Capcom making Lost Planet movie [Variety]

It's good news for Lost Planet fans — and not just because of Hayter's screenwriting nerd cred based on his X-Men and Watchmen scripts — because the man cares deeply about the source material.

"There is gap in Hollywood between people who write good movies and those who appreciate good video games," Hayter said. The man with the trademark voice says he tries "to make an effort to take the essence of the game, keep as much of that as possible, and still put it into a proper film structure." Yes, yes, but will it feature bug shooting? 'Cause bug shooting is key.

AX08: Solid Snake Discusses Lost Planet [IGN]

Evil Avatar Radio Ep. Eleventy One - David Hayter [Evil Avatar]

Question: Are we going to see Bionic Commando, Lost Planet or something like this on the Wii?

Svensson: Possible... the "or something like this" part we could talk about in a couple weeks perhaps.

We cannot wait to learn about "Or Something Like This." It sounds like a fantastic game.

Capcom To Announce New Wii Game [N-Europe via Infendo]

The press release, via the official Capcom blog, hints that additional and unannounced Capcom books will be revealed at the San Diego Comic Con this July. It does not, however, indicate if we'll get backstory that explains why Bionic Commando has sausage-filled limbs. My own theory is that he was bitten by a radioactive hot dog while on a field trip, giving him the proportionate strength and speed of a frank that plumps when you cook it. That's totally speculative, though.

Press release follows.

DEVIL’S DUE PARTNERING WITH CAPCOM® ENTERTAINMENT ON NEW COMICS

New titles to include Bionic Commando® and Lost Planet™

Chicago, IL. (May 13, 2008) – This year, one of the biggest names in cutting-edge action comics will team with one of the most respected publishers and developers of video games, as Devil’s Due announces a new publishing deal with Capcom®. As part of an expansive package, Devil’s Due will launch four new titles based on Capcom game properties, including Bionic Commando® and Lost Planet™.

“DDP is very excited to be joining forces with Capcom,” said DDP President Josh Blaylock. “Not only are these awesome games, but they have great stories behind them ripe for comics, including a vintage classic with Bionic Commando that’s been revived along with the new sequel.”

Already a leader in comic books featuring prominent pop culture icons, Devil’s Due heads into Summer 2008 with a rapidly swelling library of new adapted and original titles.

“Devil’s Due is a very passionate and creative comic publisher,” said Germaine Gioia, senior vice president, licensing, Capcom Entertainment. “We are thrilled to be working with DDP to begin evolving some of our highest profile videogame properties in other media.”

More details about Devil’s Due’s plans for Bionic Commando, Lost Planet, and other new Capcom books will be announced at July’s San Diego Comic-Con.

Wonder what game it is... There is Lost Planet art on the wall. Hrm.
Focus Test [Flickr via Capcom Blog via Siliconera]

Lost Planet: Colonies Achievements! [Pulled] [Xbox360Sync]

Best of the Sunday Ad Video Game Deals (2/24 - 3/1) [CheapAssGamer]

When contacted for comment, Capcom reps simply replied "Stay Tuned." Well, to be perfectly precise, they replied "stay_tuned.jpg." With GDC and a Capcom Gamers Day coming soon, we won't be surprised when Capcom announces something about Colonies.

ESRB Game Ratings

How will Bill Gates sleep tonight knowing that Sony has scored 5 extra characters for PS3's Lost Planet? We're betting on warm milk and possibly a plate of delicious oatmeal cookies.

プレイステーション3版ではルカも使用可能に... [via 1UP]

Lost Planet - Xbox 360 vs. PS3 [Videogamer.com]

Yo, Wayne! Lost Planet superstar signed to GI Joe movie [Capcom US - The Blog]

Ultimately, it's developers on a budget (be it time or money) that are making the PS3 unable to play ported Xbox 360 games as well as the Xbox 360. It's a development industry doing what they can to make money using development models from 10 years ago, when they clearly no longer apply. Could Sony have minimized such problems by designing a platform more like the PC or Xbox 360? Sure. Should they have? Who knows? But fanboys, please, please cool your jets. If no one calls out the bad ports, then companies will just keep sweeping them under the rug and you will keep buying them, helplessly trapped by your pocketbook or meaningless brand loyalties to own one console.

A true PS3/360/Wii fanboy should be complaining louder than anyone else when a bad game hits their console. Never be insulted by talk; be insulted by the guy stealing your money.

There was enough Capcom news to fill a megaton sized shipping crate, including the announcement of Street Fighter IV, Bionic Commando and a Wii port of Okami. GameTrailers has a handy wrap up on everything that went down during the company's London Gamers Day, including an update on when we can expect more on Resident Evil 5.

UPDATE: Despite some disbelief, Capcom has confirmed this is a legit PS3 image. Here's the gallery from whence it came. Some images look better, some don't.

