q1-2011
Latest
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition confirmed for 3DS launch
Shortly after Nintendo's 3DS event, Capcom released an English version of the Nintendo World 2011 Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition trailer, along with new gameplay footage -- both of which you can see after the break. More importantly, however, is the assertion that it will be "available as a launch title for the Nintendo 3DS." That makes Super Street Fighter IV the first known launch title in North America! We'd like to pretend it's the only launch title, which would make it really easy for us to find other SSF4 owners to play it with. Capcom also says that the online features will be available from launch, making it "the only title to utilize the full capabilities of Nintendo's online network at launch." Said features include online multiplayer and a Spectator Mode that allows users to watch other online fights. Other new features include a 3D display mode, "Simple Controls" that use the touchscreen to launch combos, and StreetPass-based multiplayer that uses virtual figurines, which automatically fight other figurines they encounter via local wireless connections.%Gallery-114648%
Apple on iPad competition: Windows is 'big and heavy,' next-gen Android tablets are still vapor
Apple's COO (and current Steve Jobs stand-in) Tim Cook thinks "there's not much" competition to the company's iPad tablet. When queried about Apple's view on what the rest of the market offers, Cook was brutally candid in describing Windows-driven machines as generally being big, heavy and expensive, while current generations of Android-based slates are in his opinion merely "scaled-up smartphones." While we agree that Windows 7 isn't a terribly touch-friendly affair, we don't know that Cook's comments on Android are quite so pertinent now that Google's tablet-savvy Honeycomb iteration has been unveiled. Then again, he has something to say about the next generation of Android tablets as well, noting that the ones announced at CES lack pricing and release schedules, leading him to conclude that "today they're vapor." Ouch. As a parting shot, Tim took a moment to reaffirm Apple's belief that its integrated approach will always trump the fragmented nature of Android and its plurality of app stores. Hear his comments in full after the break.
Ubisoft announces Fit in Six for Wii and PS3
Already outed by the ESRB, Ubisoft has officially announced its upcoming fitness title, Fit in Six. Slated to arrive on Wii and PS3 this March, Fit in Six focuses on six different areas of fitness: core body, upper body, lower body, cardio, balance and flexibility. The PS3 version utilizes PlayStation Move, while the Wii version -- like the Wii's Your Shape -- will require a special USB camera. The camera will be bundled with the game, or if you happen to have one already, standalone copies will be available as well. The PS3 version includes a few extra features, notably support for DLC and the ability to import your own music for use in workouts. Fit in Six even includes a system to analyze a user's music, choosing the most appropriate tracks for each workout. Stretch that index finger and click past the break for a trailer.%Gallery-114598%
Apple turns in record Q1: $6b profit on $26.7b revenue, 16.2m iPhones sold
Apple's announcement of Steve Jobs' medical leave just one day before releasing its Q1 financial results struck us as well-planned yesterday, and here we are: if Cupertino's record $6 billion profit on a record $26.7 billion in revenue isn't enough to turn that frown -- and stock slide -- upside down, well, nothing else will. iPhone 4 sales were predictably strong through the holidays, clocking in at a record 16.2m units, or up 86 percent from last year, while Mac sales went up 23 percent to a record 4.13m and iPod sales were stronger than expected at 19.45m, a seven percent decline. As for the iPad, Apple's tablet had its second straight dominant quarter, with record sales of 7.33 million -- some 3 million more than the Mac. Apple's financial call with new acting CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer is scheduled to start at 5PM EST -- check after the break for our usual liveblog while you're listening live on Apple's site.
Apple's stock knocked down, but gets right back up
Wall Street was still reeling from Steve Jobs' medical leave this morning, with Apple stocks taking a beating as a result. Techcrunch reports that roughly $20 billion of Apple's market cap disappeared when the shares fell more than 20 points. But, $15 billion of that cap is back now, as investors apparently remembered that Apple's quarterly earnings call is today, and that always bodes good news for the company. Remember to join us at TUAW for a live discussion of the call when it begins at 2 PM PST/5 PM EST today.
Apple Q1 2011 earnings call today at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. EST
You can check the full Apple press release after the break but today's earnings call promises to be interesting on two fronts. First, for the past several years Apple has reported stellar sales in practically ever category, losing ground somewhat in the portable music player front to an extent, but showing steady growth in Mac sales and explosive growth in iPhone and iPad sales. We think the trend will continue. The question of Steve's health will no doubt be looming and will be a topic of conversation during the question and answer session at the end of the call. Yesterday's announcement sent Apple's stock tumbling in overseas markets and today, as of this writing, we're seeing AAPL down around 4%. That's actually not too bad considering the chatter about Steve being the sole visionary for the company. In terms of kneejerk market reactions, it could be much worse. We'll post the results and a wrap-up of the call later today. You can listen to the call here starting at 2 PM Pacific or 5 PM Eastern.
