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Bear McCreary explains inspiration for Dark Void score
The pangs of despair we felt upon seeing the recent delay of Dark Void came in two distinct, yet equally heartbreaking flavors. For one, we became that much further removed from the title's jetpack-infused gameplay we've come to know and love. However, almost as upsetting was the fact that we'd have to wait even longer to hear the game's seemingly breathtaking musical score, created by former Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary.Machinima.com recently helped ease the pain by releasing a video interview (posted after the break) with McCreary conducted at San Diego Comic Con '09. It doesn't really feature any of the game's musical accompaniment, but provides us with an interesting look into Bear's creative process -- a process that thankfully extends further than "learn title of game, write entire score in one sitting, give music to developer, earn check, cash check, buy Jet Ski."[Via Capcom Unity]
Uncharted Comic-Con panel video features voice talent, creators, Walken
If you're an Uncharted superfan (and really, you should be) who didn't get to make the pilgrimage to San Diego Comic-Con this year, you should really check out the highlight reel from Naughty Dog's panel at the event. There's a rogue's gallery of recognizable voices and faces sounding off about their experiences with the franchise, as well as a few discussions about the making of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.If you don't feel like watching the entirety of the lengthy video, we at least recommend that you jump to 13:15 to see Nolan North's spot-on Christopher Walken impression. See that? That's why he's been in every video game released over the past five years.
White Knight Chronicles screens are eye-searingly gorgeous
Level-5's made some aesthetically pleasing games in the past, but none have been quite as jaw-droppingly beautiful as White Knight Chronicles. A recent deluge of screenshots from the game appeared around the end of the San Diego Comic Con -- we've wrangled them, and slapped them in the gallery below. Oh, sure, we've been seeing content from this massive RPG since the game came out in Japan last Christmas. Still, these shots are from the American version of the game -- that's the most beautiful thing of all, in our humble opinion. Woo! Go America!%Gallery-69089%
PixelJunk Shooter walkthrough showcases new gameplay, features
Using Comic-Con as its stage and the PlayStation Blog as its host, SCEA Santa Monica's Matt Morton showcased a new ice level in the upcoming PSN exclusive, PixelJunk Shooter, as well as changes to the game's art and controls. Tweaks weren't the only thing on display, as Morton also showcased new elements in the game, like the ability to transform your ship into a lava spewing powerhouse, melting away the level encased in ice (and our hearts in the process). The more we see of PixelJunk Shooter. the more our excitement grows ... and the more we forget the game's boring name. The full walkthrough is served chilled, after the break.
Sideshow Collectibles releasing 'premium format' Kratos figure, God of War dioramas
The show may be over, but more video game related news continues to emerge from this year's San Diego Comic-Con. This time it's word that Sideshow Collectibles has secured the rights to produce one of its trademark premium format figures based on God of War's Kratos. For those not familiar with them, Sideshow'sPremium Figures -- like these Star Wars ones -- are prized by collectors, stand more than 15" tall in most cases and usually sell in the $300-400 range. If the same holds true for Sony's property, that's a lot of money -- but also a whole lot of Kratos. Sideshow is also working on God of War dioramas -- sculpted multi-character scenes, such as this upcoming offering based on The Clone Wars. They're typically priced in line with the Premium Figures. Specific details on these have not been announced, nor has a time frame within which to expect any of Sideshow's God of War items. Given that God of War III hits next March, we can only imagine that Sideshow would want to ride the massive anticipation for the title and time its lineup accordingly. [Via Shogun Gamer]
Dark Void figure lights up our eyes
Dark Void looks like a pretty good video game or whatever, but its real contribution to the world is this figurine. Sold at Capcom's Comic-Con booth, the figure depicts protagonist Will taking off on his totally sweet jetpack. One detail that probably netted Capcom a few impulse buys: both the helmet and the flames light up.Capcom-Unity says to "stay tuned for more info on these guys," suggesting that there will be some way to obtain one outside of the Comic-Con setting. Either that or the site will offer more info about how awesome it is, which could honestly fill a few additional blog posts.It has lights.
