It's too early to tell; however, this patent application lists Tetsuya Nomura as the inventor of a character switching battle system for RPG/action RPG games. The system allows players to control and switch to temporary characters during combat — meaning, you can hop in the skin of another character. When time runs out, players then automatically change back to their main character and inherit the temp character's abilities.

The patent does not specify a platform, stating the combat system is designed for "a portable gaming apparatus." The apparatus included in the patent looks somewhat like the PSP.

More details in the link below.

Is This One Of Tetsuya Nomura's Unannounced Games? [Siliconera]

ZerinaX, WoggyWooWoo, Yummy, startoonhero, Tzion, muburkit, Clarke, SHIMATTA-BAKA-NI, micahmidnight, Zanduar in AfterlifeUSEC, Natalie, Cody_Mau, Minion21g, Steffa,  Anne, Shelly, Chinako, Rhys Berresford and HezaChan.

Tokyo-based Landon says this is the first time he's been this blown away by an arcade in Japan. "It's 18 years old and up, extremely dark and dirty, and basically looks like what an arcade would if it were in Silent Hill," Landon explains. Dubbed Anata no Warehouse (Your Warehouse), the arcade features eight story of dark, dank gaming.

"They also cater to gamers sooooo well for an eight story arcade," Landon adds. For example, the very spacious arcade not only provides good air conditioning, but also towels for the DDR players. Clean towels, hopefully!

Discerning individuals on the Japanese internet have noticed that while Phantasy Star Portable 2 offers glimpses of a wide array of under garments, there appears to be at least one character who has forgotten something.

Somebody, please inform her! This is very important stuff.

This could all be an unplanned glitch — or a totally planned one.

『ファンタシースターポータブル2』ノーパンでアソコが丸見えのNPCが発見される - livedoor Blog（ブログ） [チラシの裏でゲーム鈍報]

FPS World is a modern spin on the pop-up shooting gallery with a gaming-themed spin.  

"I gave it a try and for about three bucks you get forty shots of semi auto action," says South Korean-based reader Peter. "You get to slap a second magazine in and the shooting range is done up to look like a typical fps scene."

Sure as snot seems that way! Ice-T (gamertag "Lord 187X") posted an image of the after action report for a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 multi-player round. The report details the player's score and Accolades — awards for completing a session with a specific set of requirements.

Ice-T's top three Accolades for the session:

The Show
10 kills/No deaths

Supernatural
Kill/Death ration over 10

Immortal
Highest kill/death ratio

None of which are easy Accolades in the slightest. Yep, you gonna die!

Ice T Demonstrates His 'Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' Gaming Skills In Today's Daily TwitPic [MTV Movies Blog]

"The presence of Japanese games is not as strong within the international market these days, and as a business that creates and sells games, the reception in the Western market is naturally a point of interest to us," Kawazu told Destructoid. "However, when developing a game we do not separate our target audience into categories like 'Japanese' or 'Western.'"

Instead, the producer explained, Square Enix focuses on preferences the players might have — "such as those who like higher difficulty levels, those who enjoy more of a collection element, those who look for more freedom in a game, those who like to have set objectives, and so forth."

And what is a different preference players have? "I do feel that one major difference in the Japanese and Western gamers' preferences lies in the art style." And Square Enix's art style largely appeals to Japanese gamers' preferences, no?

Square Enix: We don't separate East and West markets [Dtoid]

Currently a work in progress, the tapestry will come in at an incredible 620x40cm (or 250x15 inches) when completed, which is amazing not only for its scale as a work of art, but also as a means of visualising game worlds in literal terms.

Super mario projektet [Elsa's Broderier, thanks Vebjørn!]

This is Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril, by Sivak Games. It's a real, proper game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It even comes on a cartridge.

Fans of home-made games for decades-old systems that look brutally tough willl be able to get it early next year from RetroZone.

'Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril' could be the latest NES hit [Joystiq]

It's called MechWarrior: Living Legends, and is the work of some modders by the name of Wandering Samurai. While ready for download and good to go, the mod is technically in "open beta", so don't go expecting the world.

Go into it expecting a reasonably polished, playable and surprisingly good-looking mod, however, and you'll be just fine.

[Mechwarrior: Living Legends]

Answering a question on Capcom's "alliances" with overseas developers, Tsujimoto echoes comments made a few weeks back by Resident Evil producer Jun Takeuchi (not to mention reminding us of his own personal scars), by essentially saying that it's hard, hard work joining forces with an international studio.

"Our experience with Bionic Commando has demonstrated the difficulty of outsourcing the development of new title to overseas companies", he said. "Nevertheless, we cannot develop a sufficient number of titles without using the resources of these companies. This is why we plan to continue using these alliances."

"We are considering ways to separate the roles of activities in Japan and overseas. We plan to develop new titles primarily in Japan. Overseas companies may be used mostly to develop titles for existing game series with well-established characters and universal themes. Overseas companies will also handle certain parts and/or lineups of such games."

So the West is a sequel farm for Capcom IP. And just like that, Capcom's decade-long program of reaching out to international developers in order to increase their global market share misses the point entirely.

CCTV is China's state news channel, and the program (the second part in a series), which visited a juvenile prison to speak with those apparently influenced by the titles in question, blames online video games for contributing to everything from teen pregnancy to drug addiction to murder.

The timing of the program is no coincidence, as Chinese bodies have spent much of 2009 cracking down on online games, banning some titles while suspending others. Even the mighty World of Warcraft has been in the government's sights, shutting down for 3 months earlier in the year and more recently being the subject of a to-and-fro between two competing government agencies.

China Blames Online Games for Drugs, Murder, Teen Pregnancy [Yahoo]

Speaking with G4, Naughty Dog's Evan Wells has said "So for future DLC, could we add more co-op? Probably more in the arena-style type of gameplay, like our Survival and our Gold Rush modes."

"The objective-style co-op that we have where we have those little narrative moments...it's something that we are considering and we'd really like to do, but it's a much, much bigger investment of time because we have to do a lot of motion capture with the actors and record a lot of voices. So we would absolutely want make sure that we talk to our community and make sure there was the proper demand for it."

So come 2010, you'll probably get more co-op. You may even get more story-driven co-op. Merry Christmas, Uncharted 2 fans.

Reaction Time: Naughty Dog's Evan Wells Reflects on Uncharted 2: Among Thieves [G4]

That magazine was Electronic Games, a title many of our older (American) readers will no doubt be familiar with. Starting all the way back in 1981, the magazine was the world's first publication dedicated solely to video games, and in its initial run (it would later make a brief comeback in the 1990's) lasted until 1985.

The interview is a fascinating insight into not just the history of one video game magazine, but all video game magazines. You can check it out at Gamasutra below.

Electronic Games: The Arnie Katz Interview [Gamasutra]

Not only do American Wii owners get the pleasant surprise of Castlevania The Adventure ReBirth on WiiWare and The Oregon Trail on DSiWare, but PilotWings - the original, Super Nintendo great - is now available on the Virtual Console.

First Smash Bros., now PilotWings...it's like the Virtual Console is suddenly relevant/appealing again!

Here's the full line-up for this week:

WiiWare

Castlevania The Adventure ReBirth
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Another 100 years have passed since the death of Count Dracula, but his curse has emerged once again within the realms of Transylvania. Play the role of the ultimate gothic hero from the long lineage of vampire hunters, the Belmont clan, and rid the universe of Dracula's legion of darkness and doom. Based on the classic 1989 original Castlevania: The Adventure, this WiiWare version will allow players of a new generation - and older fans - to experience one of the most popular games within the storied Castlevania timeline from a new perspective.