UPDATE 2: Hit the jump for a side by side put together by a reader. Thanks Jospeh!

We thought Capcom said Lost Planet was coming to PS3, not PS2 [maxconsole]

Along with this amazing news, Capcom also announced Lost Planet for the PS3, a new Ace Attorney game for the Nintendo DS featuring and new main character, and an all-new sci-fi action adventure game called Dark Void. It takes a special kind of company to wait 20 years from the release of the original game to finally get to number four in the series. I can't wait for the year 2012, when we'll be playing Super Street FIghter IV Hyper Mega Hologram Remix. Yum.

Street Fighter 4 announced! [Games Radar - Thanks Paul!]

Capcom must be doing okay for themselves, as they're running these ads in Tokyo Station in search of new talent. Good luck, future applicants!

But seriously, does anyone actually play Lost Planet multiplayer? (I know, this judgement coming from a Shadowrun junkie.) Are all of us primitive, non-Lost Planet multiplayers missing out here?

Post details: New Lost Planet Patch Coming [via gamingtoday]

Until now it's been hard for us to develop multi-platform games, but recently we have developed this development engine that allows us to develop a game in the engine and then put it on to PS3 and 360.

Developing Dead Rising and Lost Planet helped flush out everything in the development tool system — which is now pretty much complete, aside from the usual upgrades — so we decided to use that engine, make it for the 360 and the PS3 with Devil May Cry 4.

So, now we can get the game out into the hands of more gamers — because 360 has such a huge installed base already, especially in the US, and as game makers we want as many people to have the chance to play our games as possible.

Four new (to the PC) maps will also be available for download with the PC Map Pack #1 featuring Radar Field, Island 902, Hive Complex and Trial Point. The four maps will also be free for Xbox 360 gamers on the same day. Thanks, Capcom. We owe you one.

Dozens of shots of the new characters, optional views and a look at the new list of connected players in multiplayer mode are in our gallery below.

He'll be autographing "limited quantity Mega Man retro-themed t-shirts, special posters, your baby's forehead, or anything else you got." He seems very open, but I'm guessing that if you want to get your boob signed, you should probably be female. My suggestion? Create your own Mega Man milk bottle and see if Inafune gets the joke.

More details at the official Capcom blog, including hints at an appearance from Mega Man himself. Commence girlish shrieking... now.

Mega Man Autograph Session With Keiji Inafune [Capcom News]

If you don't have a 360 and don't want to take up room on your game shelf with one of those bulky boxes but your dying to play Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Steam has got news for you. As of this past Wednesday, the digital download service began taking pre-orders for Capcom's kick ass giant bug blasting game. save a whopping four dollars off the regular $39.95 price tag if you buy before June 27th! That gives you exactly four days to to get your financial affairs in order (ie: Searching your couch for change) before the game's official Steam launch. Good luck and happy bug hunting. Flynn De Marco

The new maps look great (hit the jump for a gallery) and really do make me want to hop back on the game, but I still cringe at having to pay 400 MS Points for the new pack. Sure it isn't much, but compared to all the awesome user created maps out there for PC-based FPS games I am beginning to feel just a bit nickel and dimed. Hit the jump for a gallery of the new levels, and keep an eye peeled for videos later in the day. Michael Fahey

Valve Corporation's broadband Steam digital content delivery platform welcomes Capcom. A first for Japanese developers, the company will bring PC versions of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Onimusha 3, Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and future PC games. Yes, Capcom's making more! Says Valve's Gabe Newell:

This initial set of Capcom titles coming to Steam, as well as those coming at a later date, are a perfect fit for the millions of action gaming fans connecting to Steam each week.

When? DMC3 hits in days, while weeks later will see Onimusha 3. When Lost Planet: Extreme Condition hits PCs on June 26th, a Steam version will likewise be available at launch. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will roll out later in the year. Brian Ashcraft

Capcom Steamed [CS Nation]

Hey all you guys who bought that Collector's Edition of Lost Planet for the Battleground map, it's free now suckers!

OK, there may have been just a few other things wrapped into the Collector's Edition, but I wasn't kidding about the Battleground map hitting Live free. The map will hit the Xbox 360 on June 7 for absolutely nada.

I love this new way of selling stuff on Xbox Live, charging a price to people who want it now and can't wait and then giving it away down the line to support the hardcore, but cheap of funds, fans. Keep it up Capcom. Brian Crecente

Now, lending more weight to the rumor that a Lost Planet "Wars" spin-off is coming, publisher Capcom recently trademarked the name Lost Planet Colonies with the US Patent and Trademark Office, indicating something new is on the way. Is this the tactical/strategy game for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 that the Rumor Reporter hinted at months ago?

