lot of you out there who want to forget about the new Star Wars trilogy. Characters like Jar Jar Binks, a bratty Anakin and Watto just make me sick to my stomach. For those of us in this camp, we should all be thankful LucasArts is bringing LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy to the PSP this fall, and the company has just released a handful of new screens for you all to drool over.What will this game feature besides Ewoks living with half their bodies inside trees as the above image suggests? How about the Character Customizer, which enables you to take any of the 60 unlockable characters in the game and mix and match body parts from them to create your very own character - just like you would in real life. "Character customization was something we'd been looking at for a while," says Will Thompson, character artist at developer Traveller's Tales in an interview with IGN. "There are lots of cool ideas like that which come very naturally from working with LEGO. The best thing about the Character Customizer is randomization, which gives you a completely different character than you've ever imagined with the touch of a button. You never know what you're going to get!"LEGO Star Wars II looks like it's coming together rather nicely. The graphics look great, and if the game doesn't fall into the normal PSP pitfalls, it should be a sure-fire winner.(Via IGN)
Hands-on with B-Boy
Marco, regular PSP Fanboy reader, wrote in our comments section: "It is something nobody has done before (as far as I know)... I think people are jaded about any game being about Hip Hop... but at least I do know that there are people who do make the genre respectable."Very true, Marco. It's pretty easy to get jaded over games that don't seem authentic, but B-Boy seems to be the real deal. It's a game that deserves a bit more attention than it's getting, if only for its unique premise: you play as a rising star of break-dancing, and you battle other b-boys to try and become the best. It looks pretty new and different, and according to IGN, it "doesn't play quite like anything that's come before." The D-Pad controls movement, and the face buttons are used as the building blocks of moves. You string things together, and maintain balance using the L and R buttons a la Tony Hawk. There are transition moves, and increasingly complicated moves which require greater button combinations, and that's where a surprising amount of depth can come into play. Like extreme sports games, you can build up some impressive combos.B-Boy promises to mix music rhythm and sports gameplay into an innovative combination. The game is currently UK-exclusive, but hopefully we'll see it branching out soon.
First reviews: Gangs of London
My Gangs of London demo hasn't come in the mail yet, but I'll just throw it away considering the foul early reviews it's been getting. While the game looks like it had potential, the end product is littered with flaws. One in particular is that you can't actually explore the city freely, a la GTA, unless you're in Free Ride mode: the game wants you to go down its fairly linear, and restrictive story otherwise. Most of the missions seem to be driving from point A to point B, and even doing so might be a bit rough:Simple actions, like strafing and shooting at enemies, require near-bionic dexterity - four buttons at once seems a tad extreme - and that can only be put down to poor design. When essential functions like 'crouch' randomly decide they can't be bothered to work at critical moments during (the almost unplayable) stealth missions, it's simply unforgivable. Throw in a targeting system which, much like the PS2 games, favours locking on to enemies so far away they may as well be on a different continent, or - even more excitingly - enemies standing behind objects your bullets couldn't penetrate if they were actually lead hippopotami, and frustration becomes your closest friend.Ouch. You can read the entire IGN review, but I think it's safe to say that when you want some street violence on your PSP, you better look square at Vice City Stories. (P.S. Why are there zombies in this game?)
Online PSP store opens in Europe
YourPSP.com, Sony's European PSP site always is a step above its American counterpart. Not only does the site look sexier, it has a lot more functionality. European PSP owners not only have a better website, but they get access to PlayStation Spot, white PSPs, Tales of Eternia, and they also get their downloadable demos days faster than the US. While Americans have to deal with the absolutely useless Connect.com, it appears that Europeans will now get an online store dedicated for the handheld. The site features downloadable demos, upgrades to games (such as new Lemmings levels), videos, music and wallpapers. Best of all, it appears that (for now) everything is free.This service is almost exactly what we've been waiting for... now when's the US version of this going to happen?[Via IGN]
Earthworm Jim swirms back to the PSP
My my, it's been a long long time since we last saw Earthworm Jim. I was still a kid when the Earthworm Jim craze had reached its peak: some excellent games on the Genesis/SNES, a freaky cartoon on the WB, and some pretty weird action figures. The series' unique gross-out humor seems poised for a big comeback, as the PSP is getting an impressively beautiful continuation. IGN grabbed some screens from a recent Atari event and had some pretty positive impressions: The spacesuit-wearing worm has indeed return. More importantly, he's returned in proper form. The game plays very much like its 2D predecessors... What makes it special, though, lies strictly with how developer Shiny Entertainment mixes those elements to form something altogether groovy and unique.You'll be sure to see more of this game on the Fanboy, as it still has a long time left in development.