Strong Bad's Cool Game now on Mac, temporarily discounted
In honor of yesterday's "Trogday" observances (honoring the day that Strong Bad brought Trogdor the Burninator to life, in all his majesty), Telltale has announced that Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People is now playable by those who only have Macs in their thatched-roof cottages. THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGEEEEEEEEES! Until January 20, the Mac and PC versions will be on sale for the same burninating price as the PSN release: $15 for the whole season. After that, they'll go back up to $30, which is still cheaper than the original WiiWare price of $10 per episode (there are five). You can use that beefy arm coming out of the back of your neck to click over to the product page on Telltale Games and save some money now.
Shift 2 Unleashed shifts to stores March 29
EA has clarified the "early 2011" release window for Shift 2 Unleashed by declaring that we'll be able to satisfy our need for speed (without the "Need for Speed") on March 29 in North America and March 24 in Europe. The trailer after the break reveals the EU date -- but if you'd like to see the other date at the end, check out YouTube. In addition to revealing the date for your next Autolog adventure, the new trailer features some driver's-seat footage that reminds us why we play racing games instead of racing cars in real life. That is, it's the constant fear of painful death. Just a quirk we have.
Remedy brings Death Rally out of the garage for iPhone port
How will Remedy follow up last year's exceptional, psychological thriller Alan Wake? With a game about cars blowing each other up, of course. Death Rally was Remedy's first game, published for PC by Apogee in 1996 and cleaned up to run on modern rigs in 2009. Now, with the help of Minigore dev Mountain Sheep, Remedy is porting the combat racing title to iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad, for a violent history lesson on the go. You can acquaint yourself with the world of Death Rally (hint: it's mostly rallies and dying) by watching the trailer after the break -- or, even better, by playing the '96 freeware release! [File download, PC only]
Super Monkey Ball 3D rolls past 3DS launch date in Japan
Super Monkey Ball 3D won't arrive in time for the 3DS launch in Japan on February 26, but it will only miss that Monkey Target narrowly. Sega announced today that the three-dimensional ape tumbler will be released in Japan on March 3. You can see a few new screens, including the GonGon portrait above, on Famitsu. Also on Famitsu are new screenshots of Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D, which feature some really nice 2D art, and a few new screens of Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition. We've posted the box art after the break, so you can get a nice look at the crazy backwards design.
Gray Matter confirmed for February launch on PC in North America
Gray Matter, the first adventure game by Jane Jensen since Gabriel Knight 3, is set for a PC launch in North America for $29.99 in February, which should finally end years of the game pulling a delay out of its hat. We can't currently point and click you toward a stateside launch for the Xbox 360 version. The full game (with a heftier Euro price) and demo for the PC version have been available across the Atlantic for a few months now. Thankfully, despite the game's German launch, that version comes with English voiceovers.
UK catches Pokemon Black and White March 4
UK Pokemon trainers will gain a crucial tactical advantage over their American counterparts on March 4, when Pokemon Black and White launch in that country, two days ahead of the North American release. This date comes courtesy of Official Nintendo Magazine. To take full advantage of this ... advantage, we've got just the plan for you: first, buy the game. Then, get on the first plane to the USA and train your team the entire time. Then, wait outside of the GameStop until the first customers get their copies. Challenge them to battles on the way out, and bask in the assured victory until the police get here. Then your return travel will be booked for you (when you're deported)!
3DS Japanese launch lineup announced, along with BlazBlue for later in 2011
As expected, Nintendo revealed the Japanese launch lineup for the 3DS at Nintendo World 2011, and -- as expected -- it's about 10 games. Eight, to be specific. The games that will be available on the Japanese launch date of February 26 include: Winning Eleven 3DSoccer (5,800 yen/$70) Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (4,800 yen/$58) Samurai Warriors Chronicle (6,090 yen/$73) Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D (4,980 yen/$60) Nintendogs + Cats (Toy Poodle & New Friends, French Bulldog & New Friends, Shiba & New Friends, 4,800 yen each) Ridge Racer 3D (6,090 yen/$73) Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D (5,040 yen/$61) Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle (5,980 yen/$72)In addition, Nintendo's list of 2011 games reveals some new titles, including BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2, ports of Tales of the Abyss and Raving Rabbids Travel in Time, and a third game in the DS's Tank Beat series.[Update: Famitsu posted pictures from the stage, showing box arts and prices for many of these games. We've updated the list with prices; check Famitsu for box arts. Keep in mind that Japanese game prices are usually higher than American prices; DS games typically retail for about 4,800 yen/$58.]
