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Look directly into this new Ghostbusters trailer
The Ghostbusters game presents something of a predicament to the savvy gamer. On one hand, it's a movie-licensed video game. On the other hand, it's Ghostbusters. The PR folks at Atari seem very aware of this touchy dichotomy and have made sure to cram the latest trailer with just enough fan service to make us wonder if gameplay even matters at this point. Example: Some guy: "This game doesn't really look that good." Some other guy: "But ... he said 'don't look directly into the trap!'" Some guy: "Touché." Download HD Ghostbusters Rule #2 Trailer (53 MB)
Punisher: No Mercy slaughters PSN this spring
Click image for high-res punishment Frank Castle has laced up his boots, cleaned his guns and is ready to punish the wicked on PSN this spring in Zen Studios' Unreal Engine 3-powered FPS, Punisher: No Mercy. A release window isn't the only worthwhile item contained in the press release -- it also contained 6 new screens from the game, each filled with what you'd expect from a Punisher game: explosions, guns and guns that make explosions. %Gallery-43960%
New Ghostbusters screens feature slime, virtual hair-don't
click to make big (like the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man) You're probably expecting this post to contain some Ghostbusters-related humor; perhaps a "Who ya gonna call," or a reference to not "crossing the streams." Well, it doesn't. Okay, so it does -- but that wasn't our intent. No, that would be showing you this latest batch of screenshots from PS3/360/PC version of the game, featuring the hair of a virtual Harold Ramis. Due on June 16, the game's looking good, playing well, and, so, Atari ... "we're ready to believe you." Damn. %Gallery-42934%
Crossing streams: Ghostbusters game confirmed for week of June 16
It sounds like everyone is on the same page now about the Ghosbusters game release. Sony Pictures stepped on Atari PR's toes by revealing the June 16th date, coinciding with the Blu-ray release of the movie. Atari has since confirmed a June 19th date for the UK. Just to make sure everyone is in on the party, VG247 has confirmed with the game's developer, Terminal Reality, that it's "always been planning day and date release with the Blu-ray discs." Terminal Reality chief Mark Randal says "it will be a huge Ghostbusters week!" That may be true, but how the company's game reviews and sells is a whole other question altogether. Randal wouldn't say if there would be a special edition game and Blu-ray movie box set. We wouldn't count it out -- but that would certainly move a couple units.
Sony Pictures dates Ghostbusters game for Jun. 16
Amid a slew of press releases it shot out in the hours leading up to CES 2009, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment may have stepped on Atari PR's toes. In announcing a June 19 release date for the Blu-ray Disc release of Ghostbusters (the movie), it also confirmed a day-and-date launch of Ghostbusters: The Video Game. The release is long on details concerning the film's HD debut, but short on specifics concerning the game. No platforms are mentioned, although it stands to reason that the highest-profile versions -- Xbox 360, PS3, PC -- will be first out the door. Atari has yet to issue a release of its own concerning the game's street date(s), but we've contacted it for comment on Sony's announcement in the meantime.
Phil Harrison would 'love' to prove Activision wrong about Ghostbusters
When it comes to the much anticipated Ghostbusters game, Atari's Phil Harrison – somehow it still sounds wrong – clearly wants Activision to know what it lost when it cut the game (and several others) loose earlier this year. Speaking to MCV, he called out Activision-Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick, on the decision. "What Bobby, perhaps unhelpfully said, was that those games were franchises which wouldn't make $100m of revenue and generate sequels," Harrison said of Blizzivision's choice to offload Ghostbusters. "If that's his benchmark, then fine – and we'd love to aspire to the same benchmarks. But you know what? I would love to turn Ghostbusters into a $100m franchise, just to prove him wrong." That may not happen, but given the hype and fan following – not to mention the fact that it's coming out on at least five platforms – Activision might yet kick itself when the sales numbers are tallied.
Joystiq hands-on: Ghostbusters (PS3/360/Wii)
click to enlarge (Xbox 360) We had no doubt going into our first hands-on with Ghostbusters: The Video Game that developers Terminal Reality (PS3/PC/360) and Red Fly (Wii) are delivering pure, off-the-chart fan service. We were concerned with one thing: Is this game going to be any fun to play? Terminal Reality is well aware that thousands of gamers have never seen the original movie or its (shudder) sequel, so the prospect of tromping around with a pack of middle-aged men in goofy getups might not be a major selling point. Funny jokes, ghosts, wild weapons, and blowing up everything you can see? That's compelling for anyone. %Gallery-38586%
Street Fighter 2 comes to ... Pinball FX?
Nope, you didn't misread the title. Capcom's Street Fighter 2 will be making its way to Xbox Live Arcade game Pinball FX on November 12th ... in the form of a new pinball table. The new Ryu and Ken themed table will head to the Marketplace to coincide with the release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix in November and will include original music and sound effects from the Street Fighter franchise. It'll also feature a bunch of combos, tournaments and a final boss battle where you duke it out with M. Bison and totally geek out in a euphoric Street Fighter fit. Capcom has yet to announce pricing details.
