Kotaku: Famitsu

What Is Atlus Teasing With This Teaser Ad?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:00:00 MDT

In the latest issue of Famitsu, Atlus has taken a two-page ad out that hints at an announcement on August 1st. According to a quick translation from the folks at NeoGAF, the tag reads:

On the day when Yin and Yang come together a new jiken (event/incident) will begin.

Seems like this is another Raidou Kuzunoha game. Any other guesses?

Atlus mysterious ad in the latest Famitsu... [NeoGAF via Go Nintendo]

iDOLM@STER For PSP Announced

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:00:00 MDT

Until now, nerds who wanted to play Namco's pop idol sim THE iDOLM@STER had two choices: Play the arcade versions or play the Xbox 360 versions. But not every owns an Xbox 360 in Japan. (Shocking, we know.) Good news! There's a new option as Namco Bandai is releasing the game on the PSP. Dubbed THE iDOLM@STER SP, this one player game almost looks like a port of the arcade version with PSP-tweaked graphics. There is a new "mail check" system where players have to check the idol's email from magazine writers, stylists and fans. Since Namco Bandai won't be able to make a killing on DLC like it has with the Xbox 360, the company is releasing three versions of the game with three characters spliced into each one. Maximum profits! The three versions (with characters) are:

THE iDOLM@STER Perfect Sun
• Haruka Amami
• Yayoi Takatsuki
• Makoto Kikuchi

THE iDOLM@STER Wondering Star
• Yukiho Hagiwara
• Iori Minase
• Ami and Mami Futami

THE iDOLM@STER Missing Moon
• Chihaya Kisaragi
• Azusa Miura
• Ritsuko Akizuki

Though, people who buy at launch this winter are mostly likely going to buy all three. But, if you are going to buy only one version, buy the Wondering Star one, 'cause you'll get four characters. That's added value, people.

Thanks for the tip, Muu!

Famitsu Boss Says PS3 Penetration Will Accelerate

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:00:00 MDT

Famitsu editor Hirokazu Hamamura isn't just an editor. He's a pundit! And he's got a bag full of opinions with him to share. Hamamura thinks the PS3's "slow penetration" is improving. Nice and slow, that's how Sony does it. According to Hamamura:

The PS3’s penetration pace has been slower than I expected. Its higher price tag and software development difficulties have been major causes for stalling the growth of its installed base. However, these problems are gradually being resolved.

If the console gets another price cut by the year-end shopping season, I believe its penetration pace will become accelerated.

Don't blame Hamamura for the "penetration", blame the translator.

‘PS3’s problems are being resolved’ [MCVUK]

Patapon 2 Announced, Let's Look At It

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:00:00 MDT

People liked Patapon so much that Sony Computer Entertainment Japan went and decided to put out another. That's right, this winter Japan will see Patapon 2. While the previous title was single player, the sequel will feature four player multi-player mode as well as new characters. PON-PON-PATA-PON!

Hit the jump for another look at Patapon 2.

Patapon 2 in Famitsu [2chan]

Mega Man 9 Dated For Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:00:00 MDT

WiiWare game Mega Man 9 has been dated for Japan. The game will be out this September as confirmed by this week's Famitsu. The 8-bit game hasn't yet gotten a Western release date. That's what E3 for!

famitsu 20080704 [Wii@Everyday]

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]

First Details About Xbox 360 Raiden IV Home Port

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 MDT

The upcoming issue of Japanese gaming mag Famitsu has the first details about the Raiden IV home port. The game will be hitting the Xbox 360 and will feature the standard arcade game, plus two new stages, LIVE and the ability to share replay saves with online buddies. There's even an option for vertical ("tate") for those with swivel arm HD TVs who want that true vertical shooting experience. Game shoots up Japanese Xbox 360s this September.

