Kotaku: Itagaki

The Wait For Ninja Gaiden Creator's Next, Devil's Third, Is A Long One

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EDT

We got a look at Tomonobu Itagaki and Valhalla Game Studios' next title, Devil's Third, earlier this year, but we won't actually play it for a long, long time. More »

Ninja Gaiden Creators Reveal Devil's Third, The Bloody New Shooter From Valhalla

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:30:30 EDT

Famed video game designer Tomonobu Itagaki and his select group of creative warriors at Valhalla Game Studios are making a new game, Devil's Third, a hyper-violent shooter for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. More »

Kotaku Originals: ピシング・マッチ

Owen Good — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Updated: That headline means "pissing match" in Japanese, according to commenter stargateheaven. But in any language, the Itagaki-Tecmo split got beyond bad-breakup nasty this week. Itagaki wants his money back, Tecmo's heaving shit out the front door. Just bad. And like giggling gossiping schoolkids we intercepted much of the paperwork and read it aloud to you, class. So we'll lead with those highlights and give you much more on the jump. More »

Itagaki Doesn't Want To Hang With The Censored

Mark Wilson — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:20:02 EDT

Team Ninja's fearless leader and boozemaster Tomonobu Itagaki is one of the last people you'd expect to answer to The Man, but he's actually pretty OK with it.

I don't believe the adage that the artist should be able to express whatever he wants is necessarily applicable in this case, because we're creating entertainment. And entertainment shouldn't include things that make people feel uncomfortable or extremely upset...[and] people out there that want to create something that is very far removed from societal norms and the moral sensibilities of the general public ... They're unfortunate, and I don't want to be grouped in with that group of people.

Who does want to be grouped with those weirdo people?? We're with you all the way! But, uhh...what's with all the decapitation? More »

Justify Your Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

Mark Wilson — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:00:50 EDT

Itagaki Unmasked

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:00:05 EDT

Head ninja Tomonobu Itagaki goes nowhere without his sunglass and leather jacket. Or his pack of smokes. And while we didn't catch him without the leather and the cigs, Itagaki did take off his sunglasses — only for a brief instant. A sonic boom that separated time and space and blurring our photo. Catching this moment on film? Impossible. Though, once he got the shades back on, the reverb was felt. The evidence after the jump. More »

Itagaki Shows Vaguely Human Display of Emotion

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:00:48 EDT

With the sunglasses and leather jacket, you could get the idea that DoA and Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki comes is cold and distant. Like he's just sneering at us, releasing bastard hard games and waiting for his next whiskey straight. But wait! Here he is. And he's actually touching another human in a friendly way. It's like the game creator is human. Or something. There's good reason why he's so pleased! That dude Itagaki has his arm around is a regular Dead or Alive finalist in the WorldCyberGames. The WCG 2007 finals aren't until October, but prelims were held in Tokyo with Dead or Alive 4. Is that curled lip a slight smile on Itagaki's face? Impossible! More »

Itagaki Scoffs at Heavenly Sword

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:00:33 EDT

Beside booze and boob physics, Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki doesn't like much of anything! Tekken he hates so hard. And the upcoming PS3 title Heavenly Sword? Meh! The game features "Hero Sequences" in which players have to input particular commands to proceed through a Dragon's Liar-esque cinematic event. In the latest Electronic Gaming Monthly, Itagaki offers his two cents: More »

Itagaki - Tekken Sucks

Mike Fahey — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:00:26 EDT

Normally when we have a quote to share with you from an industry personality we summarize their comment humorously in the title and then give you the actual wording in the main body of the post. Not so this time. Joystiq caught up to Dead or Alive creator and paragon of coolness Tomonobu Itagaki at the recent Championship Gaming Series North American World Series Final, where they asked him if he was looking forward to Tekken 6.

Tekken sucks. I don't know what you're talking about.

The black leather jacket and sunglasses aren't just for show. Itagaki is a bad ass rebel. You'd never hear Yuji Naka say, "Yo, fuck Mario," even though I would personally give him $100 just to get it on tape. The rest of the interview is pretty tame, though he does hint at the possibility of a Wii title down the line.

We're doing a lot of research, that's about all I can say right now. Although, to add on that note, my kids have been saying they want a game for the Wii. To tell you the truth, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, that's because my kids were asking for one of my titles to be on the DS.

