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Midway says they're not the only ones "concerned" over PS3
As if Sony needed any other publisher's concern, Midway spoke out the other day about the up-take (or up-doc, if you want some tomfoolery) of the PS3. Midway's CEO David Zucker did the talking, but his words strike home and we're concerned about the same things he is: we want the good PS3 titles to sell very well. He's also concerned about console sales, feeling the price cut will deliver a nice, temporary boost to sales, but it might not be enough. If you're wondering why Midway is so concerned, it's because for once, they're not trying to sell a Mortal Kombat title. They've got the special edition of Stranglehold and Unreal Tournament 3 coming out over the next few months and those are pretty important titles to get sales for. Midway wonders if another price cut will come in the future, if it's enough, and if their big titles will make a splash on the PS3, or bellyflop. Everybody knows that getting a pink belly is not a very fun way to start your day at the lake.
N'Gai talks with Midway about Stranglehold and Hard Boiled
As we've mentioned before, the Collector's Edition of Stranglehold on the PS3 will ship with a remastered 1080p version of Hard Boiled on the same disc. While having the first ever HD version of Hard Boiled is a fantastic addition to an already hot looking game, it's easy to overlook the real significance of this addition. No game has ever come packaged with the movie it was based on, let alone putting them both on the same disk. To find out Midway's reasoning behind this precedent setting move - Newsweek's videogame guru N'Gai sat down to chat with Midway's vice-president of marketing, Steve Allison.During the interview, Steve said that the Weinstein Brothers (one of the few HD-DVD exclusive companies) were willing to agree to let the movie come out for the PS3 because they're not currently releasing an HD version of it and the movie can only be played on the PS3 -- not a standalone Blu-ray player. This helps protect the Weinstein Brothers from cannibalizing their own normal DVD release that just came out last week (which is also why the X360 version will not come with a DVD version of the movie). Midway and the Weinsteins are also doing cross promotions for the DVD on the X360 version, and for Strangehold on the just released DVD of Hard Boiled, creating a business deal that allows them to offer a full HD version of the movie on the PS3 for only 10 dollars more. It's a win-win-win all around.Also, during the interview he really emphasized the freedom that Blu-ray gives to developers and publishers when it comes to including additional content. He explained that, "It's really the storage capacity of Blu-Ray that makes this pairing possible, and it's still a compelling product." Hopefully more companies will follow Midway's example of really utilizing the storage of Blu-ray discs, since right now it's rare for people to even use 50% of the available capacity. Bring on more HD-movie packins!
Stranglehold on PS3 to be region locked
A moderator on the official Midway forums has confirmed that Stranglehold will not be region free for the PS3. This is understandable for the collector's edition, as it also includes a copy of the film Hardboiled on the disc. There are licensing issues that are far more strict and complicated when it comes to movies, rather than games. Which is why Blu-Ray discs aren't region free either.However, the standard edition, which does not include Hardboiled on the disc, will also be region locked. There is no explanation for this as of yet. This whole issue does bring up an interesting point for discussion, though. With the capacity of Blu-Ray discs allowing for extra content. Would you rather sacrifice the region free nature of games for more movie pack-ins? We expect to hear a resounding "no" from the European gaming community.[Via PS3Forums]
Stranglehold commits to a release date
Stranglehold, that John Woo epic tale of killing, shooting and breaking things real good has officially committed to a release date. Midway announced that Stranglehold will arrive on the Xbox 360 and PC August 27th with the PS3 version releasing September 17th (hehe). Midway also announced that a demo for the game will be released sometime in August too.And don't worry guys, we're just adding to our ever expanding 2007 release schedule, so get back to work and earn some cash to fuel your gaming addiction.[Thanks, Captain]
PS3 version of Stranglehold is strangle-held-back