Like many trademarks, Lost Planet Colonies may not see reality and exist only as rumor or concept. But, we'll have to wait until E3 to see what Capcom may have planned for their latest franchise. Michael McWhertor

I downloaded it this morning, installed it, and got ready for some mind-blowing Lost Planet PC action!

The demo is available in both Direct X 9 and 10 versions, so you PC gamers out there who have Vista installed for some reason can play a months old console game while you wait for the release of a years old console game. Michael Fahey

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Demo [FilePlanet]

The site doesn't mention what genre Lost Planet Wars would fall under, but anyone who knows their videogame spin-offs wars means tactics.

Some recent comments from the company's director of brand marketing Jack Symon lend a bit more weight to the rumor. He told Gamespot that "I do think you are going to see announcements going forward with a multiplatform strategy," deftly dodging confirmation or denial of a PLAYSTATION 3 port of the original Lost Planet. Symon also added that "We're definitely proud to have a new IP, and there will be more on Lost Planet for sure."

So... Lost Planet Wars? Probably. Lost Planet 2? Definitely. Lost Planet Turbo Double Upper Tactics HD Remix Plus Alpha? Eventually. Michael McWhertor

Lost Planet Wars - It's Coming, Just Not Announced [Rumor Reporter]

Capcom USA held its Spring Gamers Day in San Francisco yesterday, showing off a number of new titles and, in the Capcom tradition, copious amounts of familiar brands. Mega Man, Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Phoenix Wright were all there and in mostly playable form. Capcom staffers and producers from Osaka were in attendance, including Devil May Cry producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi and Lost Planet director Keiji Inafune.

While there were virtually no "megaton" announcements to sate the unrealistic expectations of message baord posters in the form of Street Fighter 4, Dead Rising 2 or a new Bionic Commando, there were a few surprises.

Two of the previously unannounced games that were shown (one playable, one not) were... deep breath, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

Following the massive success of last year's Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting for Xbox Live Arcade, the suits at Capcom's eyes saw the potential for profit. This year, they'll rake in dollars, yen, euros and zenny, with the two HD remakes of their classic arcade fighters, plus two more titles, the board game Talisman and top-down action shooter Rocketmen: Axis of Evil.

Capcom's HD Remixes will both feature new artwork courtesy of Street Fighter comic book art collective Udon Entertainment, 1080p resolution and, of course, network play. New artwork? Yes. While Puzzle Fighter HD will feature only new backgrounds drawn by the artists at Udon and 3D gem effects, Street Fighter HD will ship with new sprites completely redrawn for HD resolutions. Only concepts were shown, but it seems like a massive undertaking and I look forward to first screens.

PLAYSTATION 3 and PC owners won't be shut out, however, as Capcom is going multi-platform with their "digital initiative", bringing most games out for all platforms.

Sadly, though, there was no mention of any of these titles coming to the Wii. The good news for the Nintendo faithful, however, is that a number of great looking games are coming, including the most interesting new title at the show Project Treasure Island Z. (It's a working title, so I'll just refer to it as Treasure Island Z.)

Capcom had a playable build of Treasure Island Z, as well as Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, and Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition for Nintendo's white waggle box. On the Nintendo DS side, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations was officially announced, as were Mega Man ZX Advent and Mega Man Star Force. Mega Man Star Force will take the Mega Man Battle Network series into 3D, as well as taking milking to the next dimension with three separate editions, Leo, Pegasus and Dragon.

On the new IP front, Capcom announced that they've acquired two new licenses, Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law and MotoGP. The former is well known to Adult Swim viewers and is scheduled to appear on the PSP and PlayStation 2.

As for the MotoGP IP, previously published by THQ and Namco, it has been secured until 2012 and will first appear on the PlayStation 2 this fall. Apparently, MotoGP is one of the biggest sports in the world and might actually be preferred to stuff like the very popular "sliced bread" and "bees knees", but the announcement didn't seem to generate too much buzz with the jaded videogame press.

So what wasn't putting the crowd of pasty gamers into a PowerPoint coma at the event? Read on and you'll be treated to a smattering of half-drunk impressions.

Treasure Island Z (Wii)
Probably the most enjoyable game at the show... that I'm allowed to write about. Producer Hironobu Takeshita not only enthusiastically demonstrated the Wii-remote control scheme for his game, he nailed the group solve element he talked about during his presentation. Treasure Island Z lets players take control of the pirate Zack who, aided by his golden flying monkey Wiki, is tasked with solving puzzles to become the greatest pirate in the world. Forget raping, plundering and pillaging, point and click adventuring is where the pirate action is.

So, about that group solve element. Treasure Island Z is a Skittles-colored, cel-shaded level based game. To root out each level's treasure and progress, you'll need to figure out what tools you need to perform certain tasks. You'll also need to figure out how to use the Wii-remote to get that done. Figuring out how to get things done will lead to plenty of backseat gaming, with group think being a big contributor. It's like a single player party game.