Eat! Fat! FIGHT!
Publisher: TECMO
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Forget about being healthy. Here's a game that celebrates eating, getting fat and fighting. Hold the Wii Remote controller horizontally and tilt it left, right, up or down to perform all kinds of lifts and throws just like in real sumo. There are also hidden moves like suplexes and scrapbusters thrown in for fun. Use all the moves you learn in tournaments around the world to reach the peak of sumo and become a yokozuna. In ONE PLAYER mode, play eating or sparring mini-games to make your wrestler stronger and change his look. You can also use your own Mii™ character's face on your wrestler. In TWO PLAYER mode, take on another person using default wrestlers or the wrestlers that you have created. (Additional accessories are required for two-player mode and are sold separately.) Chow down, bulk up and fight on to become the strongest sumo wrestler ever.

RABBIDS LAB
Publisher: Ubisoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: A raving Rabbid is stuck inside the Wii Remote controller. Come play with him. First, try interacting with him by moving the Wii Remote or pressing the buttons and seeing how much he loves it. Once you've gotten to know the crazy guy, it's time to change his appearance in the Lab. Mess with his head and place seasonal accessories on him, or change his look entirely with the painting module. When you've made your raving Rabbid completely unique, you can take a photo and send it in a Wii™ message to show your Wii Friends (broadband Internet connection required).

The Magic Obelisk
Publisher: GAME ARTS Co., Ltd.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: The Magic Obelisk is an action-adventure game in which you become Popo, a light spirit. Your mission is to guide Lukus, a tree spirit, to each stage's goal while moving only within the shadow. You can help him do this by shining your light near the mysterious magic obelisks, allowing you to create and connect shadows to solve tricks and gimmicks along the way. Join Lukus as he travels through a light-filled realm filled with quirky creatures and spirits, trying to find the perfect spot to become a tree. Experience meaningful encounters and partings, climb hills, cross rivers and traverse a vast desert on your way to the very edge of the world.

Virtual Console

PilotWings
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Join the Flight Club to take to the skies and experience a variety of aerial activities. Take off and pilot a biplane through rings along a predetermined flight path, or drift serenely in a hang glider, catching thermal currents to gain altitude. In either case, just be sure to stick the landing. Looking for more speed? Strap on the rocket belt to blast your way around an obstacle course. If that's not enough, reach maximum velocity as you tackle a skydiving lesson at 3,800 feet. Complete specific objectives within a set time limit to score points (and maybe even a bonus chance) and obtain certification in eight different lessons. Your goals will become more challenging, and weather conditions will make controlling your vehicle more difficult as you progress. If you succeed, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to pilot an attack helicopter on a daring rescue mission. It's time to earn your wings.

Nintendo DSiWare

The Oregon Trail
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Use of Tobacco
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Westward, ho! Your favorite pioneering adventure game takes you on an exciting, historic, side-scrolling adventure with your Nintendo DSi™ system. Take the Oregon Trail experience further than ever before with all of the decision-making and problem-solving fun of the original game plus additional challenges. Leave your mark on America's history. Take a picture of yourself at each landmark with the Nintendo DSi system's built-in camera. You'll have your portrait and party's name printed in the Daily Oregon Trail newspaper in the game. Play eight skill-based mini-games that will impact your resources: Hunting, Fishing, River Crossing, Rafting, Wagon Repairing, Telegraph, Berry Picking and Gold Panning. Random events faced by real pioneers - such as disease, bandits and hitchhikers - and side missions add more excitement to your westward trek.

SUDOKU SENSEI
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Introducing 100 "Super Hard Puzzles" for the hardened sudoku veteran. All puzzles are skillfully designed for a level of satisfaction that computer-generated puzzles just can't offer. You can play through puzzles to learn about rules and controls in Tutorials mode. Other handy features include Write Mode and Temp Number for an easier, more enjoyable sudoku experience.

Glow Artisan
Publisher: Powerhead Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Solve mind-bending puzzles in this unique and colorful game. Use your wits and ingenuity to solve more than 100 puzzles and earn more than 300 medals. Play Time Trial, Randomizer and Multiplayer modes for an endless supply of new challenges. Create new puzzles with the built-in editor or use the Nintendo DSi Camera application to turn your photos into puzzles.

