Kotaku: unconfirmed

GTA IV DLC Arriving This Summer?

Mark Wilson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:20:00 MDT

Rockstar's "Lazlow" (one of the game's DJs) made another appearance on the Opie and Anthony show this morning. This time he claimed that the Xbox 360's DLC is being worked on at the moment and could see the light of day as early as this summer. Not much was said about PS3 DLC other than he hoped to see it happen in the future. Our guess is that Microsoft will release the DLC whenever it works best with their general plan of attack—be that as soon as Rockstar finishes the content or months later—since paying $50 million and ruling a platform probably affords you such luxuries.

O&A talk GTA IV [Loot Ninja via Maxconsole]

Brett Favre Is On Your Next Madden Cover

Mark Wilson — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:40:00 MDT

According to GameDaily, for the 20th anniversary of the Madden series, retired Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will appear on the cover of Madden NFL 09. As pizza-raised Chicagoan, I can only say that it's a shame Favre will inevitably succumb to the Madden curse and throw out his back while playing shuffleboard, or maybe get a concussion from a low speed collision with one buffet's rogue sneeze guard. The announcement is expected to come tonight when Favre appears on David Letterman.

Scoop: Brett Favre to Cover Madden NFL 09 [Game Daily]

GTA IV Gets Its First Taste Of Console Nitpicking

Mark Wilson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:15:00 MDT

According to a 1UP writer posting on NeoGAF, the PlayStation 3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV will require a 5-minute install before playing. He adds that the PS3 version also features optional SIXAXIS control for the helicopter, boat and motorcycle which he proclaims as "pretty good." But while we'd like to get our hopes up over steering our hog through Liberty City, when has a SIXAXIS control scheme ever been "pretty good" enough to actually use for more than 2-3 minutes at a time? That's not to say our interest isn't piqued, but we take our precision boat jacking and bitch slapping very seriously around these parts. We have absolutely no margin for error.

NeoGAF Thread [NeoGAF via CVG]

Amazon Delivering MGS4 One Week Late In UK?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:20:00 MDT

Generally speaking, Amazon is pretty good about book and game pre-orders, but according to a post over on PlayStation Legion, Amazon UK is going to deliver Metal Gear Solid 4 a week late. Apparently an email was sent out to customers stating that Amazon would not be receiving MGS4 until June 19th (while the global release is planned for June 12th) so shipments would not be completed until then.

It should be noted that Amazon UK and US are still listing their pre-orders as shipping on June 12th and no other MGS4 delays have been reported, so don't hyperventilate just yet. But has anyone in the audience pre-ordered the game through Amazon's UK who can confirm this?

MGS4 delayed? June 19th? [PlayStation Legion via Maxconsole]

Rock Band Europe To See Price Retraction Tomorrow?

Mark Wilson — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:30:00 MDT

File it under mega rumor, but Akihabara Blue is claiming that the Spanish media is very much in the know (but under embargo) that EA will be reducing Rock Band Europe's projected price to 169 € (down from 240 €)—a metric that would offer a 1:1ish dollar to euro conversion to ease the purchase a bit.

In other words, Europeans would no longer be paying the equivalent of $378 (USD), but something closer to $267 (USD) instead. We have no clue whether or not this is true, but we do know that it's a good idea, regardless.

Se nos triplican los chivatos: Rock Band a 169,99 € [Akihabara Blues]

2 Games + Soul = $10 Mario Kart Wii

Mark Wilson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:20:00 MDT

We have good news and bad news. The good news is that it appears GameStop is offering Wii owners the opportunity to trade in a few pretty craptastic Wii games to score one of Nintendo's AAA offerings, Mario Kart Wii, for $10 of pocket change. The bad news is that even if you get rid of some titles that are doing little more than collecting dust alongside your Wii, you are feeding GameStop's buy low sell high trade-in market.

With that said, we're not judging anyone who hits the jump to check out the full list of qualifying games.

Baroque
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Cabela's Big Game Hunter
Carnival Games
Cars: Mater-National
Cooking Mama: Cook Off
Dragonball Z: Budokai T3
EA Playground
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Ghost Squad
Legend of Zelda TP
Lego Star Wars: Complete Saga
Madden NFL 2008
MLB 2K8
Mario and Sonic Olympic Games
Mario Party 8
Mario Strikers Charged
MOH Heroes 2
MOH Vanguard
Metriod Prime 3: Corruption
MLP Power Pros
My Sims
Naurto Clash of Ninja Revolution
NBA Live 2008
Need for Speed: Carbon
Need for Speed: Pro Street
No More Heroes
Okami
Pokemon Battle Revolution
Rapala Tournament Fishing
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition
Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles
Sims 2: Castaways
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Paper Mario
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008
Transformers The Game
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008

While most of us wouldn't trade in our still-warm copies of Super Mario Galaxy, tossing aside Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree probably isn't the worst decision a gamer could make.