First Raiden IV 360 Details [Arcade Renaissance]

DISSIDIA: Final Fantasy Half Done

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:00:00 MDT

DISSIDIA: Final Fantasy? 50 percent done. So says the game's character designer Tetsuya Nomura in the upcoming issue of Japanese game mag Famitsu. This shouldn't come as a huge surprise as only half the cast has been revealed. That, and Square Enix does like to take its sweet time putting out its games. There's no rush, we guess.

Dissidia Final Fantasy [Videogamerx via PSP Hyper via PSP Fanboy]

Final Fantasy Versus XIII Put On Hold

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:40:38 MDT

Square Enix's grandiose plans for a Final Fantasy XIII three-way appear to be a bit stalled. The action oriented spin-off known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII may be coming even later than expected, which should come as a surprise to absolutely no one. According to an interview with Versus XIII director Tetsuya Nomura in the newest issue of Famitsu, he explains that development is the side story is currently "on hold," with development staff of that game now tasked with getting FFXIII out the door.

Given that it's been over two years since Square Enix first showed off its FFXIII offerings and we're still getting trailers devoid of gameplay, we certainly don't expect to see Final Fantasy XIII until well into 2009. We'll pencil in Versus for 2013 or so.

Let's give it up for ten-year console life cycles!

Nomura: Square Enix blow-out at TGS, Versus XIII on hold [Forever Fantasy]

New Final Fantasy Versus XIII Scans

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Here, have a look! Here are new Final Fantasy Versus XIII images from the upcoming issue of Famitsu. The PS3 exclusive is part of the Final Fantasy XIII label Fabula Nova Crystallis and is being directed by famed character designer Tetsuya Nomura. According to the Famitsu scans, Square Enix thinks it will be able to announce the latest news regarding FF Versus XIII this summer. Smart money says they do it at that "private party" this August.

Hit the jump for another scan.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII Image [Jeux-France]

Macross Ace Frontier Coming to PSP

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:30:00 MDT

This week's Famitsu announces mecha Macross Ace Frontier for the PSP. The game is based on the anime Macross Frontier, and hey, the franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Out in this fall in Japan, the PSP game is being developed by Art Dink (read more about them here) and will be published by Namco Bandai. Like other Macross games, Ace Frontier will feature mecha from all the series and movies like Veritechs from Macross, Macross Plus and Macross 7. There are scans, and they are right down there.

Macross Scans [2chan.net]

Jamzy: The Game

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Been a while since we last saw Jamzy. So what's Japan's #1 Microsoft fanboy been up to since? Oh, he's been keeping himself very busy. Busy designing games! Not real games, as in ones you can one day walk into a store and buy. Dream games, as in ones that Microsoft Japan aren't making, but in Jamzy's dreams, probably should be (that's his dog, and the text reads: "Oh, long time no see. Well, today, Jump In"). I mean, shit, I'd pay $50 for a game about little dogs and wacky hairstyles. Bet most of Japan would, too.

【雑記】インサイドXbox、リニューアルです。[Famitsu]

Why First and Third Person Shooters Are Not Popular In Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

An eight page Famitsu article called "Shall we shoot a little?" and featuring a bikini lady holding a gun tackles first-person and third-person shooters. The magazine polled readers to see what experience they have with FPS or TPS games. 74.8 percent have played these types of games, while 51 percent of those said they'd like to play FPS or TPS games again. Reasons for disinterest didn't include the stereotypical FPS-games-make-Japanese-nauseous, but did include these responses from Famitsu readers:

"I'm not interested."

"The games seem difficult."

"I don't know what the point of these games is."

"I'm worried about playing them because I'm a beginner."

And so RPGs march valiantly on and on and on and on...

This Week in Japan [Next-Gen]

Tenchu 4 Heading to Wii

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

The most recent issue of Japanese game mag Famitsu announces that ninja stealth action title Tenchu 4 is headed for the Wii. The game will be developed by Acquire who worked on the early Tenchu titles and Armored Core dev From Software who published Xbox 360 exclusive Tenchu Z.

