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TGS08: Suda51 confirms censored version of No More Heroes 2 for Europe
But, wait, before you break out that pen and paper and start writing that angry letter, know this: you're also going to get a fully-featured, bloodtastic game, just like those of us in North America! This time around, you're going to have the option of choosing which version of No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle you want, though we can't imagine why you'd want one without the buckets of blood and over-the-top violence. "We won't be able to make the same game for all territories," Suda 51 said. "For Europe, we're going to release two versions. One extreme version, and one with less violence." Why? Well, because so many Europeans bugged him about the version that released to their territory and how it was the same as the Japanese version of the game. "With No More Heroes 2 we want to please the fans too. I want the European users to be able to experience the extreme version." So celebrate, Europe. For once, you're being taken seriously! %Gallery-34131%
First Halo 3: Recon details emerge
Joystiq got a chance to sit down with Bungie's Brian Jarrard to discuss some of the details behind the upcoming Halo 3 experience, Recon. Many questions have been lobbed at the title since it was first officially revealed, and here, without further ado, are some of the answers (politely cribbed directly from Joystiq): "It will be a standalone disc sold in stores in boxes next Fall. It's also going to include some multiplayer maps." "It is a first-person shooter still ... It's not a squad-based shooter." "As an ODST, compared to playing as in invulnerable Spartan, you are going to have to sort of pick and choose your encounters a little bit differently." "It is going to very much feel like Halo. Full feature parity." A few other details. Recon (as most have theorized) takes place directly after the Prophet of Regret jumped into slipspace during Halo 2, causing the destruction of New Mombasa. Players take the role of a single ODST -- not a full squad. Also, it would appear that -- as implied by the trailer above -- the Superintendent (the little green circle dude) will serve as Recon's "Cortana." When asked about this, Jarrard replied, "I think your observations seem pretty spot on. It certainly seems like there's a guiding hand of some sort there." %Gallery-34045%
TGS 08: LocoRoco 2 grabs us with cuteness and depth
"Sorry it took so long," LocoRoco designer Tsutomu Kouno told me. In spite of the original's high-profile and well-received launch on the PSP, it's been over two years since we saw these lovable blubbers hit Sony's handheld. The silence around the long-rumored sequel is a bit baffling, as getting our hands on with the upcoming PSP title revealed a disarming amount of new content for the sequel.It's undeniable that the original LocoRoco charmed hardcore gamers, thanks to its lovable style and rather unique design. However, it couldn't keep the attention of these gamers, as it was perhaps a bit too simplistic. While children and casual gamers were enchanted, hardcore gamers needed substance beyond tilting left and right.So perhaps LocoRoco 2 is Kouno's attempt at bridging the gap between hardcore and casual audiences. The upcoming PSP-exclusive sequel maintains all the saccachrin sweetness of the original, but adds new gameplay features that add a tremendous amount of depth to the experience. The sheer amount of content found in this UMD/downloadable game is staggering.%Gallery-27791%
TGS08: Klonoa: Video Link to Phantomile
We didn't really have much doubt that the core gameplay in Klonoa: Door to Phantomile would be preserved in the Wii remake, especially after seeing how closely the environments matched. But it's nice to see this gameplay video from TGS that proves that it's the same Klonoa as ever. Two more videos from this play session are after the break.In case you missed out on the PlayStation classic, Klonoa's gameplay focuses on the mechanic of grabbing enemies and either throwing them at other enemies, or jumping and throwing them straight down, allowing Klonoa to do a double jump.Strangely, we think this remake bears a distinct resemblance to NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, another 2.5D platformer (or whatever you want to call NiGHTS) that takes place in the world of dreams.%Gallery-33429%
TGS 08: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm trailer
We probably don't need to say too much about this game. It's only about a month away, but this new trailer still amazes us. Strangely, it will be available in the US before Japan even gets it. Why? It doesn't have a release date here.
TGS 08: Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer impressions
This year's Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer out of Square Enix's Closed Theater follows in the footsteps of last year's trailer in the respect that it's yet again the final video shown during the private screening. The two differ, however, as this year's trailer shows off a bit of in-game footage of Versus XIII for the first time.The trailer kicks things off with the same line of text we've seen dozens of times before: "This is a fantasy based on reality." The scene moves to the prince's luxury sedan speeding through a tunnel. He's listening to the news on the car radio. The vehicle exits the tunnel and the camera pans up to see the moonlit sky with two giant airships hovering in the distance. Somewhere in between this, we get a reintroduction to the Shakespearean quote that's been used since the debut trailer. At this point, things shift and the new stuff come in.We see the prince character wearing a casual, all black suit. This is rendered with the in-game engine, and the graphics look as smooth and appealing as the main FFXIII title. He climbs marble stairs up to a loft-like art gallery. There he meets the blonde woman revealed previously wearing a black dress and a small white top. This time she's seen in a white cocktail dress. the two are talking but through Japanese subtitles as there doesn't appear to be any voice work done yet – or, Square Enix purposely took it out for some reason.