(Sorry for the cheesy headline pun.)Tiger Hill's impressive Stranglehold appears to have caught a few snags on PS3. Although the Xbox 360 and PC versions will ship on August 27th, the PS3 version has been delayed three weeks. Reasons for the new September 17th release date are unclear -- could it be Unreal Engine issues?We'll tolerate the wait, if only because Stranglehold was one of the best action games we've played at E3. The over-the-top action will certainly bring a smile to any hardcore gamer. And, we''d rather get the PS3 version, if only because the Collector's Edition will include an HD version of "Hard Boiled" on the same disc, making it the clear choice for consumers looking for the best value.[Via Joystiq]
Stranglehold placed on Xbox 360 and PC Aug. 27
Guy plus two guns news now, with Gamespot conveying the long-awaited release date for Midway's bullet-time bonanza, Stranglehold. The destructive action title, labeled as the interactive sequel to John Woo's classic Hong Kong film, Hard Boiled, starts its commercial shootout on Xbox 360 and PC on August 27th. Slow-mo effects seem to be a little more pronounced in the PlayStation 3 version, however, as it's scheduled to arrive three weeks later on September 17th. One might speculate that Stranglehold is yet another title to be sucked into the increasingly epic Unreal situation, though a three-week delay is certainly preferable to indefinite postponement (and help is on the way!). PS3 owners can take solace in the fact that an HD version of Hard Boiled awaits them on that special edition Blu-ray disc -- well, except for the ones that actually had to click on that IMDB link.
Confirmed: Hardboiled will be in full HD for the PS3 Stranglehold SE
Following months of confusion, Evil Avatar has received confirmation that the PS3 version of the Stranglehold Special Edition will be getting a fully remastered HD version of the John Woo classic, Hardboiled. When it was originally announced, Midway didn't actually clarify whether the movie would be in standard DVD definition or if it would be in full sexy 1080p. Things were compounded when a trailer for the Stranglehold SE edition came out on the PSN and showcased some video clips of Hardboiled -- looking decidely low-rez (like VHS low-rez). Luckily, Midway has clarified that we will indeed be getting a remastered HD version of the movie, which puts the Special Edition of the title right back in the 'MUST OWN' category for any Action movie fans. And for the X-bots out there, there is no reason to pout. You will also be getting a Special Edition version of Stranglehold. It's true... you won't get the movie. But you WILL get behind the scenes footage of the game! Woot![Via Ars Technica]
Stranglehold demo on the way
According to the official Stranglehold blog on IGN, a demo should be arriving on Xbox Live Marketplace soon. The demo is finished and has been sent off to Microsoft for approval. In other words, we should see it by early next year. We kid, we kid! The demo is reportedly packed with content including lots of interactive objects and more combat than you can shake a dove at. The demo also contains some "hidden" content and gags as well. We're not sure what that means exactly, but we can't wait to find out.If you haven't already, we suggest you check out Joystiq's recent hands-on session with the game.[Thanks, DjDATZ]
Joystiq impressions: Stranglehold
Don't mess with Chow Yun Fat. Stranglehold, the video game "sequel" to the classic Hong Kong flick Hard Boiled, more than impressed at its E3 showing. The promise of making you feel like a star of a John Woo film has been fully realized, and we couldn't be happier.What makes Stranglehold so impressive is how intuitive it is. The controls have been fully streamlined to make the player look awesome at all times. Is there a table blocking your way? Simply run to it, and you'll jump right over it. Want to roll to the side, and hide behind a cabinet? Just use your analog stick. Simple movement is anything but: the interaction that the player has with the environment is incredible, and it's even more impressive knowing that a single button doesn't need to be used.But, Stranglehold would be a failure if all you did was move around. Unsurprisingly, the shooting is fun, brutal, and intuitive. The L button activates a bullet time mode, which will allow the player to jump and doge in slow-mo while shooting. A clever mix of careful navigation and wise use of slow-mo will make you a lethal killer. However, Strangehold ups the ante even further: the D-Pad is used to activate some truly over-the-top bonuses. Our favorite has to be the zoom-in function, which will focus your aim. By pressing the trigger, the camera will follow the high-powered bullet, making head shots even that much more enjoyable.
