Kotaku: Collection

First Final Fantasy XI Collectible Accessory on Sale

Brian Crecente — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:00 MDT

Square-Enix just opened up pre-orders for their Final Fantasy XI Players' Collection accessories. The first among these Vana'diel accessories is a Tidal Talisman.

Ordering the Leviathan-shaped pendent will also give gamers an in-game item of the same name. Pre-orders stop on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. and Square says they won't be releasing this item again.

Players' Collection

Criterion Snobs Love The PS3 (For Its Blu-ray Playback)

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:40:31 MDT

Film buffs know the Criterion Collection label for its foreign films, niche releases and attention to detail and film quality, but you may be a little bit surprised to learn that they opt for the PlayStation 3 when it comes to Blu-ray playback. Sure, the PS3 has been lauded for its Blu-ray capabilities, but Criterion approval will still have some of Sony's more smug hardware engineers and execs feeling good about themselves.

The label doesn't have any Blu-ray content commercially available yet — its planning to release classics like The Last Emperor, The 400 Blows and Bottle Rocket on the Sony approved format this fall. We wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the Criterion employees making corporate theater room decisions is using it off-hours to play some Metal Gear Solid 4 on their 123" screen.

Criterion Collection's reference Blu-ray player is a PS3 [Crave via Giz]

Namco's Dancing Wii Game With Added iDOLM@STER

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:00:00 MDT

In the upcoming issue of Famitsu, Namco Bandai announced Wii music rhythm game Happy Dance Collection. The game has players rhythmically match Wii-mote motions. Yes, it's cutesy and it's got Mii crowd integration, but the real kicker here is the music. As expected, the game features popular J-Pop like "http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=2CHH8PDJqoI">Popstar" and "Choo Choo TRAIN", but also "Go My Way" from Namco's idol singer simulation Xbox 360 game THE iDOLM@STER. The female dancers also look iDOLM@STEResque. How's that for fan service!
The game is slated for sometime this year.

Wiiでアイドルマスターみたいなゲームを製作中 [Hatimaki]

SNK Playmore Suite Visit

fdemarco — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:00:00 MST

I got a chance to swing by the SNK Playmore Suite at GDC to check out some of their offerings. Most of what they had going on on their screens were showings of their various game anthologies including Fatal Fury Battle Archives Vol. 2, King of Fighters 98 Ultimate Match, King of Fighters Collection Orochi Saga, Samurai Shodown Anthology, SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 and World Heroes Anthology. Not a whole lot new here but there were a couple of nice looking trailers for King of Fighters XII and the New Samurai Shodown.

The real treat however was a little surprise waiting on a DS in the corner, Metal Slug 7! I hot footed it over to the corner of the room and practically wrestled the girl playing it to the ground in my attempt to check out the game. It looked great, played better and had everything you could possibly want from a Metal Slug game. So if you are ready for a new Metal Slug experience, look no further than Metal Slug 7, coming soon to a DS near you.

Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection Confirmed

Mark Wilson — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:40:17 MST

While we'd already seen the pre-order at places like Play Asia, Konami has confirmed their upcoming Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection for PS2. Retailing at $29.99, the package includes the original Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2 (director's cut) and Metal Gear Solid 3. It's not as sweet as Japan's MGS Anniversary Collection—a purchase that I considered momentarily in Akihabara before realizing that something might be lost during those conversations with Otacon in my non-native tongue.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - February 5, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today confirmed speculation that Metal Gear Solid ®: the Essential Collection is currently planned for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Now Metal Gear Solid fans have the final chance to fully immerse themselves in the Metal Gear Solid universe before the release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
"Since its inception, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has been one of the most successful game series in the history of video games, receiving worldwide recognition and praise," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. "Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection represents a great value for gamers, bringing together three must-have classic titles which pioneered the stealth action genre."

Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection includes the original Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation game console, the director's cut of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3 in a commemorative package with artwork by renowned Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa.

Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and sells for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information visit the website at www.konami.com.

Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection Now Available for Pre-Order at GameStop

fdemarco — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:00:00 MST

Last weekend I told you about the Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection and its availability for pre-order on PlayAsia. Now it seems the pre-order is coming stateside as Gamestop/EB Games now has a page for the collection as well. Listed at $29.99, it is a bit cheaper than the $34.90 that PlayAsia was charging and I imagine the shipping will be a similar 4 - 5 bucks depending on where you are. The collection includes the original Metal Gear Solid as well as the directors cut of Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence and will be available for the PS2.

Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection [GameStop]
[Thanks, A_Zombie]

Atari Classics Evolve

Mike Fahey — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:30:23 MDT

Not just another retro arcade title compilation that screws with the classics with often hilarious results, Atari Classics Evolved for the PSP is over 70 games in one! Not only do you get 11 classic Atari arcade titles like Asteroids, Battlezone, Tempest, Super Breakout, and Pong in both original and evolved versions, but you also get more than 60 Atari 2600 classics. Over 60 games that were once a whole lot of fun but now only amuse for a good minute before that "Hey, I remember this!" feeling wears off. Games so simple you can close your eyes and accurately play them using only your imagination. Hell, they might even be better that way. Having said that, I still plan on picking up the compilation when it hits this fall, if only for the joy of peer-to-peer wireless Pong.

Atari Brings Classics Back Into Your Hands
Atari Announces Development Of Atari Classics Evolved For The PSP® System -

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 - Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), one of the world's most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that Atari Classics Evolved, an homage to Atari's landmark catalogue, is in development on the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Developed by Stainless Games Ltd., Atari Classics Evolved is schedule for a Fall 2007 release.

Atari Classics Evolved will feature such timeless games as AsteroidsTM, AsteroidsTM Deluxe, Battlezone®, CentipedeTM, Lunar Lander®, Millipede®, Missile Command®, Super BreakoutTM, TempestTM, WarlordsTM and Pong®. These titles, presented in both an original and an evolved version, will maintain the original gameplay while adding beautifully rendered up-to-date graphics.

"We are looking forward to providing gamers with the experience of the iconic Atari catalog on a handheld platform," said Matt Rush, Producer, Atari, Inc. "Offering these Atari classics in both their elemental and contemporary forms should excite both old-school and next-generation gamers alike."

In addition to the 11 evolved classics, more than 60 original Atari 2600 titles will be available for gameplay such as the memorable Yar's RevengeTM, Night DriverTM, Canyon BomberTM and Crystal CastlesTM to name a few. Atari Classics will feature online Leaderboards for the original 11 coin-op games, allowing players around the world to compare scores, and will also feature peer-to-peer wireless compatibility for titles that have multiplayer capabilities.

The Miyamoto Interview Collection, Part 7

Mark Wilson — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:00:42 MDT

UPDATE: Re-uploaded and fixed.

The Miyamoto Interview Collection, Part 5

Mark Wilson — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:20:00 MDT

UPDATE: We fixed this interview segment. You now get the whole thing!

Mega64 Greatest Hits DVD

Kim Phu — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:20:00 MDT

Mega64, in all their comedic glory, are releasing a greatest hits DVD that includes all the mayhem they've caused including a one whole disc of skits, an extra disc of video game commercials, and of course never-before-seen footage from the past. The trailer includes some of the brighter moments the crew have shared, including the infamous cameo from Shigeru Miyamoto. There will be no more need for squinting at the pixelated clips after DVD comes out on July 26th. You can keep the movies and your eyesight in the comfort of your living room. Kim Phu

Mega64 Reveals 'Greatest Hits' DVD, Juarez Visit [Game Set Watch]

Sonic 2, F-Zero X On Deck For Wii VC

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:40:55 MDT

In addition to spilling the beans on Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Xbox 360, the ESRB also gives us a look at what's next for the Wii Virtual Console.

The Nintendo 64, sorely underrepresented on the Virtual Console will get another futuristic racer with F-Zero X and Sega's bringing some Tails to the VC with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sonic 2 was also recently rated for the Xbox 360, adding one more potential title for Xbox Live's answer to the VC, the Sega Vintage Collection.