First 'Punisher: No Mercy' screens, details revealed
Just days after confirming that Frank Castle will return to ventilate bad guys in Punisher: No Mercy, Sony has released the first shots from the upcoming PSN exclusive, confirming that a) it certainly looks the part of an Unreal Engine 3-powered shooter and b) the comic icon could use some work on his aim. In addition to the screenshot salvo, developer Zen Studios' managing director, Zsolt Kigyossy, also answered a handful nagging questions for the official PlayStation blog, noting that the game will support Trophies and character customization, and will include both single- and multiplayer modes. Additionally, a separate GameSpot report confirms suspicions that the developer is aiming to release the game "in line" with the new Punisher feature film, giving fans of Marvel's seminal badass even more to look forward to this fall. Source - The Punisher: No Mercy – Your Questions Answered Source - The Punisher: No Mercy Exclusive Q&A - First Details
PSN gets exclusive Punisher: No Mercy
Sony announced today that Frank Castle will be, as rumored, returning to video games. The surprise? He'll be doing it exclusively on PSN in Punisher: No Mercy. The Unreal Engine 3-based title is being developed by Zen Studios, of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Mushroom Men fame.Though we mentioned Frank Castle earlier, we doubt all of you will get to play as the titular Punisher, as the first-person shooter promises "intense arena-based multiplayer action" featuring characters like Jigsaw, Bushwacker, Barracuda and Silver Sable. We haven't heard or seen nearly enough to pass judgment, but what we've got now just leaves us befuddled. Help us figure it all out with your perspective in the comments.
Rumor: Marvel's Punisher making video game return
It's been more than three years since our favorite comic book antihero last waged a one-man war against video game criminals, but the above artwork, allegedly leaked to 4 Color Rebellion by Marvel editor Ryan Penagos, suggests that Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher, may soon be making a suitably bloody return. Nothing beyond what you see above is known about the upcoming project, including whether Marvel intends the game to stand on its own, or if the title will serve as a tie in with this December's Punisher: War Zone feature film. The report suggests that more information is due next week. Until then, sic vis pacem, para bellum. If you want peace, prepare for war.
Activision Blizzard still 'reviewing' fate of Ghostbusters, 50 Cent
It seems Activision Blizzard is still uncertain as to who it's gonna call -- to publish ectoplasmic epic Ghostbusters. Speaking to MCV, the newly melded megapublisher was still hesitant to divulge the "absolutely not cancelled" game's fate, along with the fate of fellow Vivendi leftovers like 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. In the wake of Vivendi UK's closure, Activision Blizzard's general manager for the region, Andrew Brown, pointed out that while "Crash, Spyro and Prototype will definitely be released this and next year," the company was still in the midst of "reviewing its options regarding titles that it will not be publishing." Sound familiar? If the games are found unsuitable for Activision's immense sequel conveyer belt, it's likely that they'll be shipped off to more eager publishers. Still, aren't you utterly relieved to learn that Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon are just fine? We were worried there for a second.
Sierra: Ghostbusters 'absolutely not cancelled'
Yesterday's news that Activision Blizzard was only holding onto a select few Vivendi/Sierra properties going forward didn't look good for those awaiting the seemingly triumphant return of Ghostbusters. We contacted Sierra about the game's absence from Blizzavision's "to keep" list, and whether said omission spelled doom for the Ecto-1 crew. Good news, everyone: the game's not giving up the ghost. A spokesperson for Sierra confirmed that, "First and foremost, the game is absolutely not canceled." But does it have a publisher? "[Sierra] is reviewing its options regarding those titles that it will not be publishing," we were told. While not explicitly stated, it definitely sounds like Sierra has begun the process of shopping its remaining titles around to other publishers. These include Double Fine's hotly anticipated heavy metal adventure Brütal Legend. We're still awaiting word on its fate, but can't imagine Tim Schafer and crew letting a little publisher scuffle stop the rock.
Blizzavision keeps Crash, Spyro, Ice Age, Prototype; loses Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters, and more
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Blizzavision_keeps_Crash_Spyro_etc_loses_Brutal_Legend'; One of the major outstanding questions surrounding the Activision Blizzard merger was: "What the hell is going to happen to Vivendi's other video game division, Sierra?" The new super-publisher announced it will be keeping five of Sierra's franchises total: Crash Bandicoot, Ice Age, Spyro, the still-in-development Prototype, and another as-yet-unannounced title. We're currently looking into the fate of Sierra's other publishing arrangements: Tim Schafer's Brütal Legend (oh, Brütal Legend, we're so sorry!), Ghostbusters: The Video Game, WET, and Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. Activision Blizzard is also reviewing Sierra's other properties that they will not be publishing: think Bourne, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, World in Conflict, et al. Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith says, "We are reviewing our options regarding those titles that we will not be publishing." Those games won't be published by Blizzavision because they're not "a strong fit with [Activision Blizzard's] long-term product strategy." No word on the fate of Sierra's classic adventure games like King's Quest, Leisure Suit Larry, etc. As for the status of Sierra's in-house developers, Blizzavision will "realign staffing at Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios" – the developers of Prototype and The Bourne Conspiracy respectively – while "exploring options regarding Massive Entertainment and Swordfish Studios" – the devs behind World in Conflict and 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, respectively. Those "options" include "the possibility of divestiture." Also potentially up for sale: Vivendi Games Mobile and Sierra Online, the latter notably responsible for a large amount of XBLA and PSN games. More on this story as it inevitably unfolds.
