The XBLA version of Ikaruga is a horrible port.
This isn't Ikaruga, this is Ikaruga LOL.

I have a hard time imagining what possessed anyone to make this game. The board meeting probably went something like this:

President: OK guys, we have this terrible RPG engine for the Famicom. How can we squeeze more money out of it?
Developer: Well, Titanic has been popular with students studying English. What if we make a game based on the movie?
President: But how will it work? I mean, the only character you could play as would be Jack, and he dies.
Developer: Don't you see! An RPG where the player's character dies! It will be revolutionary!
President: Make it so.

Well, they made it so.

The result was the most unbelievably fucking awful game in history.

Prepare yourself, for tonight we board IN HELL! [CinnamonPirate via GameSetWatch]

The sorta poorly received Silent Hill Origins is making the jump from Playstation Portable to Playstation 2, Konami said today. The title is currently in development for the last-gen console.

"Console gamers can now expect the same chilling, suspenseful and fear-filled experience that handheld gamers encountered when we released Silent Hill Origins on the PSP system," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "This is their chance to learn more of the mystery and mythos surrounding Silent Hill that's been hinted at in earlier games and made the series such a success."

The game will still have you playing as Travis Grady, trucker extraordinare, but will also include updated controls for combat. Zero P will be so happy.

Survival Horror Title Makes Transition from Handheld to Console

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - January 22, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today confirmed speculation that Silent Hill® Origins, released last year for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system is in fact currently in development for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Now PlayStation 2 system owners will have the opportunity to experience this frightening and popular survival horror game, complete with signature sound and music from renowned Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka.

"Console gamers can now expect the same chilling, suspenseful and fear-filled experience that handheld gamers encountered when we released Silent Hill Origins on the PSP system," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "This is their chance to learn more of the mystery and mythos surrounding Silent Hill that's been hinted at in earlier games and made the series such a success."

Players take on the role of Travis Grady, a lone truck driver making a routine delivery when he makes an unfortunate detour to the mysterious town of Silent Hill. Players must help Travis escape the city's horrific inhabitants and unravel the mystery of the strange hallucinations from Travis' past, visions that have plagued him since childhood.

Updated controls maximize combat, allowing Travis to use his fists, his wits and an array of weapons including a meat cleaver, pool cue and sledgehammer to fight his way through the nightmarish world of Silent Hill and face multiple endings based on his actions.

For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Time Crisis shoots up PS3 [CVG]

I loved Hexen II back in the day, even though it did mark the end of a pretty fun franchise. Fortunately for us old-timer gamers The Raven Software game is making a bit of an unofficial return in this port to the Playstation Portable.

The port is based on the PSP Quake port, which is quite fitting, and uses the original Hexen II source code. This looks like a must have to get us through until the must-haves hit this fall. Brian Crecente

PSP Hexen II ver. 1.0 released - First Hexen II Port to PSP [PSP News]

Well, one game can be removed from that list. On a forum called Sony Protection Group, an unlucky PS3 fan posted that Epic had planneed to port Gears of War over to PS3, and went as far as saying that Cliff Bleszinski was quoted as wanting to threaten Microsoft in order to leverage developer rights over the content of the game as well as the DLC.

Although it's a forum, and most people take each piece of information with will a little grain of salt, let's just say Mark Rein at Epic wasn't thrilled when a link to the above post made it onto a thread called "Gears of War coming to the PS3?!" on the Gears Forums on Epic, to which he replied, "This story is complete bull****. I emailed the site and asked them to take it down. We're very happy with our relationship with Microsoft. If it weren't for them Gears wouldn't be the huge hit it has become."

He also happen to write the PS3 forum a message:

Please remove that complete b******* story about Gears going to PS3. Cliff Bleszinski has NEVER been quoted as "threatening Microsoft to port over Gears to the PS3". We're very happy with our relationship with Microsoft and are extremely grateful of everything they've done to help make Gears the huge success it has become. Part of that success came from being an Xbox 360 exclusive FIRST PARTY title and Microsoft getting behind it in a huge way. They're the publisher of Gears of War and, unless they say otherwise, there is no chance Gears is coming to PS3. For PS3 we have Unreal Tournament 3 and it's going to be fantastic.