Cheap Ass Gamer Forums [CAG via NeoGAF and DigitalBattle]

PlayStation 3 Getting Grand Theft Auto IV Bundle?

Mark Wilson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:40:00 MDT

According to Swedish retailer Webhalen who is boasting some pretty legit-looking box art, it looks like Sony will be offering a Grand Theft Auto IV PlayStation 3 bundle—a standard 40GB PS3 along with a copy of GTA IV for roughly $750. As of right now, the news is still unconfirmed and could be a regional offering only.

Playstation 3 Basenhet - Black 40GB - Grand Theft Auto IV (4) Bundle [Webhallen] Thanks Alex!

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 Has Been Rated

Mark Wilson — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:40:00 MDT

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2—an unannounced game—has gotten a rating by the OFLC (think Australian ESRB). We'll let your brain go through all the implications for a moment. And then we'll say it. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 appears to actually exist. Also of note, the title is designated as "multi platform" in the description. Does that mean we'll see the sequel on PSN...or maybe a portable? Possibly.

Sure the news not official, but who cares? We're celebrating all night long until Activision comes around with cops and starts busting heads, shattering dreams and putting those annoying dents into all of our plastic cups.

GEOMETRY WARS RETRO EVOLVED 2 Game (Multi Platform) [OFLC via XBLAH]

Alleged Xbox Blu-ray 360 Could Put 360 Back In Red

Mark Wilson — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:40:00 MDT

Yesterday, DigiTimes reported that the Xbox 360 would be getting a Blu-ray drive. Today, they aren't backing down from the rumor reporting more intel from "industry sources."

The sources told DigiTimes that Xbox 360 Blu-ray drives manufactured by Lite-On would cost Microsoft $95-$100 a pop—a significant margin higher that their current DVD drives that run $18-$20. Especially with Sony in a unique position to limit supply of some Blu-ray drive components, this could mean that Microsoft's Xbox 360 would once again cost more to produce than Microsoft recouped in sales.

But if said scenarios is true, DigiTimes is overlooking on option in Microsoft's playbook.

Given that Microsoft has no qualms with different SKU pricepoints, a Blu-ray drive could easily be added to an Elite, or even an Elite Blue (or something) without altering Microsoft's bottom line on other models of 360. Of course, the Elite runs $450 and we can't believe that Microsoft would release a 360 with Blu-ray for more than a PlayStation 3. (Sure, maybe they would, but who really knows?) So could a $399 Elite be on the way with Blu-ray support? Dunno.

But no matter what, Microsoft has to be making more on their Elite than any other SKU they offer. Because that 120GB hard drive does not cost them $100 to make. And such profit margins would give them a little room to breathe with Blu-ray pricing.

Blu-ray Xbox 360s may sell at a loss, say Taiwan makers [DigiTimes via Maxconsole]

Paramount Planning Cloverfield Game?

Mark Wilson — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:40:00 MDT

It appears that Paramount has unofficially announced the official Cloverfield video game to the world. It all started when Paramount's lawyers asked the owner of CloverfieldGame.com for permission to take over the site for their upcoming game. And then...well...that's pretty much the whole story I guess.

The former owner of the domain was working on a Cloverfield fan game of his own and has now switched his HQ to GrayShotGame.com. He said that Paramount lawyers were "very courteous" and that he considers it a "huge honor" to have originally selected the domain name that Paramount acquired for their game. Also of note: it appears that no money exchanged hands.

To hear the tale we just told you from the source, hit that thing we like to call a "jump." And until Paramount makes the announcement public, consider the news unconfirmed.

GrayShot [Grayshot via VideoGamesBlogger]

Game Pies, Fact Or Fiction?

Mark Wilson — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 MDT

Label this as mega rumor for now, but if a reliable Kotaku source is correct—and we think they are—this is the first leaked press shot of an upcoming game pie. Yes, you read that right, game pie, not cake. We realize it's like saying we have acquired a shot of the Loch Ness monster or McWhertor in Wal-Mart jeans, but trust us, we don't put our reputation on the line for every teenager that sends us some store-bought pie with Mario painted on with icing.

We have some emails out on the matter and will keep you updated as the story unfolds.

PlayStation 3 Says "Hello World?"

