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CNNMoney picks 10 best gifts for gamers
Having already advised gamers to hold off from buying a PlayStation 3, it's not surprising that CNN's Chris Morris has no PS3 goods on his holiday shopping list. Besides, only a few brave (and crazy) souls have managed to procure Sony's "non-competitive" new console. Instead, Morris recommends the following titles for CNNMoney's game gift guide: Gears of War (Xbox 360) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC, Xbox 360) Half-Life 2: Episode 1 (PC) Guitar Hero 2 (PS2) Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2) Okami (PS2) Brain Age (DS) New Super Mario Brothers (DS) Excite Truck (Wii) Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Not a very sports-friendly list (no Hawk or Madden?), and PSP owners are also left out in the cold. Anything else missing?
Clover Studio goes six feet under
Clover Studio, a development studio under Capcom, was responsible for the Viewtiful Joe franchise, on both DS and home consoles (as well as Sony's handheld thing), as well as the recent success that is Okami. They have an impeccable track record in the industry, as not only have their games had incredibly stylish graphics, but a downright fun playability. This really does come as a shock to the gaming world, as their games sold well. So does this mean we won't be seeing a sequel to Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble on the DS, as well as other Viewtiful Joe outings on the Wii, or even a port or sequel to Okami? Hard to say, but we are fairly certain should these see the light of day, they will not have the same high level of polish and replay values of the previous titles. But still, why did this happen? Next Generation recently conducted a Q & A with Clover Studio, so you can get the word directly from the horse's mouth here, should you wish.Truly, it is a sad day in gaming ...[Via Joystiq]
PSP September Content Pack now available
Every month, Sony offers an EXE file they call the "Content Pack" which contains a variety of files, like videos, music and wallpapers for your PSP. This month is no different. They always come out much too late, rendering somewhat useful features like the "Calendar" somewhat useless. This month's content pack features tons of non-anamorphic video (anger slowly rises) of Godfather: Mob Wars and various PS2 games. But that's not why I got the pack... I did it for the Okami images which are now proudly set as my PSP's wallpaper.
Winner of strongest fall lineup is ... PS2?
Gameworld Network has pieced together an outline of 10 upcoming PlayStation 2 titles, tagging the list "10 Reasons Not to Sell Your PS2 Just Yet." With the exceptions of Dawn of Mana and God of War 2, all of these titles will hit US retailers by early November -- and seven are exclusive to PS2. Starting with Rule of Rose's release next week, there's practically a must-play title dropping for PS2 every week through November 7: Rule of Rose (September 12) Okami (September 19) God Hand (October 10) Bully (October 17) Final Fantasy XII (October 31) Rogue Galaxy (October) Guitar Hero II (November 7) Can anyone show us a console/handheld with a stronger fall lineup? Nope, we didn't think so ... Sony might have lost points because of a pair of disappointing PS3 announcements, but that's not gonna affect PS2's continued dominance leading up to the holiday season. [Thanks, Matt]
Okami: before and after cel-shading
Notably the only upcoming PS2 game to feature magical wolves, aggressive painting and beautiful cel-shaded surroundings, Okami has come a long way since its original inception. Dubbed Ohkami, the early version presents quite a different experience to the one currently preparing to hit US shores. A comparison clip over at GameVideos (embedded in the second part of the post) puts the more realistic art style of the old version in stark contrast to the cel-shaded update. It seems that the PS2 was simply not deemed powerful enough to render Clover Studios' original vision and so the shift was made to a different and more feasible art style. It's interesting that the decision marks one of the few occasions where technical limitations actually (and arguably) lead to a more visually striking game. If you had a choice in the matter, would you rather have the realistic (erm, as far as magical wolves go) Okami or the cel-shaded one? Comments from the "Zelda more like Celda" crowd are welcomed, of course. [Thanks Demian!]
Okami videos that will make you drool
Ever since we saw the upcoming PS2 title Okami, we've been eagerly anticipating it with a passion not seen since the N64 kid. So, it should come as no surprise that these latest videos to surface of the game make us all bubbly inside. The first video is called "Dungeon Crawl" and showcases the originality and beauty we can expect in the game. The second, titled "Brush Techniques," gives us a look at how some brush moves are used in combat. Slated for a September release, is anyone else looking forward to this game as much as we are?
Capcom reveals playable E3 lineup
Capcom announced its lineup of titles that will be playable at E3: GBA Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Gregar, Cybeast Falzar Nintendo DS Mega Man ZX PS2 God Hand Okami Street Fighter Alpha Anthology PSP Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins Monster Hunter Freedom Xbox 360 Dead Rising Lost Planet In addition, Capcom will unmask several new games for as of yet announced platforms. PlayStation 3? Nintendo Revolution? C'mon, Capcom has to have at least one ace up its sleeve...
God Hand unites Capcom's elite
Capcom has confirmed that God Hand is currently in development for the PS2 in Japan. While a company rep declined to give further details about the title and the possibility of its release outside of Japan, JeuxFrance.com claims that God Hand will be an action title crafted under the guidance of Shinji Mikami (director) and Atsushi Inaba (producer).Both Capcom vets have impressive resumes, which could lead to a successful formula. Inaba has produced the Viewtiful Joe series, as well as Okami (due in September). Mikami's work also includes Viewtiful Joe, along with Devil May Cry and Capcom darling, Resident Evil.
Xbox retail confidence sags; PS2 powers on
An executive VP with Vivendi Europe feels that retail confidence in the original Xbox is flagging with MS needing to work with publishers "to help generate some impetus."With Microsoft's primary and first-party focus squarely set on the next generation, the 360's predecessor may be feeling some neglect since saves aren't transferable and exclusive titles are elusive.The Vivendi VP also noted that the PS2 still has a lot of life left in it, which we're inclined to believe with all the triple-A games still to come to the West, including Kingdom Hearts II, Okami, Final Fantasy XII, and God of War 2. You gotta love the PS3's 100% backward compatibility (or 99.9% BC, give or take a couple of titles). Emulation profiles can only do so much.[Via Evil Avatar]
