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Rape Games Officially Banned In Japan
First Japanese rape games were “banned”. Then, they were unbanned — rather, they were never officially banned. Now? Now, they’re banned. Like, for real. The country’s Ethics Organization of Computer Software held an emergency meeting today in which nearly 100 representatives from various erotic game companies concluded that the manufacturer and sale of rape-type games…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Final Fantasy XIII Still On Track For Winter 2009 Release…
…in Japan. Square Enix announced that eagerly awaited role-playing-game Final Fantasy XIII would be on the Xbox 360 next spring. The game still looks poised for a late 2009 release in Japan. The company’s Japanese language E3 line-up announce lists the PS3 version (it’s not announced for Xbox 360 in Japan) for “Winter 2009” —…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Lumines Developer Making Game For Ubisoft
Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the developer behind Rez and Lumines, is developing a new title for French game maker Ubisoft. That’s about all we know! At the Ubisoft press conference, Mizuguchi did not take the stage and instead he was singled out in the audience. Mizuguchi’s Q Entertainment will be handling the project which is called “Codenamed…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Three Avatar Game Screens
James Cameron’s Avatar has been a long time in the making. His goal has been a “fully immersive” flick. To bring the game version to life, Cameron said he carefully chose his partner, Ubisoft. In the Ubisoft press conference, Cameron said he knew that he found a worthy partner in Ubisoft — “I didn’t want…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Ubisoft Ready To Get You In Shape With Its Wii Camera
Ubisoft’s fitness game Your Shape comes with a camera that scans your, well, shape and allows folks to experiences hands free. “The development of the new camera for the Wii and our Body Tracking technology means that Your Shape will offer an interactive experience that is a technological breakthrough in gaming, as well as in…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Live Action Assassin’s Creed Short Films Coming This Fall
Two years ago, Ubisoft got into the film-making biz by encouraging would-be Assassin’s Creed fans to make short films exploring the game’s themes and possible plot points. The results actually weren’t that bad; so it seems Ubisoft intends to continue the trend with Assassin’s Creed 2. Liveblogging from the press conference, Luke Plunkett says that…
By AJ Glasser Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Tecmo Surprises Us With Fret Nice, The Guitar Controller Platformer
Fret Nice, the indie platformer that you play with a Guitar Hero a controller—or possibly with a Rock Band guitar controller—is coming to a console near you, thanks to Tecmo. The surprising addition to Tecmo’s E3 2009 lineup—which also includes Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Quantum and Undead Knights—is coming to PlayStation Network and Xbox Live…
By Michael McWhertor Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
The Clips of E3: Day One
Between trailers, teasers and gameplay footage, there’s almost enough movie time here to warrant an entire evening’s worth of popcorn. My personal favorite of the day’s clips is the LEGO Harry Potter teaser — but I’m a sucker for all things LEGO-related. A close second is the Ayane gameplay footage, followed by the Old Republic…
By AJ Glasser Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Testing Molyneux’s Milo, A Virtual Boy With, Yes, A Dog
I talked to Peter Molyneux’s virtual boy on the Xbox 360. He liked the color of my shirt. On Monday night, I got the briefest of demos of what may be the most ambitious piece of software known to be in development for Microsoft’s new motion-control Project Natal: the virtual-person game known as Milo. And,…
By Stephen Totilo Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
These Are Ringo Starr’s Rock Band Drums
We’ve seen Paul’s Höfner bass, John’s Rickenbacker 325 guitar and George’s Gretsch Duo Jet guitar. All that’s missing is Ringo’s drum kit. Until now. Pictured is Ringo Starr’s drums with classic black oyster pearl finish and Ludwig-branded Beatles kick drum head. This September, The Beatles: Rock Band will be rocking its way into living rooms…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Ubisoft Unveils U Play, “A Network For Games Already On Networks”
As part of a strategy of “confluence,” Ubisoft announced today at its press event that it would be launching an in-game serviced called U Play in the next year. The NXE-ish service includes a store, community aspects, media and other stuff that will turn Ubisoft games into online mini-fraternities. In the words of Luke Plunkett,…
By AJ Glasser Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Soulja Boy And I Cross Paths Again
At the Microsoft gaming showcase tonight, I finished up a session of Splinter Cell Conviction and ran into my one-time gaming rival Soulja Boy. He was on his way to play Halo 3 ODST. He wants to set up a rematch: Street Fighter IV maybe. He’s done with Geometry Wars.
By Stephen Totilo Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
What’s Behind The Nintendo Curtain?
What that at Nintendo’s E3 booth? A flower, a coin and question boxes. Those all look familiar. We really wish we could remember where we saw them before. OH, RIGHT. Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported that Nintendo would be releasing a new Mario game by the end of the year. Whatever this is, it seems to…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
E3 Round-Up: Day One
Tired yet? Or are you thirsty for more? Day one of E3 has drawn to a close. Fret not! There’ll be a day two, and better yet, we will be there. Our day one coverage: Electronic Arts EA Adding MMA To Sports Roster In 2010 And EA’s Latest Partner Is… Brutal Legend vs The Prince…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Here’s Your Singularity Trailer
Raven Software‘s second Unreal 3-developed game after X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Singularity, is looking mighty spiffy in this trailer. Aside from all the Soviet-themed parade marching and sickle-flecked flags, there are also buildings exploding in reverse, some cool bullet/time control mechanics on display and a very emo soundtrack. Just remember, kids: in Soviet Russia, game plays…
By AJ Glasser Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
EA’s E3 Announcements
Mega huge game company EA big E3 announcements. Know where they are? They’re right here. Out of all the games (and partners!) EA announced today, EA went way beyond and set a new E3 record for the most number of Jedis on stage at once. Congrats, EA! EA Adding MMA To Sports Roster In 2010…
By Brian Ashcraft Published June 2, 2009 - Uncategorized
Rapid-fire Forza 3, L4D2, Halo ODST Impressions Now Being Tweeted
Brian “Mr. Manager” Crecente and Stephen “Deputy Dog” Totilo are at Microsoft’s E3 VIP get together, playing the latest and greatest Xbox 360 games, including Forza Motorsport 3, Halo: ODST and Left 4 Dead 2. They’re offering their hands-on impressions in 140 characters-or-less bursts, including Totilo’s take on Halo: ODST‘s new “Firefight” gameplay option, described…
By Michael McWhertor Published June 1, 2009