Mark Wilson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 MDT

Has the PS3 been hacked to run programs of our choosing? We're not too sure. Dragula96 claims to have run a "hello world" app on his PlayStation 3 and demonstrated it in the above video—needing no hardware modification under the current firmware and working on both 40GB and 60GB units.

We'll keep you updated if Dragula ever reveals his secret methodology and anyone is able to replicate the finding. Until then, you'll eat your hardware-gimped Linux and like it.

PS3 Hello World Homebrew Method Found, works with fw 2.20 [DCEmu]

PlayStation Home Beta Ends In May?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:20:33 MDT

Chalk this up to rumor, but according to at least one PS Home beta tester's account page, Sony's closed beta will be ending on 5/15/08. This date in itself means little. But it could mean that Sony might begin an open beta—or just launch Home once and for all—sometime not so long after that date. Either way, we wouldn't hold our breath for Home to magically appear any time soon in a firmware update...especially since 2.4, expected this summer, has not been rumored to contain Home.

Thanks tipster!

60GB Xbox 360 Coming Soon?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:40:31 MST

Please proceed no further unless you acknowledge that what you're about to read is a rumor. Good? Alright. Trusted Reviews, a site known more for technology write-ups than gaming news, is reporting that they have absolute certainty Microsoft will be replacing the 20GB Xbox 360 with a 60GB version. They are urging readers to not purchase a new 20GB model, but wait for the unspecified, near future when the new SKU will hit shelves. Our thoughts?

From a logic standpoint, given that larger hard drives aren't that expensive and 20GB is a bit light for all of Microsoft's multimedia offerings, a 60GB SKU could be more appealing to consumers while recouping value for Microsoft in downloads like Xbox Originals, movies and general DLC.

Also of note, 60GB is exactly half of the Elite's 120GB hard drive. That makes for a pretty sweet marketing tier if I've ever seen one.

But for now, it's just a rumor.

EXCLUSIVE: 60GB Xbox WILL Replace 20GB Model [trustedreviews]

25 Games Leaked For PAL PlayStation Store?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:40:58 MST

According to the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) website—think of it as Europe's ESRB—Sony has quite a few PS One classics in PSN's hopper. Because not only does PEGI rate titles; they also place said titles on their website for all to see. A simple search of the PSN platform reveals at least 25 titles that haven't been announced for PAL territories at this time. And even our North American contingent will appreciate the list, as it reveals a few games that even we haven't heard are coming to downloadable form yet.

01. Bust a Groove (Other/Music games)
02. Crash Bandicoot 3 (Action/Platform)
03. Colony Wars (Action/Platform)
04. Cool Boarders 2 (Sports/Extreme Sports)
05. Cool boarders 3 (Sports/Extreme Sports)
06. Destruction Derby 2 (Racing)
07. Devil Dice (Puzzle)
08. Everybody's Golf (Sports/Golf)
09. Klonoa (Action/Platform)
10. Kurushi Final (Puzzle)
11. Motor Toon Grand Prix (Racing)
12. Namco Museum (Other/Mini game Collection)
13. Namco Museum 2 (Puzzle)
14. Namco Museum 4 (Puzzle)
15. Omega Boost (Action/Shooter)
16. Ridge Racer (Racing/Arcade Racing)
17. Ridge Racer Type 4 (Racing)
18. Rollcage (Racing)
19. Spyro: Year of the Dragon (Action/Platform)
20. Tekken 2 (Fighting/Beat-Em-Up)
21. Tekken 3 (Fighting/Beat-Em-Up)
22. Twisted Metal (Racing)
23. Vib Ribbon (Other/Music games)
24. Wip3out (Racing/Futuristic Racing)
25. WipeOut 2097 (Racing/Futuristic Racing)

I was actually incredibly excited about the prospect of Tekken 3 before I remembered that I have Tekken Tag Tournament sitting on my shelf...and the original Twisted Metal looked enticing before I remembered the sequel was already on my hard drive. See anything you're jazzed about?

Thanks to Shard's hard work!
PEGI PSN List [PEGI via Videogamesblogger][image]

Mercenaries 2 Delayed To August?

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:30:09 MST

It would appear that the wait for Mercenaries 2: World In Flames may have gotten a little bit longer, as multiple retailers are listing a late August 2008 release date for the Pandemic Studios shooter. Reader Patrick pointed out that online retailer Amazon is now showing an August 25 release date for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, with GameStop showing the same for the PlayStation 2 and PC versions. The last official word on the game's release was April, something that is now starting to look less likely. The game was originally planned for a holiday 2007 release, but pushed back in September.

We've contacted EA to see if we can get confirmation on the delay, but our requests haven't yet yielded a response. We'll let you know when we know.