Microsoft says Halo Chronicles is 'on hold' - doesn't use the 'C' word
While Microsoft wouldn't say that Halo Chronicles was "canceled" – Peter Jackson told us during the San Diego Comic-Con that the ambitious episodic series was "no longer happening" – it did confirm to us that the project was "on hold." Today, Microsoft hasn't outright confirmed the partnership's end, but clarified the project's current status."Microsoft Game Studios is deeply committed to supporting and strategically growing the Halo franchise, and our relationship with Peter and his team is something that we greatly value. Given the bandwidth of both of our companies we've decided to put this joint effort on hold and prioritize resources against other projects like Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach and Halo Legends."Jackson's manager re-confirmed to the Company Town blog that the collaboration between Microsoft and Jackson had ended allegedly as early as last January. Microsoft has yet to comment on what role it plays in Wingnut Interactive, Jackson's game production company, said to be "still working on new IP."
Interview: Ace Attorney Investigations producer Motohide Eshiro
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth will finally be legislating onto North American shelves in February of 2010, letting players take up the prosecuting side for the first time in the series. Luckily, you'll still be able to shout OBJECTION! in Phoenix Wright fashion as much as you want.Joystiq met up with game producer Motohide Eshiro at in Capcom's booth at Comic-Con, which featured playable versions of the game and some very sweet swag. We asked him what else we can expect from the game, when we'll be able to play as the judge, and what his thoughts were on all the crazy fans in San Diego. Read on for the full interview.Update! Be sure and check out the photo at the end of the interview where Eshiro-san meets up with a cosplaying Miles Edgeworth at Comic-Con.%Gallery-68609%
That's a wrap: Comic-Con 2009
Last week's San Diego Comic-Con was one crazy ride. The Joystiq representatives in attendance were trained in advanced interrogation tactics and managed to extract information on a variety of subjects. We've got an update from Peter Jackson himself on the Halo happenings, first footage of South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! and a new game mode for Uncharted 2! Friend, you missed one heck of a week.But, that's okay! You can get caught up right here, right now. Simply head past the break for a complete summary of all the headlines. [image] %Gallery-68768%
Comic-Con 2009: BioShock 2 gets real
Ever been to the mysterious BioShock 2 website, www.somethinginthesea.com? We first heard about it in March, and it is randomly updated from time to time with new bits of information from an obsessed searcher looking for clues about mysterious lights in the sea, and the disappearance of young girls from villages and cities near the ocean.2K Games decided to take things one step further by recreating the entire website in real life at Comic-Con by letting fans actually read the papers on the desk, follow the clues on the bulletin board, check out the mysterious glowing symbols inside the box on the desk, and rummage through the filing cabinet. It was incredibly detailed, right down to the roller skates.It was a bit hard to focus on details when you're getting jostled left and right by people dressed as Spider-man and Wonder Woman, but you can check out all the details in the gallery below.%Gallery-68768%
Green Lantern PSP spotted at Comic-Con
Sony isn't giving up on the not-expensive PSP-3000 series. In fact, Siliconera spotted this special Green Lantern themed system at San Diego Comic-Con not too long ago. Inspired by the upcoming "First Flight" animated feature, this PSP-3000 stands out due to its unique glossy green color -- something you won't find on American retail shelves. Less exciting is Comic-Con's Caprica-themed PSP, if only because the idiotic "SyFy" brand stands so large on it. Yuck. While you may not be able to get this Green Lantern PSP any time soon (or ever), you can still get some free Green Lantern digital swag off the PlayStation Store. For a limited time, you can download a 16 minute sneak preview of the upcoming animated film on your PSP or PS3. Simply visit the video section of the PlayStation Store to download.