When is Sega going to announce that thing anyway? Michael McWhertor

ESRB Game Ratings

More Metal Gear 20th Anniversary Details

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:20:23 MDT

The Metal Gear 20th Anniversary official site has gone live on Konami of Japan's web presence, giving Snake fans a look at the upcoming re-releases revealed by Famitsu earlier this week. More concrete details on the mysterious Metal Gear Solid Collection boxed set are available, giving us a better look at exactly what the package will contain. While complete and a great value, packing in just about every Metal Gear game and bonus DVDs, it doesn't appear to contain any drool-worthy bonuses.

The Collection contains, for the low price of 6,900 yen, the following:

・Metal Gear [PS2]
・Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake [PS2]
・Metal Gear Solid [PS]
・Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Libery [PS2]
・Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater [PS2]
・Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops [PSP]
・Metal Gear Saga [DVD]
・The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 [PS2]

Not a bad deal! The site also lists a special Metal Gear 20th Anniversary Music Collection for 2,800 yen due in July and hints at upcoming celebratory events. Konami USA, how do you respond? Come in, Konami USA! Konami USAAAAAAA!!! Michael McWhertor

Metal Gear 20th Anniversary Special Site [Konami.jp]

Every Star Wars Game Ever in One Place

Brian Crecente — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:00:07 MDT

Chris Kohler took a bunch of snaps at the recent Star Wars Celebration IV of an amazing display of Star Wars gamery.

That single display case, shown above, shows every single Star Wars game ever made, including the Japan-only Namco version that Kohler himself picked up in between bouts of eating fancy ice cream during his recent trip to Japan. Brian Crecente

Gallery: Every Star Wars Game Ever [GameLife]

Biohazard Premium Site Offerings

Kim Phu — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:40:00 MDT

A super-sneaky premium version of the Biohazard website has been uncovered in Japan. Basically all you have to do after going to the Biohazard website is click on one of the nucleuses on the red cell that floating around aimlessly. That jumps to the premium site and viola, more red cell navigation will show you all kinds of goodies like game clips and an online sound game.

So what's with the picture? After you've clicked all the red cells, blue ones will appear that let you enter to win a part of the "Leone Collection", a set of Biohazard inspired clothing and accessories like his leather jacket. Many will enter, 25 will win. Not the whole sha-bang-a-bang, just one of the prizes in the poster. I wonder what size the one pair of "Engineer Boots" are...Kim Phu

バイオハザード4 Wiiエディション』の発売を記念して公式サイトでプレゼントキャンペーンなどを実施 [Famitsu]

ESRB Rates Actraiser For VC, Streets of Rage 2 For Xbox 360

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:00:21 MDT

North American Wii owners lamenting the fact that they're the last to get the Enix SNES classic ActRaiser for the Virtual Console will be happy to read that the ESRB has rated the game, indicating a release is imminent. Well, more than likely.

Additionally, the ESRB has also rated the Sega Genesis brawler Streets of Rage 2 for the Xbox 360, adding one more game to the list of potential Sega Vintage Collection candidates for Xbox Live Arcade. The 16-bit classic was recently released for Nintendo's Virtual Console service.

[Insert attempt at fresh take on complaining about Sega not bringing actual arcade games to XBLA.] Michael McWhertor

ESRB Game Ratings

More Sega Vintage Games For XBLA

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 15 May 2007 18:40:11 MDT

Those Sega Vintage Collection images? They were real. Last week, we took the Sega PR doublespeak at face value, thinking that someone had faked images of Sonic the Hedgehog for Xbox Live Arcade. We've learned our lesson and know not to those marketing types ever again.

Today, a new batch of ratings from the ESRB turned up two potential Vintage Collection additions, Ecco the Dolphin and Sonic the Hedgehog for the Xbox 360. The latter is, of course, a different entry from the awful 3D version Sonic Team shat out for Microsoft's console last year. Sega announced a singular Genesis title for the 360 at E3 2006, then called Sonic the Hedgehog High Speed.