Tenchu 4 For Wii [2chan]

Yes, Have A Look Or Two At Fatal Frame IV

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:00:00 MDT

This week's Famitsu has a look at the Nintendo published surivival horror Zero ~Tsukihami no Kamen~ AKA Fatal Frame IV. The Wii game is being directed by Tecmo's Makoto Shibata and Grasshopper's Goichi Suda. While Shibata worked on the previous Fatal Frame games, Suda was roped in to work on Fatal Frame IV. Hit the jump for another look at the game.

Latest Famitsu [Wii@Everyday]

First Look At Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:40:24 MDT

We got our first blurry look at Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom courtesy of the pages of Famitsu magazine recently, but the mag's online presence has posted much clearer shots of the 2.5D fighter. It shows off the only confirmed characters—Chun-li, Ryu, Gatchaman and Casshern—and looks... well, it looks rather flat. Odd that Capcom would pump out another Street Fighter game so close to IV, but this one looks to cater to a different crowd, with big, big fireballs and over the top attacks a la X-Men Vs. Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom. Take a peek.

Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom [Famitsu]

Capcom vs. Legendary Anime Company!

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:00:00 MDT

This. Is. Cool. The upcoming issue of Famitsu announces an interesting fighting game match-up: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes. Yes, that Tatsunoko, you know, the studio behind TV anime Speed Racer, Casshern and what Westerners know as Robotech. The game is being developed by Capcom and will storm Japanese arcades this winter. It will feature tag battles, and so far Ryu, Chun-Li, Ken Washio from Gatchaman and Casshern have been announced.

Thanks Tak!

Ollie Barder points out: "Robotech isn't owned by Tatsunoko, and Macross has very complicated rights issues (even in Japan) so it's unlikely the Capcom game would feature it. This is a helpful list."

Platinum Games Blowout!

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:30:00 MDT

Looks like those Platinum Games rumors are true. Things like a mulit-page article in this week's Famitsu magazine tend to confirm things like that. There's 3D action title Bayonetta for the PS3 and the Xbox 360>. The angel-battling game features a protagonist with gun-feet. The game is being directed by Hideki Kamiya, the creator of Devil May Cry and director of Okami. The other game Famitsu mentions is Infinite Line, which is apparently being co-developed with Nude Maker. The game is being directed by Nude Maker's Hifumi Kouno. The DS game allows players to customize their spaceship and features the appearance of over 200 characters! The last game mentioned is monochrome and crimson Wii title MADWORLD. The ultra violent title will feature comical mayhem. And blood. Lots and lots of blood. Platinum Games is working on a fourth title as well. No idea about title or platform or publisher — all that's known is that Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami is at the helm. That will suffice for now!

Famitsu 20080516 [Wii @ Everyday]

Ken Kutaragi Offers His International Business Skills

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:00:00 MDT

Ever wonder what PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi is up to? After that messy, messy PS3 launch, Kutaragi was elbowed out of the limelight in favor of Sony Computer Entertainment of America honcho Kaz Hirai. Still connected with Sony Computer Entertainment, Kutaragi no longer works for SCE in any active function.

According to a recent Kadokawa Group Holdings financial statement, Kutaragi will be taking on the role of an outside director, making him on the board of directors. This will be approved at the June 22nd shareholder meeting. Kadokawa Shoten publishes many manga (Lucky Star, Cowboy Bebop) as well as magazines (Newtype). Apparently Kadokawa is hoping to tap into Kutaragi's international business savvy. M'kay.

As IGN points out, here's where it gets interesting: Enterbrain is under the Kodokawa Group Holdings umbrella. Enterbrain publishes Famitsu, Japan's most influential game magazine. Let the conspiracy theories begin!
Ken Kutaragi's New Digs [Famitsu]

Miyamoto Never Thought He'd Be Making Wii Fit

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:40:01 MDT

Over the weekend, Famitsu held its Famitsu Award 2007 ceremony, giving industry luminaries awards — because hey, Famitsu does more than give 10s and crunch press releases! Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto got the MVP award with "MVP" standing for "Most Valuable Person." Clever! Said Miyamoto:

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. Getting something like this really makes the last thirty years worth it. It's somewhat unreal, somewhat of a dream. Five years ago, I never thought I'd be making something like Wii Fit. I thought I'd be making more Mario and Zelda.