More release date and price speculation
At this point, it kills us to report on these speculatory meanderings other news outlets conduct, claiming they know when the console is going to release. However tired as we may be, we must bring forth to you fine reader everything about this console we all love so. For love (we really do love you and often imagine sitting up with you, just talking, until the sun rises), we labor on!You know, Matt over at IGN isn't such a horrible source though. Usually he isn't so far off from the truth as to be on a separate measuring instrument altogether, so we consider that with his proposal for a November 2nd or 12th release date. We also consider it when reading his proposed $229 US price tag with selection of white or black console. Matt also goes on to say that Nintendo has ramped up production on their console to reach 5 million units of hardware by the end of the year. Now that figure, well...it's staggering. We're not too sure we can totally believe that one.Take the information as you will and do make sure you let us know where you want to go on that date.[Thanks Ryoma!]
Confirmed: Prince of Persia on Wii
It wasn't long ago that Ubisoft announced what franchises they'd be bringing to the Wii, however one of their strongest franchises in Prince of Persia was strangely absent from that list. While we initially chalked it up to the trilogy of the environmental puzzle-solving Prince being complete, we're now happy to report that the Prince of Persia will in fact be hitting the Wii. While the spokesperson from Ubisoft relaying this information to IGN is nameless, we're going to take this one as truth at the moment. So are we to assume that the console will be getting some sort of compilation title or perhaps an updated version of one of the trilogy's installments, much like Prince of Persia: Revelations was on the PSP? Personally, we'd like to see Prince of Persia: Sands of Time touched up with new content and controls. Actually, that's not so bad of an idea! If you'll excuse us, we have some daydreaming to do, mostly involving deadly environmental traps and how we are going to cleverly avoid them.[Via Joystiq]
Portable Gamecube rumor returns briefly
For several minutes, in fact. Earlier today, IGN's Matt Casamassina posted an article that served to round up several wily Wii rumors, including the usual price ($229) and launch date (2 Nov. or 12 Nov.) suspects. More interesting, however, was the indication given by mysterious sources that IBM was in the process of shrinking and slowing down the Wii's Broadway chip for a "future Nintendo handheld -- presumably one that plays Gamecube discs."Before the rumor managed to fully set in and plunge the masses into unyielding seizures of delight, the article was promptly pulled from the site and replaced by a decidedly unhelpful update. "At the request of our sources, who do not wish to go to jail this week, we have temporarily removed the Wii rumors piece that was posted earlier." Apparently, the oppressive and joyless Nintendo police were none too pleased with people blabbering about portable Gamecubes to IGN. When the article reappeared, all mention of it had been removed, spirited away to some great rumor recycle bin (send our love to the holographic projector).Perhaps that's all there is to this story -- there is no portable Gamecube and the article's editing serves no purpose other than to make it more accurate. Of course, when an article is admittedly based entirely on whispered secrets and industry murmurings, why yank it just to edit out one rumor in particular? Or could it be another high-larious prank devised by Matt's IGN pals? Time will tell, though we'd rather it be an impatient and stocky time attending the Leipzig Games Convention.[Thanks Master X 24 & Ryoma!]
King's Field: worst PSP game ever
PSP Fanboy is proud to provide extensive coverage of King's Field, now known as IGN's "worst PSP game ever." The game hilariously provides some truly horrendous graphics, ridiculous load times, and awfully dated gameplay mechanics that make you wonder why anyone would pay money to subject themselves to such a horror. Watch the videos of the game, and revel in the fact that it wasn't you that had to play.Then, send your hate mail to Chris P for not writing one, but two stories about this game since he's joined.