The Wii could certainly use a dose of Itagaki's trademark family friendly fare. More »

Itagaki Drops Dead or Alive 5 Hints

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:30:25 EDT

Sunglasses-wearing Tomonobu Itagaki gave a quick short phone interview via translator with Dead or Alive fan site DoA Central. Most of the DoA Central post goes on and on about how Itagaki and TECMO take into account what forum members post about gameplay and whatnot, but did some good info about the upcoming Dead or Alive 5. Itagaki confirmed that he's leaning further away from tag mode in DoA5, and it even sounds like it could be axed altogether. And the giant jubblies? Those stay. More »

Itagaki Says You'll Be Surprised At How Wonderful, Innovative Ninja Gaiden DS Is

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:20:39 EDT

Tomonobu Itagaki sat down with the crew at CVG to talk all things Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS, but he seemed to keep harping on how totally badassical and ultra killer it's going to be. More »

DOAX's Kasumi Paint Job Studied

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 22:40:50 EDT

If you're going to drop nearly 8200 yen (about $70 American) each on Kotobukiya's Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 Kasumi PVC figures, you're entitled to see how that paint job turned out. More »

First Look At Ninja Gaiden DS

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:20:09 EDT

Famitsu secured the exclusive on Tecmo's upcoming Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS. Remember that? New, clean shots of the game's familliar protagonist Ryu Hayabusa and demonic bad guys are now available online. More »

Ninja Gaiden Comes To... DS

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:40:22 EDT

In the most recent issue of Famitsu, Tecmo and Team Ninja reveal that their upcoming unannounced Nintendo DS title is, unsurprisingly, a Ninja Gaiden spin-off. More »

A Handy Chart To Help Japan Get DoA Movie

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:26 EST

The jubblies aren't the only thing different about Dead or Alive the movie and Dead or Alive the game. The actors don't really look like their in-game counterparts. Here's a handy chart for Japanese otaku. Let's see, actress Jaime Pressly is Tina Armstrong. Holly Valance plays Christie Allen. Sarah Carter is Helena Doulgas. And Kane Kosugi appears as Ryu Hayabusa. More »

Clip: "I Only Play DOA 3 For The Fighting"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:22:05 EST

Suuure ya do! Here's a Dead or Alive 3 ad for the original Xbox. An oldie no doubt, but a goodie. Brian Ashcraft More »

Itagaki On PS3, Wii, DOAX2, His Daughter...

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:22:06 EST

Ass-pinchin', booze-hound Tomonobu Itagaki sits down with 1Up and talks up a good interview. He discusses last year's console launches and is very open about Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, which was met with a frosty reception. Standout Itagaki quote: More »

Kotaku Magu: Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 Cracks Japan's Top Ten

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:20:49 EST

When Microsoft proudly showed the Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 trailer at this year's TGS, I felt embarrassed for them. This was the game the company was pinning hopes and dreams on? Come on. DOA X2 is anything but mainstream and appeals only to a small segment. Hardly a title worth giving that eXtra push to. Well, turns out I was wrong, and Microsoft Japan was very right. Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 has cracked the top ten in sales, coming in at number 7 and moving 45,065 copies in its first week. Wow, just wow. Brian Ashcraft More »

Dead or Alive Xtreme Pole Dancing

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:00:49 EST

Tecmo Spills Details On Itagaki Sex Suit

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 17:20:18 EST

Following the universe collapsing news that breast-man and boozehound Tomonobu Itagaki was accused of sexual harassment by a Tecmo employee and slapped with a lawsuit, comes response from the Ninja Gaiden producer's publisher. They say that the reported harassment never took place—instead calling the allegations a "result of the former employee's desire to vent frustrations over her own personal affairs"—and that "Tecmo did not issue an unjustified notice of dismissal to the former employee." More »

Dead or Alive 5 Announced, Itagaki Still Alive

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 05:22:15 EST

When not downing bottles of Jack Daniel's, smoking unfiltered cigarettes and pinching Tecmo staff, Tomonobu Itagaki makes video games. He's announced Dead or Alive 5 in a press conference that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the series' conception. Itagaki already has game play concepts in mind, such as no Tag Team and a special hiding-behind-your-company-while-you-sexually-harrass-female-employees mode. Bets are that DoA 5 is an Xbox 360 exclusive and that Itagaki is currently drunk. Brian Ashcraft More »

Dead Or Alive Xtreme 2 Commercial Contains Boobs

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 01:40:48 EST

You know what to expect right? Some sloppy breast physics, bad music, dull gameplay, and every opportunity to see some digital booty in all manner of suggestive poses. Still, its better than looking at real humans most of the time. They're so gross! All fleshy and freckled. Yuck. Michael McWhertor More »

DoA 4 Sells A Lot, Itagaki Still Fucked

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:22:35 EST

With all that's swirling around that hard-drinkin', ass-grabbin' game designer, Tomonobu Itagaki, we'd like to point out that his hard-kickin', tit-shakin' game Dead or Alive 4 has sold quite well. The Xbox 360 game has sold over a million copies worldwide. More »