You've changed man, you've changed.
Nintendo Gets Innovation Award for Wii Fit [Famitsu via Game|Life]

PS3 Siren Game Confirmed Early

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:00:01 MDT

Yup, just like we and pretty much everyone else thought, that blood red countdown clock was counting down to a PS3 Siren game. The upcoming issue of Japanese game magazine Famitsu confirms it. Dubbed Siren New Translation, the PLAYSTATION 3 survival horror title is currently 90 percent done and apparently a reworking of the first game. It will go on sale this summer on July 24th, and a demo will be released on April 24th. There's still 45 hours left on the blood red clock. So... Not much of a countdown, huh?
Siren Confirmed [Game at Futaba]

Enterbrain: Japan Console Market To Peak This Year

Mark Wilson — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:00 MDT

Famitsu publisher Enterbrain is not encouraged by the Japanese console market. In fact, they've predicted that game console and software sales will peak this year with spending of 710.4 billion yen and drop to 671.1 billion yen by 2010. More from Japan Today:

The market is likely to contract as brisk demand for games consoles, such as the Wii from Nintendo Co and the PlayStation 3 from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, will run its course, Enterbrain Inc said.

We can't quite tell if that means Enterbrain singled out those two consoles, or if the publication just offered examples for clarity. Either way, it's not a good prediction for either of them...especially not the PS3, which is still fighting for a decent install base in its native land.

Video game console, software sales forecast to peak in 2008 [Japan Today via MaxConsole]

Resident Evil 5 Interview Confirms Africa Setting, Explains Why

Mark Wilson — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 MDT

Since the Resident Evil 5 trailer debuted, it's stirred controversy. And even more recently, it's stirred controversy again. Now a Famitsu interview has surfaced with the game's producer Takeuchi-san. Aside from telling us quite a bit more about the RE5, he confirms that the game is set in Africa and explains the team's choice for this, skirting the racial tension around the topic.

...we really wanted to show the origins of the virus. So for the setting we thought, how about using the place where humankind was born?...we thought we would use Africa, which is now called the birthplace of humanity, as the model.

He also explains that a "concept of light and darkness has always been a theme of Biohazard...as abstract [ideas]" and now the theme is working its way into the core mechanics. To me it's sounding more and more to be influenced by the famous Joseph Conrad novel The Heart of Darkness, a blending of both the metaphorical and literal "white" vs. "black" effects of European ivory-fueled colonialism. But Conrad's text has more than once been accused of its own racism, most famously by Chinua Achebe.

Resident Evil 5 Famitsu Interview With Takeuchi-san [Capcom Blog] Thanks Scott!

New DS Coming To E3 2008?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:40:00 MDT

According to Bloomberg Japan, Enterbrain (Famitsu's parent company) honcho Hirokazu Hamamura has said that Nintendo might unveil a new DS model at E3 2008. While Ash is asleep and our Google Translate only takes us so far, there doesn't appear to be any other information of note other than Nintendo declining to comment on the rumor.

Since it took about two years for the DS to become the DS Lite, the timeline for the DS Lite to become the DS Liter seems right on track. What would you like to see in the updated handheld if Hamamura's prediction comes to fruition?

Nintendo DS possibility of a new version [Bloomberg via NeoGAF]

Phoenix Wright Spin-Off Features WALKING

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:40:25 MDT

Phoenix Wright rival Miles Edgeworth is getting his own DS spin-off, Perfect Prosecutor. The DS title co-stars detective Dick Gumshoe as Edgeworth searches for crime scene evidence that coppers missed in a new third person walking search and deduction system. Walking in an Ace Attorney game? What the?