Screenshot roundup: Justice For All
One of the requirements for being a part of the DS Fanboy staff is an undying, borderline obsessive, love for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. There's just no dancing around it; if you've failed to play it then you're fired. As such, our previously stated love for Phoenix and his immaculate "lawyerin' skillz" causes many of the staff to often wake in the middle of the night, covered in cold sweat, screaming out for our hero.As such, you can imagine we've been pretty excited for the latest installment, not only so that we may defend the innocent from an almost certain doom in the courtroom, but also so that we may scream "hold it" again in public without looking like total basket cases (people just don't get it if you aren't holding a DS). So, like they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do and join us in quietly, and quite disturbingly, fondling our monitors over these new Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All screenshots.
Sadness details that are not exclusive in any way
IGN's banner headline: "We bring you exclusive new details on the psychological-horror title." We're appreciative and all, but now we're just gonna take those exclusive details and steal them. You should certainly check out the original article if you're interested in hearing a bit of sample music from the game.NIBRIS has, thankfully, acquired a publisher for their work. Rumored to be either Atlus or Majesco, this mystery group is quite unwillingly to allow the Sadness team to unveil any in-game screenshots. You'll remember that the game is in all black and white...a gutsy stylistic choice. We like it. Now, NIBRIS is confirming that the game will have no HUD (heads-up display) to mar the cinematic quality of the game. This worked quite well for the PS2 masterpiece Shadow of the Colossus, and we applaud the decision.Also of note is that NIBRIS is essentially oursourcing the graphics engine and programming to well-known companies: Frontline Studios for the code, and Digital Amigos for the engine. These are experienced sources, and so hopefully some veteran shine will come through on what is otherwise a very "indie" game.The team seems very committed to bringing a truly frightening and intuitive experience. Novelists and psychologists have been consulted for the game script, and the designers promise us the ability to interact with the environment in ways only made possible with the Wii controller. There is a downside, however...we're going to have to wait. Sadness isn't touching our consoles until Q4 2007...at the earliest.
IGN interrogates Miyamoto-san
Shigeru Miyamoto recently sat down with IGN to speak vaguely on upcoming projects and various Wii-related topics. The origins of the Wiimote and nunchuck attachment are discussed, as well as left-handed gamers, the classic controller, and the controller's internal speaker. He speaks of an upcoming game in which all four players will use the same Wiimote, and the speaker will call out player names to indicate whose turn it is.Finally, the article seems to confirm that the nunchuck will come packaged with the console. We really didn't think Nintendo would stiff us like that...after all, their first three huge games (Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime 3, and Super Mario Galaxy) all require its use...but it's nice to know. Head on over for the details.[Thanks, Alex!]
NCAA Football 07 is busted up? [Update 2]
Various reports from the IGN Boards [Insider membership required] suggest that NCAA Football 07 isn't all that it's cracked up to be on the PSP. Although the game is released today, there's only one review out there from IGN: a very respectable 8.3. IGN didn't mention any glitches, so are the claims on the internet valid? Apparently, some teams in the game don't have updated rosters, one of the main reasons you buy a new version of a sports game. Also, the running game seems to be broken as well, as captured by DigitalEndorphins' video. [Right-click and download this link.]Until this situation gets cleared up, you may want to wait before dropping your money on this game. But if you still go ahead, you can be pleased in knowing that at the very least, the game is $10 cheaper than the PS2/Xbox version and $20 cheaper than the 360 version.[Update 1: EA has responded to the situation: "During running plays the ball will be spotted at point of first contact where the tackle is initiated. The ball will not be spotted where the player is ultimately taken down." Hmm... that doesn't sound like how it should work... Also, Gamespot's review has also spotted the glitch: "a three-yard gain on the ground sometimes is spotted as no gain at all."][Update 2: IGN has updated their review: it's now a 6.9.]