Itagaki: Never Gonna Give You Up, Xbox

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 19:28:41 EDT

Just in case there was any confusion (there wasn't, sir), Team Ninja's outspoken, always smokin' software engineer and lead designer Tomonobu Itagaki is all about the Xbox 360 platform. Don't let that PlayStation 3 version of Ninja Gaiden rub you the wrong way. In fact, Itagaki says that Ninja Gaiden Sigma is a good thing because: More »

Itagaki: I'll Never Leave You, Xbox

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 13:28:48 EDT

Hide the Kids, The Dead or Alive Movie Is Coming

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 06:22:44 EDT

This is not news. This is a warning. Dead or Alive posters have been hitting movie theaters. Nowhere is safe. Not even Taiwan! The movie opens next month in the U.S. Is anyone actually going to see this? Brian Ashcraft More »

TGS06: Dead Or Alive Xtreme Jiggle Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 23:40:03 EDT

Being a guy is awesome, but when your penis starts thinking for you, it can lead to disaster. Such is the case with Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, as yesterday my manhood told me "Hey, this booth girl is pointing you to DOAX2. We should play it." The gelatinous jiggle fest of bikini filled mini-games from Team Ninja was given plenty of room at TGS and the lines were short, if not nonexistant. More »

Beautiful Kasumi Destroyed By Nasty Feet

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 08:24:31 EDT

Sure, the hair, the face and the jubblies look okay, but it's the little things that can make or break. Hands are usually a dead giveaway. If you want to see if an artist is any good, check the hands. This nice figurine, with the wordy moniker "Mon-Sieur Bome Collection No. 14 Dead or Alive Kasumi White Ver.", features passable mitts, but unfortunately suffers from some seriously fugly stubby feet. Don't think that's important? Just ask Eliza what she adores about Florian—Gauger's answer: Her feet! More »

Gaming's New Role Model: DoA's Tomonobu Itagaki

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 07:22:47 EDT

When not downing bottles of Johnnie Walker, Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki enjoys the simple things, like hosting Xbox 360 tournaments with grade schoolers. Itagaki enlightens: More »

DoA Movie Like James Bond, But Crappier

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:20:22 EDT

It's a familiar song and dance after a game adaptation is announced: folks get worried, nervous, excited and then horribly disappointed. Going by the trailer, the Dead or Alive movie looks to be no exception. More »

Kasumi's Wii Game

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:22:27 EDT

This somehow slipped between our cleavage (heh), but DoA's va-va-voom girl Kasumi is appearing in the upcoming Wii game, Pangya Golf. Tecmo's bringing the hugely popular casual online game to Nintendo consoles in the future. But, will Itagaki and Team Ninja be assigning breast physics to each one of Kasumi's Wii jubblies? More »

Kotaku Stalku: Itagaki Arrives Angry

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 12 May 2006 17:50:03 EDT

King of scowls and Dead or Alive creator Tomunobu Itagaki arrived with his handlers this morning and boy was he freaking pissed off. Itagaki hates the sun, Tekken, and having bothersome Kotaku gnats sneak attack him with a camera. More »

Itagaki Confirms DOAXBV Sequel

lsmith — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 14:41:34 EST

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And hints at Ninja Gaiden in a recent issue of Famitsu, according to Team Xbox. The next Team Ninja release for the Xbox 360 will be Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball 2. While I'm trying to contain my joy (/sarcasm), Itagaki did mention that Team Ninja's next title would be an action game. Sadly, not Ninja Gaiden 2. Instead, it's a game that will "that will do for the genre what Dead or Alive 4 did for the fighting genre." Erm, make your own jokes, readers. More »

DoA 4 Misses Top Ten Spot in Japanese Software Rankings

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 16:22:55 EST

Want to know why the DS is sold out in Japan? Just take a look at the country's software rankings from December 26th to January 1st. Nine, count 'em, nine, of the top 15 games are DS titles. The new DS brain trainer, Animal Crossing: Wild World and Mario Kart take the first three spots, respectively. The old DS brain trainer (by old, I mean it was released last spring) is number five. Other hot titles include Mario & Luigi RPG2 (#7), another brain game Yawaraka Atama Juku (#8), Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisecchi (#9), some Pokemon game (#10) and the mini-game buffet title Dare Demo Asobi Taizen (#15). More »

Tecmo's Itagaki Prefers Xbox 360

lsmith — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:33:09 EDT

Tomonobu Itagaki believes the Xbox 360 is the best console for the next generation of gaming. Now it could be that the flashy Japanese developer does believe that Xbox 360 is better than PlayStation 3 or it could be that Itagaki's first next generation game is appearing on the 360. More »