Video: Pre-E3 trailers recap
It's time for the first (of possibly many) E3 updates in the form of a visually pleasing trailer/video recap. Yes, developers are an impatient bunch and sometimes release trailers and videos prior to the official start of E3. So, we figured what better way to show off some of the Xbox 360 related pre-E3 trailers than by recapping them in one tightly wrapped post. Embedded after the break are pre-E3 trailers from games like Skate, Stranglehold, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, All-Pro Football 2K8, Legendary: The Box, Need for Speed: ProStreet and NHL 08. We're sure more trailers will trickle in by the hour, but for now we advise popping some popcorn, sitting back and pressing play.
Today's chowiest video: John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat in Stranglehold
So, you know how developers say things like, "Oh yes, Steven Spielberg was very involved in the development of this game" when what they actually mean is "Yeah, we sent a fax to his office and showed him a picture." We've been wondering if that's how involved John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat were with Midway's Stranglehold.Here's video evidence to quell our fears that John Woo's involvement was simply sending a smiley-face emoticon to the development team when they asked him for feedback. Plus, seeing Chow (Mr. Yun-Fat? Fat? CYF?) recording lines for the game and sitting in meetings warms the slow-motion, dove-filled cockles of our hearts.
Stranglehold Collector's Edition lacks punch
It seems like every game available has to have a collector's edition these days. Some of them wow us with dizzying arrays of extras, while others underwhelm us with a pittance of extras that fail to excite. Stranglehold, sadly, falls into the latter camp. Included with the Stranglehold Collector's Edition edition are 5 DVD-style features about the creation of the game. That's it. For an extra $10 you get some behind-the-scenes fluff. Considering the PS3 version comes with an entire movie, we would have liked a little something more. Granted, extras featuring John Woo's input might be interesting, but there is no reason these couldn't have been included with the regular edition. Hell, they would have made great unlockables.Then again, if Midway had done that, then they wouldn't have been able to charge an extra 10 bucks for fluff.
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 24
PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.)New for PSP: Get selected videos delivered automatically to your PSP via our new RSS feed. Haze [PS3]Download MP4 (21.5MB) | Download JPG The following videos are featured after the break: The Agency (PS3), Soul Calibur IV (PS3, 360), Stranglehold (PS3, 360), Time Crisis 4 (PS3), The Darkness (PS3, 360), Mr. Bean's Holiday
John Woo reminds you -- there's more than just shooting in Stranglehold
The environment is your weapon. While shooting, slow motion, white doves, and plenty of destructible cover riddle the previews for Stranglehold, there hasn't been much mention of the environment itself and how it can also be a weapon. Over at IGN, senior game designer Patrick Curry wrote up a new entry on the Stranglehold blog regarding exactly that, describing the new environmental destruction gags as very "Woo-esque."After the showing at last year's E3, work began on other levels that had a much stronger emphasis on destructible environments to be used as weaponry -- dropping air conditioning units on enemy's unsuspecting noggins, big electric lights spraying sparks down on your opponents (how unfortunate if they were standing in a puddle of gasoline ... you know it's a good idea, guys), among other things. Since the game already looks great, making stuff fall is a fun improvement. But wait, there's more! You can swing a sign around to take out multiple enemies and we can only imagine the use of gigantic steel beams or other such swing-able objects. It's not much of an update on the game itself, but we can't wait to screw around with the dozens of ways to play through a level with these options at our fingertips!
North American PSN releases for June 7th
Sorry, but nothing playable hits the Store in today's update. Not even a demo of The Darkness. What we do have are tons of videos. So get the microwave ready, pop up some popcorn and get ready to watch: Heavenly Sword Gamer's Day trailer. With this trailer on your PS3, at least you can pretend to be playing it. MLB 07 The Show trailer. Just in case watching last week's videos wasn't sufficient. Stranglehold trailer. John Woo's Hard Boiled sequel-turned-to-game gets another visit to the Store. Transformers movie trailer. In full HD, you'll get more than meets the eye. Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band: Live in Dublin trailer. Hey ... where's our old 1080p Midway remake for this week?
