Capcom’s dropped fighters

I’ve really been enjoying the latest Japanese fighter to hit American shores, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. Of course, with every new fighter, there’s that given moment after its release to lament what could have been.  For a game on such a massive franchise-scale as Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, the number of characters you would want to appear in the game from either side can be staggering, so sadly many don’t make the cut.

In an interview with Dengeki Online, three of TvC’s head honchos, Ryota Nizuma, Mr. Bancho and Ryota Igawa gave some insight into the game’s early stages while they were still deciding which characters to include in the game.  The most interesting of which was the inclusion of the star from the Ace Attorney series, Phoenix Wright.  I remember the days when TvC was just newly announced and Phoenix was a definite hopeful to join the game’s ranks.  To find out that they actually did consider adding him to the game is pretty amazing. Although, what’s more amazing is the way thought up on how Phoenix would actually fight his opponents.

Some difficulties came up while deciding on moves for Phoenix. For one, the only movements he really makes in the game are hand gestures, and not much could have really been made from that.  Secondly, for the most part, you only see Phoenix from the waist up in the games.  This led to the decision to have Phoenix and his desk act as one whole character, with wheels attached to the underside, making him some sort of rolling, justice-bringing tank.  While I think this sounds awesome in theory, it would just end up looking really stupid in-game.  Not to mention I expect his hitbox to just be massive.

Other TvC wannabes were Arthur from Ghosts N’ Goblins fame and Ingrid from Capcom Fighting Jam.  Even though none of these made the cut for the first game, Ryota Nizuma said that if a sequel were ever made, he’d work really hard to get these characters into the game.

More revealed on the 5th generation of Pokémon

Remember that new Pokémon game that was teased about a few days ago? I was under the impression that it was just going to be a Pokémon Crystal remake, but it actually turned out to be a whole new generation Pokémon game. This latest piece of news comes straight from Coro Coro magazine, and though the details are scarce, the rag says that more info will become available in the coming month.

For starters, the silhouetted pokémon was revealed to be Zoroark/Zoroaaku (ゾロアーク). Many people mistook him to be the next evolution step for Lucario (myself included), but who knew it’d end up being a new pokémon entirely? Zoroark also has a pre-evolution by the name of Zorua/Zoroa (ゾロア).  Click the above image for the full picture including Zoroa.  The few details on Zoroark is that he’s a Dark-Type and classified as a Monster Fox.  He will also be playing a major role in the upcoming Pokémon film Phantom Champion Zoroark.

The name for the new region has not yet been revealed, and other gameplay details are incredibly scarce at the moment.  I’m also curious as to what the next set of games will be called. The last two were Diamond and Pearl, so I think it’d be a good guess that the next two games would be named after some precious metal or gem. As with the unveiling of any new Pokémon game, I’m incredibly excited and eagerly anticipating more news from Coro Coro next month!

Sega announces bonuses for Yakuza 3

The wait for Yakuza 3 has been a long time; the fact that it was announced at all for an international release still seems pretty crazy to me. Well, Sega announced this morning that they will be offering up some goodies for those who will be purchasing the game, although the sweetness of the deal depends on where you hail from.

Sega Europe is offering a “battle pack”.  The battle pack includes a 31-track soundtrack, a Yakuza Who’s Who which acts as a dossier for all the characters in the game and 4 separate pieces of DLC:

• Battle Survival: A boss-run mode
• All-Star Tournament: A 7 character tournament
• All-Star Tag Tournament: 8 tag-team tournament
• Haruka’s Request: Missions given by Haruka, where you’ll be made to play mini-games to keep her entertained

European pre-orderers will also get access to alternate costumes and two-player mini-games (pool, golf, darts and bowling). However, if you’re in North America, the deal is a little less sweet as pre-ordering the game will only get you the 4 pieces of DLC.  If your primary place to pre-order from is GameStop, you’ll also get access to the alternate costumes and two-player mini games.

Overall I think this is a good idea on Sega’s part. I know one of the main fears of bringing Yakuza 3 outside Japan was the less than stellar sales of the first two games, so maybe these added bonuses will bring in more buyers.  Hell, if this ends up selling well than we might just have a chance of seeing Kenzan! and Yakuza 4.  I really wish they would go the extra mile for us Americans and give us the Battle Pack.  I’d love to get my hands on that soundtrack and character dossier.

Julius capcom, dlc, japan, nintendo ds, pokémon, ps3, sega 0 comments

In a recent edition of Dengeki’s Game radio, a member of the show named Eguchi eluded to a sequel of a certain game.  Apparently a friend of Eguchi’s in the developing industry is currently working on this mystery title.  He could obviously not mention the game by name, but gave the following clues:

• If a continuation in the series was released, there would be two parts.
• It’s a sequel to a game that came out last year (Demon’s Souls: February 5th 2009 release in Japan)
• The previous title was very challenging.
• The previous title had a very interesting system.

Naturally most of the Japanese gaming-otaku sites I follow are already calling this as Demon’s Souls II and I can’t say I disagree with them — the clues definitely seem to all point to Demon’s Souls.