Zootfly footage helped sell Ghostbusters revival
With Terminal Reality now holding onto development of Ghostbusters like a charged particle accelerator, most eyes have turned away from Zootfly's unlicensed Ghostbusters tech demo footage that leaked into the wild earlier this year. Most, but not all, as Terminal Reality boss Mark Randel admits that Zootfly's efforts actually helped release the concept from the containment system. "What Zootfly did for us, inadvertently, is help sell the concept," said Randel in an interview with OXM. "When their footage came out, we were close to our green-light meeting, and when the executives saw the reaction from the fans, they immediately knew, 'Hey, Ghostbusters is going to be a big hit - we need to put this game into production.'" We doubt any of this will help Zootfly devs sleep at night -- though we advise if anyone asks if they're a god, they still say "Yes!"
Ghostbusters dev: Xbox 360 is holding us back
Sony fanboys looking for absolute proof that their system is technically superior to the Xbox 360 got a boost recently when Terminal Reality president Mark Randel told VideoGaming247.com that a PS3-exclusive version of the developer's Ghostbusters game would be more technically impressive than the version being tuned to work on both systems. "If we made a PS3-only game, for example, you could double the amount of objects on screen that you're seeing," Randel told the site at a Sierra event last week. "The PlayStation 3 has seven processors and the 360 only has three, so seven versus three means you can do a lot more on the PS3." Of course, Microsoft fanboys with a conspiratorial bent are likely to pick up on Randel's casual mention that "Ghostbusters is the property of Sony Pictures." Sure, it's possible that Randel is just badmouthing the competition to get in good with the rights-holder on his current game. Just as it is also technically possible that the 3DO will suddenly make a huge comeback this year ...
Joystiq impressions: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/Wii)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Hands_on_with_the_new_Ghostbusters_game_360_PS3_Wii'; Ghostbusters is one of those nerdy properties that when reissued, will never please all of its fans. Even in a brief demo with a few other writers, questions -- and follow-ups -- circled around "crossing the streams" and even geekier topics. I'm not at that level of spirit-stopping enthusiast, but I'm cautious about the new version, probably because it shows so much promise. I hate to get behind something, especially a beloved property, only to see it crumble. The Ghostbusters animation, graphics, settings, and physics look great. The original cast has reassembled to record for this game. It's even being written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. But the biggest thing I didn't see was that story, and that narrative is an important part of Ghostbusters. We'll find out how well the script and setting hold up with its October, 2008 release. %Gallery-21636%
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Battlezone and Rocky and Bullwinkle
It might not occur to all of our readers when they see the average episode of XBLA in Brief but, let us assure you, it is a public service. We play awful, awful games so that you don't have to. Rocky and Bullwinkle is just such a game. It is -- if there can be such a thing -- the perfect storm of bad game design. The license is used horribly, the graphics aren't good, and the game employs awkward (and unresponsive) vision camera controls. The misuse of the Rocky and Bullwinkle license is perhaps the worst offense. We hate to see a classic cartoon turned into something this awful.Check out our video of us checking out Rocky and Bullwinkle (along with Battlezone) and be glad it wasn't you.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
This Wednesday: Rocky & Bullwinkle join Battlezone on XBLA
Flying squirrel and talking moose news now, with fondly remembered 60's cartoon, Rocky & Bullwinkle, returning in HD on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. The classic characters return en moose in a collection of over 100 "micro games," 25 of which use the Xbox Live Vision camera in such heart-stopping activities as "rowing a boat, "throwing darts" and, presumably, tying a noose. The anthropomorphic duo can be yours for 800 MS Points ($10).The retro theme continues with Wednesday's other revamped release, Battlezone. Atari's wireframe warfare has been given a fresh coat of paint, along with online multiplayer modes and Xbox Live Vision camera support. Be tankful that the asking price is no more than 400 MS Points ($5).%Gallery-20529%%Gallery-20538%
Rocky & Bullwinkle and Battlezone this XBLA Wed.
Heads up XBLA fanboys, there's moose, squirrel and retro tank action headed to the Arcade this week with the release of both Rocky and Bullwinkle and Battlezone this Wednesday, April 16th.For 800 Microsoft points, you can own a piece of cartoon history with Rocky and Bullwinkle, which was actually confirmed for release by Zen Studios a while back. There's a slight chance casual gamers will enjoy what moose and squirrel have to offer, but for us, we're thinking not so much. Who knows though, it could end up becoming an arcade classic. Speaking of classics, the 400 MS point Battlezone will also be available this Wednesday, complete with a visual overhaul, Xbox Live multiplayer functionality, Vision support and lots of neon green lines. Lots and lots of neon green lines. And while you're hear, dive into the Rocky and Bullwinkle and Battlezone screenshot galleries we embedded after the break.