That's a solid enough answer for me to believe that Gears won't be on a PS3 anytime soon. Anything to keep my pearly whites. Kim Phu

Epic: Gears to PS3 is complete BS [Deeko News]

Will it or won't it? Speculation is that Metal Gear Solid 4 is getting an eventual port from the PS3 to the Xbox 360. A MGS4 port would be a damning blow to the PS3, which has already lost exclusives like once Sony exclusives Grand Theft Auto and Devil May Cry. During a recent Kojima Productions Report podcast, Konami's Ryan Payton stated:

I can tell you honestly at this point, we have not changed the game in any form with the idea of 'oh, we got to do this on 360.' Put aside whether or not we're developing for 360 or not, the game is built on the PS3 hardware, as you guys have known for the past two years or so.

With MGS4 married to PS3 hardware, designed to fit on a Blu-ray disc and the MGS movie being made by Sony Pictures, I'll be surprised if the game ends up on the Xbox 360. There's also Kojima telling Plunkett in April, "MGS4 is aimed for the movie theatre, it's aimed for the PS3, so the game's scenario and graphics need this theatre-type hardware. It's when a producer has a game that can work on the 'DVD level' that a game will go multiplatform." But, if could happen. Anything could. Brian Ashcraft

1Up On Kojima Prods Report [1Up]

Last we heard the already delayed, uber beautiful Crysis form dev Crytek wasn't hitting consoles. It's PC only. And we heard this several times: here and here. But if a Crytek job listing for, well, a "Console Programmer - PS3" is to be believed, the game is hitting the PLAYSTATION 3. In the section labeled "Responsibility," the listing goes:

Work on various aspects of porting to PS3 and creating solutions to get the utmost out of the PS3.

Don't you just love how job listings are a better source of information than PR sometimes? Brian Ashcraft

PS3 Person Needed [Crytek, Thanks Jim!]

Rockstar today announced what we all knew: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is coming to the Playstation 2.

The title is set to hit North America on March 6 and Europe on March 9. No word on the price. I'm hoping for something between low and cheap. Brian Crecente

New York, NY - February 7, 2007 - Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be coming to the PlayStation 2 system. The title will be available in North America on March 6, 2007 and will be on European retail shelves on March 9, 2007.

Since its release in October, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system has garnered praise and acclaim worldwide. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories offers PlayStation 2 system owners a big screen experience of the same storyline and missions, featuring the open-world, innovative gameplay, incredible production values and diverse music that are the trademarks of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

It looks like someone is in the process of porting Dragon's Lair to the Nintendo DS.

Yes, I nearly passed out too. DSLair version 0.1.4 preview includes just the first four levels of the game and has been tested successfully with NeoFlash. The question, and I do mean the only question, is if this game uses the touchscreen. Sure, you could just play it with the D-Pad, but where's the fun in that? Brian Crecente

Dragon's Lair DS [DS Video]

While the port will feature online functionality, the original was all about the stylus action, and I've heard wonderings and grumblings about the potential difficulty of playing such a monster with a mouse.

Speaking of mice and Meteos, apparently Meteos: Disney Edition came out not too long ago and according to one of the commentors at GAF, Disney Edition may have multiplayer capability too. After some poking around, I can neither confirm nor deny this, but it doesn't seem likely. Eliza Gauger

More here [Games Are Fun]

I've been hearing about Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! almost since the DS came out, and I've been meaning to pick it up for just as long. Procrastination is the name of the game, my simians.

Now I have no excuse, because Elite Beat Agents, the localized version of the rhythm game, is due out on Nov. 8th and it's not taking "maybe later" for an answer.

Some of the scenarios we've seen include a lost dog running back home, two girls fending for themselves on a deserted island and a babysitter trying to take care of a punk kid. Even though the cover art doesn't say it, Elite Beat Agents is rated E10 by the ESRB for cartoon violence, crude humor and suggestive themes.

Crude humor is the only type of humor I recognize. Eliza Gauger

Elite Beat Agents release date discovered [Siliconera]

A wee butternut dumpling for my fellow PSP owners. Prince of Persia: the Two Thrones is coming to PSP, but the port will be different enough from the original that Ubisoft saw fit to give it a different name.

Prince of Persia: Rival Swords is due out by the end of 2006, and will feature level changes, multiplayer mode and new levels.

I'm a little worried about the controls, but I will invoke Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror once again as proof that it can be done properly. We shall see, yes? More PSP multiplayer would be fantastic. Eliza Gauger

From here [Games Are Fun]

In a stroke of rather charming ingenuity and consideration for their seaborne customers, specialty memory manufacturer Corsair has provided a wide variety of translations for their online catalogue. Including Pirate. Via Lumberjack Bauer on Digg:

How many times have you tried to buy memory but could not because you are a pirate and cannot understand proper english? If this is you, you're in luck. Corsair has added a "Pirate Language" option on their memory finder application. Just click on the Jolly Roger.