Comic-Con 2009: A real-life Flynn's Arcade
One of the most buzzed about things at the San Diego Comic-Con this year was the viral Flynn's Arcade that Disney created to plug the upcoming Tron: Legacy. In the teaser trailer they showed at the Con, Flynn's son (Garrett Hedlund) revisits his father's now-dusty and cobwebbed arcade, and steps up to the actual Tron arcade game from the 1980s. In the world of Tron: Legacy, Flynn actually went on to create to Tron game, and several others, before disappearing. He hasn't been seen for the past 20 years.Of course, that's where the computer world comes in. At Flynn's Arcade, they replicated the teaser, complete with neon signs for all the the games Flynn created (covered in dust and faux cobwebs, natch), and a Tron cabinet standing by itself on the back wall. After allowing about 10 minutes of open play on dozens of arcade machines, the lights flicker, there's an electrical surge, and ... the entire Tron cabinet swings away from the wall revealing a dark tunnel beyond.Inside there were plasma screens showing off light cycle generation 2 sketches, and ... a complete cycle itself around the corner. Head on after the break for some videos from the event (that include said cycle), and you can check out the gallery of images below.%Gallery-68749%
Dante's Inferno team apologizes for 'Sin to Win' booth babe contest
A lot of folks were understandably upset by EA and Visceral Games' San Diego Comic Con contest promoting Dante's Inferno. It probably had something to do with the fact that it objectified women in a brutish, almost caveman-esque manner. Your protests were heard -- the game's creators recently published a clarification of the contest rules, and apologized for "any confusion and offense that resulted from our choice of wording."It's nice that they responded to the negative sentiment this stupid, stupid promotional stunt created, but this kind of undercuts their whole "Circles of Hell" marketing campaign, doesn't it? Apologies just aren't very hellish. We can't imagine Beelzebub begs pardon from those he makes swim through a sea of fire and brimstone for all eternity. "Oh, man. That looks like it hurts. I'm like, really sorry about this, guys. Do you want some aloe?"[Via Kotaku]
Gears of War director passing on The Rock due to 'Doom connection'
As you may have heard, yesterday's Gearsiverse panel at San Diego Comic Con was light on news regarding the film adaptation of Epic's Gears of War franchise, save for one small detail -- it wouldn't feature Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in any capacity. Director Len Wiseman forthrightly explained why, and in the process, likely hurt the wrestler-turned-actor's (so, basically actor-turned-actor's) feelings -- he told the crowd that "a Doom connection would not be smart for us."We highly doubt that most people immediately associate Mr. Johnson's body of work with that first-person romp/cinematic nightmare -- regardless, Wiseman said he's "looking for an actor for the role and then [I'll] put him into shape." Why waste all that time and effort? Dwayne Johnson is already the only human being on Earth that actually looks like one of the space marines featured in Epic's blockbuster franchise. Scar his face up a bit and you're good to go, man.
The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes pushed back to October 6
While certainly not the most anticipated Star Wars title coming down the pipe, there's plenty of folks looking forward to the release of Krome Studios' Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes -- folks who are about to be somewhat disappointed. During yesterday's Star Wars panel at San Diego Comic Con, LucasArts Senior Marketing Manager Matt Shell talked about the game, and mentioned an October 6 release date for the title. That's a bit of a delay from the initial launch date of September 15.The crowd at the Comic Con panel didn't react unfavorably to the release bump, however. Perhaps they were placated by Olivia Munn, who was apparently cosplaying as "short-shorts Leia."[Via Big Download]
Gears of War COG and Locust Armor coming to Xbox Live Avatars
During the Gearsiverse panel at Comic-Con, Epic's Cliff Bleszinski and Ron Fergusson revealed that there will be Gears of War-themed armor of both the COG and Locust variety coming to XBL Avatars soon. One rule that Microsoft imposes on Avatar clothing and models is that they "can't look inhuman," according to Bleszinski. So they pieced together a workaround set of Locust armor that you can check out beyond the break.Look for these new Avatar upgrades to be available when the next Xbox Live dashboard update becomes available soon. Meanwhile, we're going to scurry out to our preview builds to see if they're already available. Be sure and peep the Locust image, just around the corner.