So, Xbox 360 owners, expect even more Sega Genesis to be dredged up yet again for future XBLA releases. I've completely given up hope of Sega actually tapping into their arcade library. Michael McWhertor

ESRB Watch: Ecco, Sonic on 360 [IGN]

A Game Collection For The Ages

fdemarco — Sat, 05 May 2007 20:00:00 MDT

Kotakuite, Tristan recently cleaned out his game closet and assembled his collection for all to see. Covering over twenty different systems, his collection is quite impressive. It always warms the cockles of my heart to see games all gathered in one place and not be an auction on eBay. Guard your treasure trove well, Tristan, in another 75- 80 years some of those will be bona fide antiques which you can then present on Antiques Roadshow for a tidy sum. Flynn De Marco

NES eBay Auction Officially Insane

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:40:09 MST

What was once a semi-reasonable instant Nintendo Entertainment System complete collection buy-in has now crossed into insane auction territory. The eBay auction that includes 670 unique games that Fahey posted yesterday has seen a ludicrous, competition-silencing bid from "Bidder 24" that pushes the current bid to $240,300. That's almost a quarter of a million dollars and it doesn't even include the superior top-loading NES or a dog bone controller.

Serious bid? One too many zeros? Is someone just mucking up the works? We're keeping an eye on it to see if this crosses into wacky batshit nutball pricing. Michael McWhertor

UPDATE: Looks like the owner is cancelling some bids. As of right now, the high bid is at $25,350.00. Thanks for the update, hitstun.

NES Nintendo - EVERY GAME EVER MADE - 670 LOT Licensed [eBay - Thanks to Daniel and Kyle!]

The Complete NES eBay Auction

Mike Fahey — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 11:40:22 MST

Yet another collection suffers the fate all obsessive collections will one day suffer once the collector realizes that all of their time and money has amounted to piles of expensive stuff. An eBayer has posted an auction containing every single licensed North American NES game ever made, from 1942 to Zombie Nation.
The auction also includes several peripherals, including ROB the Robot and the so-bad power glove, as well as a system to play the games on. With five days left to go in the auction it is already up to $12,700, which means it surpassed my spending power $12,650 ago. An awe-inspiring collection, certainly, and one that I'm sure will wind up back on eBay once the winner comes to his or her senses. Michael Fahey

NES Nintendo - EVERY GAME EVER MADE - 670 LOT Licensed [eBay - Thanks Arun!]

The Uber Console Collection Auction

Mike Fahey — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:40:37 MST

Forget the instant console collection. If you've always wanted to get into collecting vintage game consoles but weren't sure where to start, we've found the definitive starting point. It's an auction up on eBay UK right now entitled ber 90 Telespielkonsolen (Over 90 Television Consoles), and it is uber indeed. With game systems ranging from old classics like the Atari 2600 (4 versions!) to obscure items like the Game Axe NES clone, the auction covers over 2 and a half decades of gaming history. There are consoles here I've never even heard of.
The auction starts at 3,000 Euros, which is close to $4000, but with 80% of the systems confirmed to be in working order it is totally worth it. The poster recommends you come to Germany to pick up the systems due to high shipping costs, but if you end up winning this horde I very much doubt price is going to be an object. Michael Fahey

ber 90 Telespielkonsolen [eBay UK via Arcade Heroes - Thanks Matt!]

Games of the Week: Monday Edition

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:40:10 MST

With some big next-gen releases over the past few days, not to mention the Burger King trio, expect the rest of the week to be light on shipments. Here's what's new and notable this week.

Superman Returns (DS, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
Film to game adaptation from the Madden house.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)
Take out terrorists in Sin City!

Capcom Classics Vol. 2 (PS2, Xbox)
Arcade favorites, including Super Street Fighter II, Strider, Magic Sword and more.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine (PC)
The Oblivion expansion pack adds a new faction and gives PC players horse armor!

Tony Hawk's Project 8 (PSP)
More Tony and his tricky buddies on the go.

I'll be picking up the Capcom Classics Collection for my cheap ass retro gaming fix. You guys have any cash leftover this week? If so, what are you getting? Michael McWhertor

The Greatest Video Game Collection EVAR

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 18:47:51 MST

Holy elephant crap, Batman! Here's one insanely insane video game collection. It is so insane that we know nothing at all about it, but man, that is one lucky kid. Toy cars, a dog and almost every video game ever made. (Not to mention a groovy exercise bike.) More pics after the jump.

TV Game Paradise [ElEl]