TGS 08: Final Fantasy XIII trailer impressions
Another TGS means another Closed Mega Theater from Square Enix. So what does the house that Final Fantasy built have hiding behind the curtain this time? It's mostly a long line of Kingdom Hearts titles and the entire known components of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project – which of course includes the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII. Considering that FFXIII is the flagship title for the company, it would be an understatement to say we're a tad excited to see anything new coming from this game at the show ... even if it is the usual scrap here and there. Speaking of scraps, yes, most of the "new" trailer contains footage from previous clips we've seen before (no surprise there); however, the new footage we did see – we believe – will certainly keep the FF faithful interested until the next small bits trickle in. We'll start with the beginning: we have an overhead view of this lush, prehistoric land where giant stegosaurus-type creatures roam. Then those flying beasts seen at the beginning of this year's E3 trailer soar above them, moving us along to the zoomed-in scene where the redhead pigtails girl is standing at the edge of a cliff. The camera swings back around revealing a massive, untamed landscape with thick jungles and more wild animals.
TGS08: Arc Rise Fantasia to make North American dreams come true
We've known about Arc Rise Fantasia for quite awhile now. Up until today, we've had to look at screens with envy, as the title was not confirmed for a North American release. Sure, we hoped it would happen, but there weren't any guarantees. That is, until now.According to the press release that just hit our inbox, fresh from TGS, the game is scheduled to release sometime in 2009. Sadly, we don't have any kind of idea as to when in 2009 we'll be able to get our hands on this game, but, hey, at least we now know it's coming.%Gallery-26466%[Via press release]
TGS 08: Undead Knights will do you right
It may seem like Sony's PSP is dying, but Tecmo suggests that is actually undying. They recently unveiled Undead Knights -- and now, there's a trailer. The game will mix action, strategy and ... zombies. Starring as an anti-hero, you'll have to add a legion of zombies under your control. With the stinking stench of the undead at your disposal, you'll be able to conquer your enemies.Four player ad-hoc multiplayer (including co-op) is planned. But, don't expect this too soon -- this one is definitely a late 2009 release. Gallery: Undead Knights (PSP)
TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master
Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) is currently delighting Tokyo Game Show attendees on the showfloor, allowing us a first glimpse of the drum controller that comes with the game. It looks sturdy and very ... hittable! We look forward to seeing how it comes packaged, though are slightly saddened that this version won't have its own Taiko-themed stand.Also worth noting: judging by these photos, the drum is wireless, and connects directly to the Wiimote, à la the Classic Controller. Beat a path past the break for more pictures.%Gallery-33435%
Tatsunoko vs. Roll
The big announcement at Capcom's Tatsunoko vs. Capcom stage event involved two new characters, one from each of the companies from which the cast of the game is drawn. On the Tatsunoko side, Jun the Swan from Gatchaman. On the Capcom side, Mega Man's sister, Roll! Strangely, this isn't Roll Caskett from Mega Man Legends, from whence this game's Mega Man originates; rather, this is the classic Roll. With her broom.1up's James Mielke took in a playable demo of the Wii version of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes at TGS, and basically raved about it, saying that it "may just be the neo-2D fighter to beat in the upcoming months." He praises the admirable performance of the Classic Controller for the game, as well.%Gallery-32421%
TGS 08: New Castlevania title announced
Another next-gen (don't forget this one!) Castlevania title has been announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Koji "IGA" Igarashi, producer of every single Castlevania title since 2002, showed a brief 10-second teaser involving a blonde dude and a glowing red sword. The game's story involves a "cursed fate" that's placed upon a kin ... in other words, a typical Castlevania plot. No other information, such as gameplay details or a release window, was provided, but since IGA himself was surprised at a public announcement at this stage, it is suggested the game is still in very early development.[Via Joystiq & IGN; image credit: ITmedia]
TGS 08: InFamous eyes-on
It's been over two months since we last saw InFamous, but developer Sucker Punch took some time at TGS to show us how it's progressing. So how's it look? Pretty much the same as last time. The demonstration was set in a different part of the in-game city, but very little new gameplay was actually revealed. Sucker Punch's Ken Schramm guided us through a mission, titled "Blood Trail," while senior producer Grady Hunt talked us through what was going on. The level is fairly early in the game -- about five missions in -- and has protagonist Cole discovering a new power. "Post-Cognition" allows you to read people's memories; in this case, giving you a new objective. A dead woman's mind (do dead people still have minds?) reveals an "echo" of her running through the streets towards a Reaper hideout. Gallery: inFAMOUS TGS
TGS08: First footage of The Another World [update]
Update: First images of the book and the package it all comes in have made their way online! Head past the break to catch a glimpse.Level-5 and Studio Ghibli's upcoming DS RPG, Ni no Kuni: The Another World is sure to be a big success. Why? Uh, have you watched the video above yet? The game looks awesome. With the visual presence that Studio Ghibli provides with its great animation and wonderful character design, along with Level-5's RPG experience, this is going to be a game you want to keep your eyes on.Know what else is cool? The game is going to come with a custom spellbook specific to that copy of the game. What's inside? Spells, of course (among other things, such as a bestiary)! You can see a bit of it in the video above, where the weird symbols are drawn. After the video, hit up this link to read the Level-5 president's interview with Famitsu about the game.