Producer: Wesker not returning to Resident Evil (yeah, right)
It's going to be difficult to be completely spoiler-free for this one, so fair warning. During a panel at Comic-Con, Resident Evil 5 producer Masachika Kawata was asked if Albert Wesker would return in a future Resident Evil title, considering Resident Evil 5 leaves you believing he's gone. According to SIliconera, Kawata says Wesker's days in Resident Evil are over. "Even if you want Albert Wesker to come back there is no chance of that happening," Kawata told the audience. Of course, Kawata forgets that Wesker will be seen in the upcoming Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, which takes place in Raccoon City during Resident Evil 2's storyline. As for Wesker going the way of the Dodo, we'll believe that when we see it. Or don't see him, we should say.
Scott Pilgrim game tackled by Ubisoft
Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim is making the leap from indie comic page to video game in 2010. Ubisoft Montreal is in the early stages of developing Pilgrim's video game debut, proving almost nothing can take O'Malley's Canadian indie-hero out of the Great White North. According to IGN, the Scott Pilgrim game will follow the story of the comic series where an unmotivated Pilgrim falls for "the perfect girl," Ramona Flowers, and in order to win her heart he must battle her seven evil exes. While details of the game are scarce, O'Malley expects it to resemble a side-scrolling beat-em-up -- as the creator is a big fan of classic video games. Pilgrim-purists should be happy to hear the game will be modeled after the "cartoony" look of the comic series. No console platforms were revealed. Scott Pilgrim's movie debut is currently filming in-and-around Toronto and stars Canadian Michael Cera. For a teaser of what to expect from the film, watch anything Cera is in. He pretty much acts the same in everything.
Blomkamp: 'I probably wouldn't do Halo if it was offered to me'
In case the news – straight out of Peter Jackson's mouth to your earholes – that the episodic Halo Chronicles project was "no longer happening" wasn't enough to confirm the wreckage of Microsoft's (impossibly?) ambitious plan, here comes word from the other half of the Halo movie project, Neill Blomkamp, who tells Slashfilm, "I probably wouldn't do Halo if it was offered to me."It's not that Mr. Blomkamp has had a change of heart when it comes to the subject matter – "Creatively, it's very compelling. I love it," he says – but having poured "a lot of ... sweat and blood into Halo" only to have it "bottom out and collapse" is sure to leave one jaded. On the other hand, the collapse of the Halo project paved the way for District 9 – the feature adaptation of his short film "Alive in Joburg" – which the South African-born director calls "more of a personal film." (More personal than a story about cyborg super soldiers on a ring-shaped planet?) For what it's worth, most video game adaptations haven't been stellar, and if early buzz on District 9 is to be believed, Blomkamp may have lucked out.Oh, by the way, now's your big chance, Stuart Beattie!
Next Resident Evil movie will be in 3D, will spawn new film trilogy
Anyone who's seen one of the live-action films based on Capcom's Resident Evil franchise are aware of how in-your-face the movies' terribleness tends to be. However, horror film news site Shock 'Til You Drop recently got a terrifying piece of news from producer Paul W.S. Anderson at San Diego Comic Con -- the next film in the series, titled Resident Evil: Afterlife, will be presented in 3D. We're thrilled about the stereoscopic Jovovichian action -- we're somewhat less enthusiastic about the bump in ticket prices that'll come about to provide the necessary eyewear.Anderson went on to explain the film would kick off an entirely new trilogy of Resident Evil films, saying he regards it "as a re-tooling and rebirth of the entire franchise." We know what you're thinking -- does this mean the films will finally remotely follow the plot of the games? Oh, don't be silly. It's Anderson, man.[Via VideoGamer]