Even more exciting is that Eguchi mentioned this title is currently in the works for a release this Fall in Japan.  This means if the game is truly in development, we should be hearing something concerning Demon’s Souls II in the near future!

This was easily my favorite game of 2009 so I am ecstatic to hear that a sequel could be a reality so early.  Here’s hoping this rumor proves to be true!

Roy japan, rumor 4 comments

The Japanese release of Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker is about two months away so it’s time to start baiting fans with some bundles, that’s right plural: bundles.   The first bundle (pictured above) is the Konamistyle version, aka the more expensive version.  Included in the set is the following:

• MGSPW Themed PSP-3000XZC System
• Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker UMD
• Snake-skin PSP pouch and strap
• MGSPW Stand complete with engraved serial number
• Camouflage screen cleaner (no one will see you wiping)
• MGSPW Dogtag keychain with serial number
• Artbook (no picture available)
• MILITAIRES SANS FRONTIERES patch

The cost for this fine collection of battle-ready accessories is 36,980 yen, which converts to a staggering $400 USD.  Is there anything more “modestly-priced” you ask?  I have just the thing for you:

The second bundle is not Konamistyle, but is certainly for the more money-conscious consumer.  Included in this set is the following:

• MGSPW Themed PSP-3000XZC System
• Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker UMD
• Camouflage screen cleaner (no one will see you wiping)
• MGSPW Cloth Pouch and strap
• MILITAIRES SANS FRONTIERES patch

This set will run you 26,980 yen, or $300 USD — that’s still about $100 more than the average PSP bundled with a game, but I am sure hardcore fans of the series are already blinded by all that facial hair and camouflage to care about a measly $100.

If you plan on importing Peace Walker, it’s likely these sets will be on Play-Asia or etc. in the near future.  If money is no object and you want to purchase the konamistyle version, act fast since there are only 1,974 of them being made (that’s also the year the game takes place, durp!).  I sure do want this, but I am not even going to pretend I have that kind of money.

Roy consoles, japan, konami, psp 7 comments

In an interview with Isamu Kamikokuryou, art directer of Final Fantasy XIII, it was revealed that a substantial amount of content was removed from the game.  When discussing the cut material, Kamikokuryo explained that the decision was made due to concerns over “volume”, aka the sheer size of the game.

Why would size be a concern I wonder?

(image and source credits)

Oh, that’s right, it’s because the game is also being ported to a less powerful game system in America!  Before continuing I wish to issue a formal apology to all of Japan, we fucked up your game, you deserve better.

If you are among the fans who imported the game and are wondering what you’re missing out on, here is a list of contents that were cut:

• Lightning’s House with an exterior which is described as “park-like”
• Levraut Store (?????) had an interior which was NORA’s secret base
• In addition to Nautilus being an amusement park, there was also a Zoo
• and more adding up to roughly ANOTHER FULL GAME

More details should come out when the article is officially published, presumably in Dengeki magazine.

I am especially interested in the contents concerning the rebel group, NORA.  I really felt that they were under developed yet strangely emphasized throughout the game.

I suppose there are two different ways that we still may see this content.  The first being DLC perhaps, although this seems unlikely.  The second possibility is an “International” edition of the game which should be released in about a year or so in Japan.  These are generally released with additional contents.  It should also be noted that America has never received a translation of an International version of any Final Fantasy, contrary to the name.

For obvious reasons I am disappointed and my bitterness towards aforementioned rival gaming-system has increased dramatically.  Hopefully this will turn Square Enix off from any similar dealings with Microsoft.

Roy japan, ps3, square enix 15 comments

I am sure everyone in Japan is just about as happy as CEO of Square Enix, Yoichi Wada is in this picture.  Last night retailers all over the country including Yodobashi Camera, Tsutaya, and others held midnight releases.  The results?  Well, the numbers vary between 1.8 and 2 million copies sold in just the first day.  Either way, more than 1% of the country now owns a copy, and Yoichi Wada will certainly be seeing a fat quarterly bonus, possibly adding to his excitement in the picture.

Concerning the success of a game 5 years in the making, Wada stated:

This is an extremely favorable turnout.  From now until the New Years holiday the Playstation 3 is expected to grow in popularity.  I believe everyone will be very satisfied.

OK, enough with the stuffy business talk, lets get to the sexy images of those lines!  Que the waiting in line montage music:

Oh yeah, that’s hot!  I want more… show me some pictures of displays INSIDE the stores:

Okay, I am clearly over-excited, I need Sayuri Sugawara to calm  me down by singing the game’s theme song: Kimi Ga Iru Kara:

Ah, that’s better.  I just wish I could find an actual video of the performance at Shibuya Tsutaya.  If I locate one I will update this post.

I sure wish I could have been a bigger part of the game’s launch in Japan…  It really looks like a lot of people were there for the countdown!

Hopefully I will be receiving my import copy soon.  I am planning on getting a live stream of the game up once it arrives through our Ustream.  Hopefully it will still be relevant since many people in Japan have already done the same.  I will post more information on the stream once my copy arrives!

Roy japan, ps3, square enix 4 comments