For example, you'll find a crank in the game, with one end bearing a triangular head, the other with a Phillips head. When holding the crank, you'll need to "flip" the remote in your hand to switch ends. You'll also need to perform scooping gestures, turn it like a key, and play it like a flute.

In addition to all this puzzle solving, the game sports a neat mechanic. Swinging the remote back and forth turns your partner Wiki into a bell. What's great about that bell is that when it rings, the game's enemies will transform from living thing into a helpful tool. Centipedes become saws. Snakes become wrenches.

On the down side, there is a ton of trial and error gameplay which can lead to frustration when playing. Regardless of this small issue, it was one of the more refreshing titles of the show.

Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition (Wii)
If you've played Resident Evil 4 for the Gamecube or PlayStation 2, you won't notice much different here. The game plays just like its counterparts, but now uses nunchuk and Wii remote control. Leon's laser sight is gone, replaced with a constant Wii remote reticle. The game's producer Masachika Kawata spoke on Resident Evil 4 WE's "search knife system" indicating that using it may make the game "too easy" but when using the Wii-remote to flick my knife at the game's zombie-like villagers, I didn't agree.

While Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition will obviously get a chance to shine at retail again, players who have run through the game once or twice may have a hard time justifying a second (or third) purchase based solely on the game's new control scheme.

Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)
When Kawata showed the first person shooter Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles on Broadway Studios' massive screen, the feeling of panic from Sega's The House of the Dead was fondly remembered. This mostly on-rails shooter with story elements doesn't quite play as well as Sega's arcade lightgun game at this point, however, and will probably leave a bitter Resident Evil Gun Survivor taste in many gamers mouths.

The game is still very early—only at about 30% according to Kawata—but the energy just wasn't there. The producer's attempts to focus on the "point, shoot, aim" gameplay, resulting in what he described as a "more direct style of horror than you can get in third person" haven't quite gelled yet. I found the shooting overly repetitive and dull, but found a few interesting moments of gameplay. For instance, taking on the giant snake from Resident Evil 1, players have an opportunity to get to higher ground during limited time windows, adding quick shooting and strategy to the constant gunfire.

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
I played a couple rounds with one of the Capcom staffers on hand who had worked with Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo on the Capcom Puzzle World collection. He went easy on me for the first game, letting me win, but showed his true skills (hampered with a malfunctioning Xbox 360 d-pad) for the next match and kicked my ass. Brandon "The Enemy" Sheffield from Insert Credit then mopped up the floor with me one round later.

The Xbox 360 version showed off the new backgrounds and graphical effects, but as I mentioned earlier, the upscaled sprites were from the original arcade release, making for a slightly blurry presentation. The game plays just like the arcade version, but features some balancing tweaks for a more level playing field.

Unfortunately, I had limited time with the games on the floor, meaning Rocketmen: Axis of Evil (a 3D shooter with inevitable comparisons to Robotron in its future), Lost Planet (like the Xbox 360 version but slightly prettier) and Monster Hunter 2 Freedom (it's like work!) would have to wait. I did, however, spend time with another Capcom title, one that you'll have to wait until May 1 to read about. Don't get too excited, though, as this PS3, Xbox 360 and PC game has already been announced.

We'll have tons of new screens and videos for you in just a flash.

First up, Hive Complex:

Looks like a sniper paradise to me, though I tend to see things from a snipy point of view when looking at Lost Planet. I suppose there are plenty of places for you to hide from snipers as well, so there you go.

Trial Point:

A modern-day office complex in Lost Planet? You'd figure a swanky place like that could afford central heating and we could all finally take off our parkas. Budget cuts perhaps? An odd choice, going against the game theme like that, though it certainly opens things up for later maps. How about parkas in the old west? Oooo, my freezer. They should totally do a giant model of the inside of my freezer, complete with an ice maker hazard. They wouldn't have to work too hard on textures, as I can't identify half the things in there anyway.

Not a bad couple of maps. Perhaps not $5 worth of maps, but a combination of impulsiveness and peer pressure can work wonders when it comes to adding value to downloadable content. Look for the new pack to hit XBL early Friday morning. Michael Fahey

The former Sega marketing VP and excellent interviewee had been at Capcom for less than a year, but is now moving on from the company, according to GameDaily.

Under the leadership of Bellfield, Capcom saw some fairly substantial changes in how they marketed their products and how the community impacted products in development, including changes to games like Lost Planet. Despite these contributions, we suspect everything is A-OK at Capcom USA and that they'll survive. Michael McWhertor

Charles Bellfield Leaves Capcom; Kevin Weston Rumored to Have Left LucasArts [GameDaily]