First Shots Of Disney DS?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:00:04 MST

Not so long ago, we heard rumblings about a Disney Magic Kingdom program for the Nintendo DS. Now CVG may have scored the first pictures/intel. Featuring a map, character locations, line times, trivia and even directions to the nearest ATM, Disney DS (our name) is sounding like an excellent way to make your next visit to Disney more enjoyable. The only detail that comes to question is how the program tracks a user's location—is it actually GPS technology proper, or something specific to the Magic Kingdom, triangulating location through other means? We're anxious to find out.

Disney DS looks promising, but programs like this would be killer apps were the DS just a tad more pocketable. But what do you think? Hot or not?

Disney DS GPS details emerge [cvg]

Silent Hill 0 Gets Inevitable PS2 Port

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:40:00 MST

Konami may be looking to bring the Climax-developed prequel Silent Hill Origins to a wider audience next year with a PlayStation 2 port of the game. Released for the PSP worldwide this quarter, it now appears that Konami will have a PS2 version of the game ready for March of 2008. A fact sheet for the port was passed on to us this morning, courtesy of one of our tipsters, indicating that Climax would be responsible for the second release of the handheld horror title.

The official Climax site does mention that the group is working on a second unannounced project for Konami, but reps for the publisher have not yet responded to our request for confirmation that Silent Hill Origins for the PlayStation 2 is the unnamed title. If true, I certainly hope that Climax is giving the game a bit of a visual upgrade for those who passed on the on-the-go frightfest.

Rock Band Fix For Guitar Hero III PS3 Controllers Coming

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:40:00 MST

The Harmonix community manager writes at the official Rock Band forums that a routine patch for the PlayStation 3 version of the game is coming soon, one that will address "a number of items related to guitar controller compatibility." The patch was expected to be released yesterday, but unspecified circumstances have delayed the software update. While not officially confirmed, it's assumed that this is in reference to adding support for Guitar Hero III Les Paul controllers. Good news for PS3 Rock Band owners who are sorely in need of a bassist, bad news for those who bought the PlayStation 2 version of Guitar Hero III because they didn't see the point in buying another guitar controller. I am, of course, referring to myself, and regretting my lack of foresight on the matter.

PS3 Controller Compatibility Routine Patch [Rock Band Forums]

Sony Computer Entertainment Lost Chief Tech Officer?

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:00:26 MDT

According to an insider, Sony Computer Entertainment platform development head Izumi Kawanishi has been shuffled out of the division. Before we start, a bit about Kawanishi: He was key in the hardware development for the PS2, the PSP and the PS3, and he was the head of SCEI's Network System Development Section and R&D Division. He was Sony Computer Entertainment's Chief Technical Officer. Kawanishi previously worked closely with PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi and was an important member of the PlayStation team. We wrote "was," because apparently he's been moved out of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. and is now working at Sony Corporation. According to our insider:

There was a little bit of a fight internally between Kawanishi-san and Kaz Hirai since SCEI has been pushing the PS3 as just a game console.

That does follow Hirai's recent statements that the PS3 is a "game machine" as the company tries to recapture the gaming audience it has lost. Perhaps, Kawanishi still thinks of the console as a "super computer" or a hub-in-the-home. Perhaps. We've contacted Sony about Kawanishi's current role, and will get back to you once we hear something.

Is Capcom Now Picking on the PS3?

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:00:13 MDT

Capcom and Sony aren't exactly B.F.F. Former precieved exclusives like Devil May Cry 4 have gone multi-platform, while the next Monster Hunter game is sidestepping the PS3 for the Wii. Things are kinda prickly, it seems. Last week, Wii title Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure went on sale in Japan. (Did you get it?) A survey was included with the Japanese version that asked consumers what genre they like (RPG, Sports, Adventure, etc.) and what consoles they own. Let's take a closer look at that. Below is an English translation of the second to last bracket:

Please put a check next to the console you own
1. PlayStation (PS one)
2. PlayStation 2
3. GameCube
4. Dreamcast
5. Xbox
6. Xbox 360
7. Gameboy Advance (SP, Micro)
8. Nintendo DS (Lite)
9. PSP
10. Other

Notice anything missing? Capcom totally forgets the PS3 and the Wii. But if you bought a Wii game, chances are that you own, well, a Wii. So, Capcom forgets the Wii, but remembers the Dreamcast, the Xbox and The Gameboy Micro? We just hope it's a simple oversight that the PS3 is considered "Other" and that there's no secret Capcom conspiracy out to destroy the PLAYSTATION 3. You know, a brotherhood, men in cloaks, secret handshakes, the works.
Capcom Postcard Ignores PS3 [My Game News Flash]

Ape Quest Coming To PSP?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:40:16 MDT

In addition to a four game assault of Sega Genesis games, the ESRB has given a rating to Ape Quest from Sony Computer Entertainment for the PSP. No game with that title has been announced by SCEA, but we can rather safely assume its the unreleased Ape Escape game Sarugetchu: SaruSaru Daisakusen that shipped in Japan in July of this year. That would make it the fifth Ape Escape game to make its way to the handheld, but only the third to eventually be published in North America.