I do wish it translated the entire site, but this is good enough for now:

Ye have a barnacle-covered PC that be getting sluggish? Ye have a new PC and be looking for memory that makes it faster than a clipper with a full mast? Want to enhance yer gaming experience by boosting th' performance o' yer gaming rig?

Let this be a reminder that Talk Like a Pirate Day is not so far away: September 19th. Eliza "ask me how to become a pirate" Gauger

See their search page here [Corsair, via Digg]

Sega also wants to remind you that Sonic Rivals is coming to the PSP and that more Sonic Adventure-style 3D platformers are still coming to the Xbox 360, PS3, and the Wii.

Hey, Sega, I know Sonic is keeping the lights on at HQ, but would it kill you to take some of the Shadow The Hedgehog cash and give us a System 16 collection so I can play some damned Shinobi?

Check the full release after the jump for more Sonic love.

The Blue Dude With the 'Tude Rockets Onto Next-Gen Consoles With Sonic The Hedgehog on PS3 and Xbox 360, a New Sonic Adventure on the Wii, Sonic Rivals on PSP, and a Special Edition of Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis for the GBA

He's fast, he's blue, he's sold over 44 million games, and he just turned 15 years old! Tomorrow, SEGA(R) will join millions of fans around the world to celebrate Sonic The Hedgehog's 15th birthday and his continued success with four bold new upcoming games. Born on June 23, 1991 as the fastest, most technologically advanced character for the SEGA(R) Genesis(R) console, Sonic continues to innovate as he prepares to blast onto next-gen consoles and the Sony PlayStation(R)Portable system with groundbreaking new adventures. Additionally, in honor of its beloved mascot's 16-bit roots, SEGA will release the game that started it all with Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis exclusively for the Game Boy(R) Advance this November. The game will feature two new additions to the classic 1991 debut including Sonic's famous Spin-Dash move and a new save ability, and will retail at the special price of $19.95.

Fans will be treated throughout the year to special 15th anniversary events, culminating with the release of three original Sonic adventures shipping later this year, as well as the original Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis for the Game Boy Advance. Sonic will make his first appearance on next-gen consoles with the dynamic new adventure Sonic The Hedgehog for the PlayStation(R)3 and Xbox 360(TM) this fall. Sonic The Hedgehog melds top-tier production values with next-gen art, physics, and game design to create the fastest and most intense Sonic experience yet. Featuring brand new interactive 3D environments, Sonic gameplay is taken to a whole new level with a large cast of new and returning characters, and a blistering sense of speed. Sonic will also debut this fall on the PSP(R) with Sonic Rivals, a one-on-one racing platformer that also features Knuckles amongst other rivals combining classic 2D gameplay with 3D worlds. Available in 2007, a new Sonic adventure is also in development for the Wii(TM) console, combining Sonic's high velocity with the unique Wii controller and a colorful retelling of the classic tale Arabian Nights.

"Sonic's 15th birthday is a landmark occasion bringing SEGA and Sonic fans together to celebrate the hedgehog's trademark speed, heroism, and attitude," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The breathtaking speed and gameplay innovation that Sonic introduced in 1991 will reach new heights in Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic Rivals, and Sonic's new adventure for the Wii. These titles continue a super-Sonic legacy of ground-breaking gameplay and story elements that only next-gen consoles can deliver."

In addition to his video game fame, the "blue dude with the 'tude" has starred in two animated TV series, numerous comic book adventures, and an animated movie — he's even had his own theme park and was the first and only video game character ever featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But it's his video games that matter most to his legions of fans. Sonic has starred in more than 30 video game adventures, a distinction that earned him his star on the 'Walk of Game' landmark honoring pioneering gaming icons.

With the four upcoming new games, Sonic The Hedgehog is ready to blaze his way to the top of the video game world with the same speed, optimism, and brashness that set the gaming world on fire in 1991.

About Sonic The Hedgehog

Currently celebrating his 15th anniversary, Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most popular video game icons of all time with over 44 million games sold worldwide.

— Over 8,000 Sonic games are sold worldwide every day

— Gamers have spent over 500 million hours and collected over 66 billion gold rings playing Sonic The Hedgehog games

About SEGA(R) of America, Inc.

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA(R) Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The SEGA of America Web Site is located at www.SEGA.com.

About SEGA(R) Europe Ltd.

SEGA(R) Europe Ltd. is the European Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA(R) Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. The SEGA(R) Europe Web Site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

Will someone please check on the guys at UK:R? I suspect they're either having a string of minor heart attacks or wanking themselves into dehydration over this. Michael McWhertor

Tomb Raider: Legend getting GameCubed [GameSpot]