• Uncategorized

  Talk Amongst Yourselves

  Talk about under-served demographics… and video games right here in our open forum. Yankton is today’s TAY Pic pick. There are six chances each week to get your handiwork featured. Just shop up this image and submit it to the #taypics hashtag. Confused about commenting on Kotaku? Read our FAQ

  By Brian Crecente Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Is US$23 A Lot For A Pumpkin?

  To: Crecente From: Bashcraft Spotted at the supermarket near my house. I really want to make a jack’o lantern with my kids. But not for $24. What you missed last night Young Idol Date Scandal Ends In Resignation, Tears NSFW Report: These Bad Words Are Okay In Pokemon: Black And White Final Fantasy XIII Developers…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Kinect’s 17 Games “Launch Portfolio” is One Shy of Xbox 360 Launch Line-Up

  This morning Microsoft unveiled the 17 games that will be part of the Xbox 360’s motion-sensing Kinect “launch portfolio” next month. The titles include an eclectic mix of Wii-like casual games, big titles with a Kinect controller option and a couple of big titles created for the motion controller from the ground up. Of course…

  By Brian Crecente Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Job Listing Causes Further Final Fantasy Versus XIII On Xbox 360 Speculation

  At the 2008 gaming expo in Los Angeles, Square Enix dropped a bombshell: Final Fantasy XIII, previously believed to be a PS3 exclusive, was headed for the Xbox 360. Could the same be in store for Final Fantasy Versus XIII? Final Fantasy Versus XIII designer Tetsuya Nomura has stated repeatedly that Versus XIII is a…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Nintendo 3DS Getting Hudson Games

  While the Nintendo 3DS won’t be out in Japan until next February, the handheld is shaping up to have a solid array of games. Hudson is the latest company to reveal its working on titles for the portable. Next year, Hudson is planning on bringing a handful of games to the 3DS: Bomberman, Tetris, Bonk,…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Netflix Now Live On Wii Shop Channel For Movie Streaming

  Those with internet-connected Wiis, go ahead and download Netflix from the Wii Shop Channel. It’s free of charge! The disc-free option streams movies to Netflix members.

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• 

  Uncategorized

  This Fable Game Is As Much An Improvement As It Is A Homage

  Fable fan Jo-Remi is working on a “demake” of the series, a single retro-themed title combining not just the best elements of all three Fable games, but the best elements that were promised and never made it. So, for example, it takes the fishing system from the first Fable and improves it (think Bass Master!),…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Happy 25th Birthday, Nintendo Entertainment System!

  It’s not just Super Mario Bros. turning 25 this year. Today, October 18, marks the 25th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System going on sale in the United States. While a widespread release of the console wouldn’t take place until 1986 (the same year it was released in Europe), it was in late 1985 at…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Fable Is Not Limited To A Trilogy

  Action role-playing game Fable III is out this month. Fable III? That’s a trilogy, and trilogies are a good way to end a series. “Forget about the word ‘trilogy’,” Fable designer Peter Molyneux said. “I hate limiting ourselves to a trilogy.” “I want you to feel that you’re on a journey in Fable and I’m…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Aren’t You A Little Short For A Plumber?

  It’s quite literally the best of both worlds. As seen on looks like Yoda Gameface is a photographic celebration of the people who make, play and love video games.

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Young Idol Date Scandal Ends In Resignation, Tears

  Earlier this month, 56-year-old Sakura Wars co-creator Hiroji Oji was spotted staying over at 22-year-old AKB48 singer Sayaka Akimoto’s residence. The scandal that ensued made the papers and the morning talk shows. Both denied that there was any hanky panky. The tabloid that broke the story, however, claimed that the lights in Akimoto’s abode were…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Mario’s New Red DSi XL Coming To America

  That very snappy red DSi XL that was minted for Super Mario Bros’ 25th birthday? It looks like it’s coming to the US market, courtesy of a listing on Walmart’s website. As you can see, it appears to be the same red unit offered in Japan (and also confirmed for the European market), right down…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• 

  Uncategorized

  Latest Gran Turismo 5 Trailer Might Be Short On A Release Date…

  …but it’s got some Alfa 8C goodness and that should count for something. The oft-delayed game was first shown at the E3 gaming convention in 2006. GT5 was dated for March 2010 for Japan, but delayed. It was then slated for November 2, and is now expected to be out “soon”. That’s better than “later”.…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  These Halo: Reach Figures Don’t Know The Battle Is Already Lost

  The first series of Halo: Reach action figures was missing a few key characters. Who are, of course, included in the second series from toy company McFarlane. Spartan 259, Carter, is the leader of Noble Team, and was missing from the game’s first wave of figures. He’s joined in this “advance wave” of series 2…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  NSFW Report: These Bad Words Are Okay In Pokemon: Black And White

  Words might be words, but some people are offended by certain words. That’s why game makers — especially those making games for younger players — block certain words. Apparently, Pokemon: Black and White does not. WARNING: OFFENSIVE WORDS AHEAD. A Japanese blog has gone through and attempted to enter a wide variety of questionable words…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• 

  Uncategorized

  Here’s A New Use For Your Old PlayStation 3

  Turning an old PS3 into a George Foreman grill is silly. Those things get hot! You’re far better off turning it into something useful. Like a bed for your pets. So cuddly. Which upon further viewings also looks a lot like a coffin for your pets, which makes it cuddly and – ultimately – practical.…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Bayonetta Designer, Now Hairy And Hunky

  Hideki Kamiya has designed a handful of games like Viewtiful Joe, Okami and Bayonetta. In Bayonetta, the heroine sports a body suit made from her own hair. Kamiya, however, is short on hair. He’s bald! That’s fine. Having hair or not having hair does not impact designing games. Also, you can be handsome and totally…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• Uncategorized

  Final Fantasy XIII Developers Couldn’t Cater To Western Tastes

  While we’d be hesitant to use the word “failure” in relation to Final Fantasy XIII, “disappointment” works just fine. If only Square had known people outside Japan wouldn’t like the game before they released it! Oh, wait. They did. The latest issue of Game Developer magazine has a fascinating insight into the development of Square…

  By Luke Plunkett Published October 18, 2010
• 

  Uncategorized

  A Look Back At Super Mario

  This fall marks the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. After appearing in 1981’s Donkey Kong and 1983’s Mario Bros., the overall-wearing plumber got “Super” in 1985. Here is a look back at Super Mario’s promotional art through the past quarter century. Note: Super Mario Bros. 2 was not originally released in the USA, but…

  By Brian Ashcraft Published October 18, 2010
• 

  Uncategorized

  The World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Cinematic Introduction

  Here’s the cinematic introduction to the Cataclysm expansion pack, due Dec. 7, and it features one pissed-off, tormented dragon. The video is 2:30 long. Not sure if this is the same thing that Blizzard said will be broadcast during the Cowboys-Vikings game currently in the first half. We’re capturing video from that and if it’s…

  By Owen Good Published October 17, 2010