More Wiimote details revealed
Although we know quite a bit more about the Wiimote now than we did before E3, many of the specifics about this controller have remained a closely-guarded secret, so we were pretty stoked to learn that the folks over at IGN were able to get their hands on a big fat developer documentation kit chock full of juicy details. For starters, we now know that this wireless input device will be powered by a pair of regular AA alkalines, giving the unit 30 hours of battery life with the precision aim function activated, or up to 60 hours if only the accelerometer is being used. It's also being reported that remaining battery life will be indicated at startup by those four LEDs on the front of the controller, which will serve double duty to show which player is communicating with the console at a given moment. Other tidbits here include deets on synchronization (yes, the Wiimote definitely uses Bluetooth), some more specifics about the built-in rumble motor, and speculation about the controller's use of 6KB of internal memory and possible use as a digital camera. For the sake of brevity, we've glossed over most of the revelations here, so make sure to follow the Read link for all sorts of info that Nintendo doesn't want you to know yet.[Via Joystiq]
IGN found a solution for gaming lag: DVDO's VP20 and VP30
IGN has had...issues...with HDTV lately. Well, rather with HDTV gaming lag, but they have found a remedy - DVDO's VP20 or VP30. IGN blame the lag on the HDTVs over-processing of the incoming signal. So, these set-top boxes just make sense as they do all the processing for the HDTV. The VP20 and VP30 takes the incoming audio and video signals and output a single clean resolution to the TV. DVDO just released a daughter card for these scalers though that can preform rapid deinterlacing processing. This allows for two gaming modes that can preform ether a one or two frame delay with edge adaptive deinterlacing. Sounds great right? Well, it comes at a price as these processors aren't cheap. The VP20 is $1699 and VP30 $1999 with the daughter card add-on for $499.Would you be willing to spend the extra cash for no "gaming lag."
VGMWatch tackles the "what's a blogger" question
We often get caught in the debate over bloggers versus journalists. For starters, I think we have to be clear that the definition of journalist is a rather broad one so, depending on which definition you subscribe to, bloggers either are or aren't journalists. When we post a (rather awesome) picture of a Zelda tattoo, there are no cries that such a thing isn't newsworthy (often the contrary), while a 4 hour-old press release is met with cries of "OLD" echoing acoss the comment forms. Clearly the metric for calibrating such a distinction is loose at best. So it is in this mess that Kyle Orland, of Video Game Media Watch, finds himself while answering a reader's question: "I understand that bloggers don't really see themselves as journalists per se, but what, exactly, is their role?"Orland frames his response with two examples: one from this very blog and a series of posts (1, 2) concerning the backwards compatibility of our much-beloved Psychonauts; the other concerns the slap-fight between gaming-blog Kotaku and gaming-megasite IGN. In all, Orland presents some interesting commentary on where blogs fit into the larger gaming media and offers this rather potent distillation of our role:If journalism is the first draft of history, blogs are the first draft of journalism. You can look into the sausage factory and see all the swirling rumors, competing theories, and developing bits of conventional wisdom that go into making a delicious story, in close to real time. This is one main reason why they've beome so popular so quickly - people love taking a peek behind the curtain to see the emperor, um, making sausage.Orland's example illustrates both the advantages (delicious sausage) and shortcomings (what's in it?) of the format. As the most popular gaming blog on the internet, we work hard to maintain our credibility through discriminating story selection, proper sourcing, timely and transparent updates, and accountability via our open comment system. And, while we strive to keep errors to a minimum, if something is erroneous or misleading, we can count on you guys to let us know. And if it's old, we're sure you'll let us know that too.
Final Fantasy III Wi-Fi confirmed
"I can confirm that Final Fantasy III contains Wi-Fi, but I can't reveal the details at this time."That's the line a Square Enix spokesperson provided to IGN when they asked them about a leaked image that found its way onto Go Nintendo. So, the obvious idea is that there will be some sort of co-op gameplay and trading, whether it be items or chocobo (chocobii?). Given that, what other ways could Square Enix implement Wi-Fi into the game? Never having released stateside (our Final Fantasy 3 on the SNES was Final Fantasy 6 in Japan), I have no frame of reference for the game on a whole, unable to decide in which ways Wi-Fi would or could enhance it.
Complete transcript of Nintendo management briefing
Nintendo has gone ahead and transcribed the entire management briefing, which consists of a rather large, and thankfully in-depth, question and answer section in which all aspects of the company are discussed. Iwata reiterated that we wouldn't see an exact release date and price for the Wii until in or before September, commented on increased R & D budgets, and proudly proclaimed his choice for the name Wii as the console's title. OK guys, no more paraphrasing from me, you'll have to put in the work and read the rest yourselves.[Update:Fine reader sotiri has informed us that an English transcript is freely available via Nintendo's Japanese site. The links have been adjusted and balance has been brought back to Nintendo Wii Fanboy.]