Magic: The Gathering - Tactics summoned to PC January 18
Sony has announced that Magic: The Gathering - Tactics will arrive on PC later this month on January 18 (the PS3 version is slated for later this year). The free-to-play game offers up a new take on the classic card game, allowing direct control over summoned creatures and simplified deck building options. Naturally, players will be able to purchase new cards for their decks or trade them with other players. Check out our E3 preview for a detailed look at the game. And find new screens below and a developer diary after the break. %Gallery-113278%
Two Worlds 2 gets Feb. 4 launch date, 'Royal Edition' in UK
Tracking the various release dates of Two Worlds 2 can be a tricky prospect. Just to recap, the game is already available in most of Europe and has sold over a million copies. It will arrive in North America on January 25, just a few short weeks away. Now, Topware Interactive has announced that Two Worlds 2 will arrive in the United Kingdom on February 4. Furthermore, the company has revealed the Royal Edition, which includes a statuette, a world map, playing cards, exclusive in-game weapons and a DVD with behind-the-scenes features, music, concept art and more. The Royal Edition will be available exclusively through GAME and is currently available for pre-order.
Sailor Moon returns in Italian-exclusive DS game
Breaking! Sailor Moon has washed up in Italy, years after her abrupt disappearance from US syndication. Following a new initiative to globalize Ms. Moon's brand of magical girl ... sailing (is it?), Namco Bandai Europe has announced the world's first Sailor Moon DS game -- and, in fact, only the second Sailor game to be released outside of Japan, ever: La luna splende, which, as you may have gathered from the title, will be exclusive to Italy. La luna splende, planned for release this spring, looks to cash in on the Sailor Moon revival in Italy, where Toei Animation has been broadcasting a remastered version of the anime series since last March, according to Wikipedia. "Adventure, fantasy, fun, action ...," teases the Google translation of Namco Bandai's Italian announcement, "these are the watchwords for next spring." Hmmm ... maybe it's more convincing in Italian: Avventura, fantasia, divertimento, azione ... ecco le parole d'ordine per la prossima primavera!
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 will make you jump, jump Feb. 1
You won't have to wait long to find out whether jumping was a sensible addition to Bionic Commando. As one of its CES announcements, Capcom has revealed that Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, the downloadable sequel that also adds a jaunty moustache, will be released for PSN on Tuesday, February 1 for $15, with the XBLA version following a day later for the same price (1200 Microsoft Points). Check out our gallery for new gameplay shots, plus a look at some new Challenge Rooms and the moustachetic box art. Nathan "Rad" Spencer looks pretty thrilled about his game, at least!%Gallery-113019%
'The Tomb Raider Trilogy' hits PS3 in March
Eidos has opened its vault of classic Tomb Raider games for a new PS3 collection -- it has raided the tomb, if you prefer. The "Tomb Raider Trilogy" seen on retail websites last month has been described on the PlayStation Blog as a PS3-exclusive compilation of Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider games. It's due on March 22 at the seemingly standard PS3 trilogy collection price of $39.99. According to the announcement, Tomb Raider Legend and Tomb Raider Anniversary are presented in "remastered HD versions" -- odd, considering they already supported HD for Xbox 360 and PC. Tomb Raider Underworld was already a PS3 game, so it's just along for the ride. In addition to these three games, the Trilogy includes the slightest dusting of bonus content, in the form of an exclusive static theme, two PlayStation Home avatar outfits, and some behind-the-scenes videos.
Star Trek Online artist voyages to iOS with Empire of the Eclipse
When Lee Dotson left his job as lead artist on Star Trek Online to form his own development studio, ZarkSoft Games, he clearly didn't leave behind a thing for interstellar combat. Empire of the Eclipse for iOS, the indie's first title, draws its inspiration from the classic 4X strategy game Master of Orion, Dotson says, as well as the Civilization series. ZarkSoft has "worked diligently to make a game that lives up to the standards set by those milestone titles," according to Dotson, and has built an engine that supports up to 1500 players per game instance across 90,000 sectors of space. In announcing the game, the developer stressed that Empire of the Eclipse won't include microtransactions of any sort, in order to preserve a "fair and competitive play experience for all." There's no hard date or pricing yet -- just a promised release window of Q1 2011 for the title.
Monster Tale brings Chomp home in March
Monster Tale, the pet-game-slash-platformer from Henry Hatsworth dev DreamRift, has been pretty much under the radar since E3 -- not that it wasn't quiet before then. Today, however, publisher Majesco sent out a new trailer for the interesting DS adventure, which reveals a March release date. That release timing suggests that this game is destined to remain under the radar, since March is also home to Okamiden and, more importantly, the 3DS. Majesco would do well to keep releasing these trailers, and keep the game fresh in our minds.