Another shoot after the jump.

Thanks Kired for the tip!

Japanese People Love Nintendo Software

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:59 MDT

Now that the Japanese financial year is over, we can talk about the Japanese financial year. Hardware and software sales were up in 2007. Biggest selling game console in Japan last year? The Nintendo DS. SHOCKING! Here's how the hardware sales played out:

• Nintendo DS: 6,343,547 units sold in 2007 (22,169,761 units cumulative)
• PSP: 3,427,971 units in 2007 (8,574,026 units cumulative)
• Wii: 3,741,946 units in 2007 (5,695,579 units cumulative)
• PS3: 1,197,418 units in 2007 (2,009,492 units cumulative)
• Xbox 360: 235,318 units in 2007 (602,558 units cumulative)

This list isn't in order, because Famitsu didn't include the PS2, and we're pretty sure that console outsold the Xbox 360 in Japan. Hit the jump for the totally unexpected 2007 software sales. You will be shocked.

1. Wii Fit: 1,762,193 copies sold
2. Mario Party DS: 1,659,315 copies sold
3. Wii Sports: 1,616,377 copies sold (total: 2,840,389)
4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl: 1,554,852 copies sold
5. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: 1,354,447 copies sold

Keep in mind: All of these games when on sale either last fall or during the past winter. I dunno, I kinda get the feeling Japanese people like Nintendo...
Enterbrain Data [Famitsu]

Famitsu Scores Mario Kart Wii

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:00:35 MDT

For those who take Japanese magazine Famitsu scores seriously and for those who don't, we've got 'em: 10/9/9/9. Keep in mind that's with gimped Classic/GameCube controls and a baffling Wii Wheel. Without those foibles, the would've been 10/10/10/10 or even 11/11/11/11 or maybe 12/12/12/12. Guess that means Mario Kart Wii is totally friggin' awesome. Or something.
Famitsu Reviews [GameFront via Go Nintendo]

The King of Fighters XII First Mag Scans, Location Test

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:00:21 MDT

Hooray! This April, The King of Fighters XII is getting its first official play test in Japan. As pointed out in Famitsu, it's traditional 3 vs. 3 team match-ups. Also, the screen's edge forms a hard barrier that players will have to balance. What's more, attacks can cancel each other and there's a Guard Attack system that lets players switch from offensive to defensive modes on the fly. SNK says that the game system had gotten too complex and they were aiming showing that would be more approachable and put emphasis on "reading the opponent's mind." Famitsu scans below — which do the 100 percent hand drawn game no justice whatsoever.

KOFXII Info [mmcafe via Arcade Renaissance]

Famitsu Reveals Persona 4

Mike Fahey — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:20:22 MDT

This week's Famitsu magazine arrives in Japan with tons of information about Persona 4, the next installment of the quirky Atlus RPG series for the PlayStation 2. The sequel to one of the best RPG experiences on the PS2 so far moves the action from the city to the countryside, with the story taking the form of a murder mystery, chock full of twists and turns that will leave you guessing. The game includes a weather forecasting system that indicates when a murder is going to occur. Atlus is packing tons of gameplay into the new title, with 60-70 hours of gameplay and over 180 Personas (Personae?) for you to play with. Persona 4 is slated for a July 10th release in Japan, with a North American release almost a no-brainer, considering the reception of P3 in the states. Follow the link beneath the gallery to Akayuki for more scans from the latest Famitsu.

Weekly Famitsu Info & Scans [Akayuki]

And Famitsu's Top 25 Games For 2007 Were...

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:20:00 MDT

People only seem fussed over the scores from one Japanese mag: Famitsu. And while they're not the most reliable barometer for a title's quality (for long-running franchises like Final Fantasy, you can forget about a fanbase-annoying score), it's still somewhat interesting seeing how they felt 2007's games shaped up. After the jump are the 25 games with the highest scores, and before you jump, know this: four editors review the games and score them out of 10, with the listed score being the total out of a possible 40. Try not to let the number of 360 games SHOCK YOU.