Like many ESRB ratings, especially ones from SCEA, it might not see the light of day for a long time, if ever.

ESRB Game Ratings

Euro Retailers List PS3 40GB At €449, Promote FIFA Bundle

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:40:13 MDT

The cheapest PLAYSTATION 3 yet may be released at a reduced price of €449, according to a promotional flyer from European retailer Carrefour. The shots, seemingly taken at the bottom of a pool or possibly through a jar a Vaseline, show the new 40GB model promoted at a price €150 less than the current 60GB configuration and seem to originate from the Tekno Consolas forums.

In addition to the €449 model, a bundle featuring FIFA 08 and the PS3 is advertised for a price of €489, compounding the value to nearly incomprehensible levels. Oops, I'm thinking that Pro Evo Soccer 2008 would add value. Apologies.

These shots are unconfirmed as official, but certainly don't fly in the face of anything we've been hearing lately about the forthcoming rumored new hardware configuration. Maybe we'll know more on "Big Bang" Friday.

Playstation 3 a 449 € el 11 de octubre segun Carrefour [Tekno Consolas Forums - thanks to all our tipsters!]

Christian Bale Up for Solid Snake?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:00:06 MDT

According to game forum PS3Forums, the newest edition of UK lad mag Nuts [NSFW] has an interview with Batman Begins actor Christian Bale who apparently says he's in the running to play Solid Snake in the 2009 movie Metal Gear Solid. Not sure how valid this info i, because PS3Forums didn't have a link, and I can't find anything over than "Assess My Breasts" on the Nuts site. Which were spectacular. There's no mention of an interview with him, either. Still, Bale would be a good choice for Solid Snake as Kojima makes quirky games, and Bale's a quirky actor. And have you seen his facial hair? SOLID.
Bale as Solid Snake [PS3Forums via N4G via Destructoid]

Microsoft Lockouts 23,000 Live Users

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:54 MDT

Apparently, Microsoft has temporarily locked out 23,000 thousands LIVE users who took advantage of a now resolved exploit in Call of Duty 4 beta. The exploit allowed participants to sign in on a different machine, use their beta token and download the beta again. Game site Xbox-Scene has a memo from an "internal Microsoft source" who details what's gone down:

There was an exploit (it's been resolved), in the Call of Duty 4 beta. The public beta had 100k valid participants who qualified and were provided special tokens which allowed them to download the COD4 beta from Marketplace. There was an exploit that enabled valid beta participants to sign in with their accounts on a different machine, use their beta token and download the beta. The beta was then fully functional for any LIVE profile on that 2 nd machine (even after the beta participant's account was removed). Approximately 23k consoles were used to take advantage of this exploit to illegitimately access the COD4 beta.
The exploit has been fixed to prevent any additional users from illegitimately accessing the COD4 beta.

The current POR is to issue a 24-hour console lockout that will prevent these 23k users from using their consoles to sign in to LIVE. These users will also receive a message in the dash with an explanation as to why their console has been locked out for 24 hours for violating the LIVE TOU and a warning that more severe actions may be taken if they attempt a similar action in the future (console could be banned permanently, etc.). Again, this is not a permanent console ban - It's more of a "slap on the wrist" and a warning to these 23k users who used this exploit.

A lockout because you can't ban users for your own fuck-ups, it seems.
Lockout COD4 [Xbox-Scene]

Tom Morello Rages Against Guitar Hero III Machine?

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:00:47 MDT

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello's name has popped up in a German Activision brochure as a boss for the upcoming Guitar Hero III. No word if Morello will be penning an original tune or playing something from his back catalogue. The game already features Slash and Poison's Bret Michaels. (Fear not, Michaels won't be playing the guitar, but singing along with your shredding.) And as we previously mentioned, the game also features the Stone Roses' "She Bangs the Drums." With all the Rock Band hype, Guitar Hero III might feel all second fiddle-like. But know, I'm excited — even if it features Tom Morello.
Rumor Mill or Fact [kwaselow's Blog via Dtoid]