Video: Halo Wars demo (with the Flood!)
A video demonstration of Halo Wars from TGS has hit GameTrailers, and we think it's fairly safe to say that the game is looking pretty good. Then again, we thought as much when we got a chance to play it at E3, so what would you expect? Nevertheless, the video showcases some things that we didn't see at E3, namely a commander unit, the Vulture "Uber Unit," and a new command ability called the Cryo Bomb which freezes enemy units, giving you extra time to destroy them. Without a doubt though, the most intriguing part of the video happens right at the end of the demonstration, when we get our first glimpse at the Flood. We only get a general idea of how the Flood base is structured and also a brief look at the Infection Forms as well as what look like (former) human Combat Forms. Now, if we can just get this time machine working, we can play it right now.
TGS08: Sneak through the Tenchu 4 demo
You know, we've been watching Tenchu 4 for a bit now and we're holding out hope that it won't totally suck. Call us optimists or whatever, but we really thing the game can be a solid Wii title. For one, it's Tenchu and our fond memories of the early games keeps us hoping that the franchise will return to its roots again. Secondly, there isn't much in the way of compelling stealth-based games on the console, so a solid entry in the genre would benefit the library of games, in our eyes. Plus, it has kittens. Above, you'll see the first video of three that takes you through the entire demo build available at TGS 2008. Head past the break for the other two.%Gallery-25071%
TGS 08: You can haz Halo 3: Recon box art
In last night's Halo 3: Recon announcement excitement, we totally forgot to show off the game's box art, which we're guessing is the official box even though the game comes out next Fall. Maybe Microsoft's team of box art artists are on top of their work and are extremely organized? Maybe. Anyhoo, check out the Halo 3: Recon box art right here or here and in the gallery here.
TGS 08: Japanese Home beta not delayed
On top of the list of common misconceptions here at our fine site is that there is never any good news concerning Home. We kid, we kid. We do actually have some good news though -- during Sony's Japanese press conference, it was announced that Home's open beta is on track for release in Japan later in the month. The open beta will end in November, at which time we take for granted, in the absence of proof to the contrary, that the final product will be released.Additionally, it was announced that 24 additional publishers have just signed on to create content for Home. Jem noted that Square Enix is conspicuously absent, but the inclusion of some of the big boys like Disney and Activision does provide a bit of relief. No word on whether this carries over to the North American or European versions. List of the publishers after the break.
TGS 08: Firmware 5.00 and PlayStation Store launch next week
The PLAYSTATION Network is coming to the PSP next week -- at least in Japan. Firmware 5.00 will be available on October 15th and will add the built-in PlayStation Store under the new XMB category.Japan will then get a regular release of downloadable titles through the rest of the holiday season. Games include: Yuusha no Kuze ni Namaikida or2 (10/16) Bleach Soul Carnival (10/23) Secret Agent Clank (11/20) Patapon 2 (11/27) LocoRoco 2 (12/4) Resistance Retribution Notice how every SCE first-party title is downloadable, including Resistance Retribution? It looks like Sony is finally ready to give up on UMD ... or at least give consumers a viable alternative.
TGS 08: Resistance 2 infects PSP's Retribution, unlocks new features
Remember Nintendo's attempts at GBA-GC connectivity? Well, Sony may be a generation late to the party, but at least they're doing it right. For this interesting gaming experiment, you'll need a PSP, a PS3, Resistance 2 and Resistance Retribution. And the results are quite interesting. Earlier, we noted that you'll be able to use your DualShock controller with Retribution through a new feature called PSP Plus. However, there's even more fun to be had through the game's unique Infection mode. In this new feature, players can connect PSP's Resistance Retribution via USB cable to a PS3 running Resistance 2. From R2, players can go into the menu and activate Infection, which will almost instantly transform the PSP game. %Gallery-27792%