1. Phantom Hourglass - 39
2. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (360 version) - 38
3. Super Mario Galaxy - 38
4. GTA San Andreas (PS2) - 38
5. Call of Duty 4 (360) - 37
6. Call of Duty 4 (PS3) - 37
7. Minna no Golf Portable 2 (PSP) - 37
8. God of War 2 (PS2) - 37
9. Halo 3 - 37
10. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (PS3) 36
11. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (360) 36
12. Kousoku Card Battle: Card Hero (DS) - 36
13. Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida (PSP) - 36
14. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune - 36
15. Lost Odyssey - 36
16. Assassin's Creed (360 version) - 36
17. Ace Combat 6 - 36
18. Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - 36
19. Minna no Golf 5 (Everybody's Golf 5) - 36
20. Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (360) - 36
21. Itadaki Street - 36
22. Forza Motorsport 2 - 36
23. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (360 version) 36
24. Gyakuten Saiban 4 - 36
25. Final Fantasy IV (DS) - 35

Ten 360 games. Out of 25. Ten. Go on, count 'em. It's so bananas I'm going to go get a banana, have a lie down and have a good hard think over what it all means.
Famitsu's top 25 games of 2007 by score [VG247]

New Street Fighter IV Character Leaked!

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:30:50 MDT

A photo of this week's pre-newsstand Famitsu shows new SFIV character "El Fuerte." Not much is known about him other than he's a Lucha Libre wrestler. Hit the jump for a closer look.

SFIV New Character [Evilbore]

Famitsu Confirms Disgaea DS

Mike Fahey — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:20:04 MST

The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu has been poked and prodded by the folks at Akayuki.com, revealing a game that's been rumored since the middle of last year, Disgaea for the Nintendo DS. According to the translator the game is titled Disgaea DS: Prince...and that's all we've got. Simply an announcement that the game exists. No screens, no interesting tidbits, and no telling if the prince in question is Laharl or the aging pop sensation. I'm sure that most Disgaea fans are with me when I say that just knowing it's coming is enough...for now.

Weekly Famitsu info and scans [Akayuki.com via CVG]

Another New SFIV Character Revealed

Mike Fahey — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:20:13 MST

Famitsu has posted pictures of another new face appearing in the fourth installment of the Street Fighter series, and it's a big blond guy! Named Abel, he is a rather muscular bloke wearing white hand guards, blue shin guards, tight white shorts and a blue shirt of some sort. Billed as "The man with no past", Abel seems to have amnesia - a first for a video game character. From the always deadly accurate translation tool, Babelfish:

On the basis of little clue, plain gauze dollar - the young person who continues to chase the remnant. The troop you train and you use the comprehensive grapple technique which seems. At first glance is not sociable, but the person we do not dislike, being raw serious, polite character. Past memory is lost.

Okay then. I thought they were going to focus on introducing new female characters myself, though judging from the recent Chun Li screenshots we can't rule out that gender is among the things Abel forgot.

More Abel Pics Here [Famitsu - Thanks SGeek!]

New Street Fighter IV Pics At Famitsu

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:20:00 MST

You may have seen some of the newest screen shots from Famitsu magazine earlier this week, but the Famitsu web site finally has clear—if not huge—pics that outnumber what the print version showed. They show off thankfully legible details on all eight classic street fighters plus newbie Crimson Viper's special moves.

As an added bonus, it looks like the Famitsu staff got to go hands-on with the arcade version of Street Fighter IV, with pics of themselves playing it as proof. Those can be seen here and include off monitor screens showing alternate costume colors.