Master of Illusion™ Express: Psychic Camera
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Master of Illusion Express titles include mind-boggling magic tricks that you perform with your Nintendo DSi system. Learn the illusions, practice them and amaze your friends. Your audience will never look at your Nintendo DSi system the same way again after Master of Illusion Express: Psychic Camera proves that it has psychic powers. Astound others by taking their picture and revealing an item (such as a card, picture, letter or number) that they're thinking about.

Arcade Hoops Basketball
Publisher: Skyworks Interactive, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: From Skyworks comes the slickest basketball game for the Nintendo DSi system. See how many baskets you can sink in a fast-moving 45 seconds, using only your stylus and, of course, your lightning-fast hand-eye coordination. Arcade Hoops features your choice of three rockin' soundtracks, state-of-the-art 3-D graphics and thrilling, high-speed game play for the most fun possible in under a minute. Advanced hoopsters can move on to the progressive level, where a moving basket provides an additional challenge - plus the chance to rack up even more points. For the real pros, there's 3 Point mode, where speed and accuracy are a must as you shoot "threes" from downtown.

In addition to actual arcade cabinets, the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines also plays home to a collection of classic posters, for games with such amazing names as Tankodrome and Well, Just You Wait!

These posters are just a sample; you can see the full collection below.

Soviet Video Game Posters [TMSAM, via GameSetWatch]

Each 148-page issue is funded solely through subscriptions (and, presumably, Blizzard), so there'll be no ads. Just articles and pictures. Below, you can see what those articles and pictures will look like, each $10 issue (available only through an annual subscription) claiming to be "more like a softcover book than a magazine".

Which sounds ridiculous, but to WoW fans- who will buy this in their thousands - it rings as true as it can ring.

World of Warcraft Official Magazine [thanks Neil!]

Actually, looking at the sheer scale of numbers on display here, change that to "very disappointing". TorrentFreak have hit up all the major public BitTorrent trackers and recorded how many times a particular game has been downloaded, and the figures are, if correct, frightening.

Modern Warfare 2 on PC, for example, may have disappointed at the register, but according to TorrentFreak's figures it's been downloaded 4.1 million times.

Now, that's not to say there are 4.1 million illegal copies out there. There's bound to be duplicates and errors in the tracking. Nor is it suggesting that Activision have somehow missed out on 4.1 million sales of the game, because as common sense dictates, a copy pirated does not equate to a lost sale.

But still.

Add in the 970,000 copies illegally downloaded on Xbox 360 and you're looking at a lot of people playing the game for free.

Other popular titles with pirates in 2009 were The Sims 3, Street Fighter IV, Prototype and New Super Mario Bros.

TorrentFreak's charts can be found below, though for some reason (because the PS3 games can't be easily copied?) PS3 games were not included.

Modern Warfare 2 Most Pirated Game of 2009 [TorrentFreak, via IGN]

Beats me, What, you thought I was gonna tell you on the jump? Siliconera noticed the "Piece Walker" portal, but has no clue, either. The only links on the page are to Konami, Kojima Productions, and the Peace Walker demo.

METAL GEAR SOLID "PIECE" WALKER WEBSITE [Konami via Siliconera]

The tightened restrictions had meant passengers had to remain in their seats for the final hour of a flight, with nothing in their laps. Others had reported a total ban on electronics. The Transportation Security Administration was intentionally vague about what flights might or might not require, but nearly all of it meant bad things for the use of portable electronic devices - at least on international flights. Crecente, however, just flew 14 hours from Australia into the U.S. and was allowed to use electronics in flight.

The AP specifically said "In-flight entertainment restrictions have also been lifted." I suppose this means it's all over, for now anyway.

In-Flight Security Rules Eased [Associated Press on Yahoo! News]