Stranglehold cover system is all about being temporary
Not only is John Woo's Stranglehold making headlines due to its clever inclusion of Hard Boiled (the prequel film to the game from the early 90's), but the cover system has been described as akin to the super-classic classic Space Invaders. We'd like to call it a better Gears of War cover system -- you know, where those pillars and whatnot will actually get shot away in a matter of seconds.Not only will couches, pillars and other such objects used as cover get shot to bits while Inspector Tequila sits behind them, but he will automatically crouch down to use whatever cover is left. That's pretty cool. Many times we've wondered how we can hide behind something and avoid enemy fire when we can clearly see that our head and leg are sticking out. Along with the inclusion of Blu-ray movies, nifty cover mechanics, and famous action heroes, we wonder: will this game surprise a lot of us, or prove mediocre?[via Joystiq]
Stranglehold cover system is a lot like Space Invaders
The latest post in the development blog for John Woo's Stranglehold explains the action game's cover system with a rather ingenious analogy: Space Invaders.More specifically, Senior designer Patrick Curry is describing medium-sized objects (e.g. couches, concrete columns) that you can use for cover and are destructible. "As your cover shrinks Tequila will automatically crouch down to use whatever cover's left," he said, "but in Stranglehold no cover lasts forever." It was lead designer Neill Glancy who came up with the analogy, which explains how gunfire will slowly whittle down cover that either you or your opponents may be using.We know what you're thinking: will you have the cojones to blast through your own cover, just like in Space Invaders? Real-world application of retro gaming skills embedded after the break.
John Woo directing Ninja Gold film in conjunction with Warren Spector's game
John Woo will direct and produce the film-half of Ninja Gold, a multiformat project co-created with celebrated game creator Warren Spector. According to Woo's production partner Terrence Chang, the concept is based on ongoing factual accounts of the Yakuza and Russian mob stealing gold from South Africa. "The idea actually started with John Woo," Spector told Reuters, "He wanted to do something involving traditional ninjas in a modern-day setting, and the idea just resonated with me."The two components, the game and film, will be developed somewhat independently, while retaining similar elements that will provide a narrative link. In a departure from the norm, neither will be entirely based on the other -- think: convergence, like, totally. Though Spector has been credited as an executive producer of the film, he implied that Woo will be commanding the movie with little help from the game developers. Chang added that the film will be more reality-based (so no signature-Woo bullet ballets?), borrowing lightly from the fantastic elements of the game. Chang hopes that a script can be completed soon, so that production can begin next year. No timetable has been given for the game's development.As for Woo's other game-related project, Stranglehold, Chang suggested that a film adaptation was a strong possibility. "We would definitely bring Stranglehold to the big screen," Chang said. "We would like game titles to have all kinds of possibility. Having a movie made from them is certainly a major consideration for deciding on a title."
SGD '07: Joystiq hands-on with John Woo's Stranglehold
Click for the full version of the box art. Waiting for John Woo's Stranglehold to hit store shelves is a bit like watching one of his movies; there's a lot of slow-motion, and plenty of bullets and destruction during the wait. We got our hands on the latest build at Sony's recent Gamers Day, and fired thousands of rounds in an effort to see how we were at controlling Chow Yun Fat.Now, if you haven't seen a John Woo film, you need to rush out and rent one right now. Since Hard Boiled, which is the prequel to this game, comes on the Blu-ray disc, we'd recommend The Killer. Both of 'em star Chow Yun Fat, tons of guns, and a lot of over-the-top action. Hong Kong action cinema at it's finest.%Gallery-3187%
SGD '07: Stranglehold gallery will grab hold of you
And the embargo has been lifted on Sony's Gamer's Day and the screenshots have been pouring in! Following my previous Stranglehold post, you know of my newfound interest in the shooter-up action title and these newest shots definitely help. Check out the Tequila action in the gallery below! %Gallery-3206%