Street Fighter IV [Famitsu]

New Mario Kart Wii Images

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:00:07 MST

Regarding our earlier Mario Kart Wii post, here are the images from Japanese game magazine Famitsu. It confirms earlier rumblings about the 16 tracks, 12 person Wi-Fi battles and Mii racing. This should certainly helps bring credibility to that April 10th Japan release date!

Mario Kart Wii Images [Jeux France]

Street Fighter IV Welcomes Chun-Li's Thighs, Classic Fighters

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:40:00 MST

The latest issue of Famitsu, scheduled to hit newsstands on Friday, will scoop the official Street Fighter IV web site in revealing additions to the fighting game's cast of characters. Leaked scans of the newest issue have already hit 2ch, by way of Korean gaming site Ruliweb, showing off the original eight from Street Fighter II will return. Guile, Blanka, Zangief, Dhalsim, E. Honda and Chun-Li join Ken and Ryu, all of whom look very familiar—perhaps a bit too familiar.

While the gameplay shots are tiny, we get a look at Street Fighter IV's attention to detail. Touches like Dhalsim's bandages and bracelets spreading over the Indian fighter's stretched arms make 3D more welcome. We also get a chance to see newcomer Crimson Viper in-game, plus a peek at some familiar Street Fighter moves.

Four pages of pics are in the gallery below. Be sure to check them out full-sized.

Gaming Magazine Totally Snubs Xbox 360!?

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:00:30 MST

The one-thousandth issue of game mag Famitsu went on sale in Japan. Congrats! The front cover illustration features Famitsu mascot (his name is "Necky") in various costumes. Wait, there's also a Wii and a PS3. Two consoles, huh. Something's missing, and we wonder if Japan even notices.

Full image after the jump. Perhaps you can spot it, because we really can't.

Man, I bet Jamzy is pissed.
1000 Issue No Xbox 360 [Hatimaki]

Some Totally Hatin' on PlayStation Home

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:00:49 MST

We're pretty excited about PlayStation Home. Theoretically, it sounds cool, and we are keen to see how it plays out. But that's us. What does Japan think? Dunno! We do know what readers of Japanese game mag Famitsu think and they're hating on it. In the most recent issue of the mag, the question was "What do you think about member services like PlayStation Home?" Here's the breakdown:
• 27.3 percent are interested in trying it out
• 37.3 percent don't care
• 35.4 percent dislike such services
Yikes! Quotes to drive home the hatorade after the jump:

Says a high school student: "I won't allow myself to be trapped in some fake reality." A 22-year-old college student: "It just doesn't look like it'd be fun as a game." A 24-year-old company guy says "It's more fun to enjoy myself in the real world."

Keep in mind that this is Famitsu readers only, and there are some who are excited about Home. Somewhere.

Miyamoto in Famitsu [Next Generation via Insert Credit]

Final Fantasy XIII Scans from Famitsu PS3

fdemarco — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:00:00 MST

A reader at FinalFantasy-XIII.net has scanned in 37 pages from the latest PS3-centric Famitsu magazine that covers Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIII Versus. There's not a lot new here (if any) but if you haven't been following every tiny bit of minutia coming out about the titles, there will probably be some things you haven't seen in here. Of course, if you can read Japanese there will no doubt be lots of fun info about the game to take in as well.

Exclusive: 27 New FFXIII and Versus Famitsu PS3 Scans [FinalFantasy-XIII.net]

New DMC4 Screens Reveal New Boss

fdemarco — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:00:00 MST

Famitsu has posted some new screens for the upcoming Devil May Cry 4 that reveal a new boss character. We're not sure what his name is, but he's really, really large and looks to be made of some kind of stone. Some of the screenshots seem extremely reminiscent of the Colossus of Rhodes battle in God of War 2. However, whether the actual gameplay of the battle is the same remains to be seen. I have to say I'm really digging Dante's suitcase cum automatic weapon. I really need to get one of those, it would come in quite handy for clearing the way at crowded conventions.

Make the jump for a few more shots...

You can check out the whole gallery here on Famitsu.