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Today in Gaming News – March 22, 2012

Grand Theft Auto V
March 22, 2012 By In 3DS, Apple, DS, iPad, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360

Microsoft announces Arcade NEXT promotion featuring Trials Evolution and Minecraft

Microsoft has yet another promotion to hype up the release of new Xbox Live Arcade titles. This time the promotion, titled ”Arcade NEXT” will feature such high profile titles as Trials Evolutions and Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition. You can see the list of titles and their release dates below:

  • Trials Evolution (1200 MS Points) on April 18
  • Bloodforge (1200 MS Points) on April 25
  • Fable Heroes (800 MS Points) on May 2
  • Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition (1600 MS Points) on May 9

Trials? Fable? Minecraft? XBLA has some heavy hitters on its hands with this latest promotion.

 

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Coming to iPad Alongside PC this summer

Beamdog has anounced Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition will be recieving an iPad release courtesy of developer Overhaul Games. This iPad release will launch alongside the PC release in the summer and will include everything that’s in the PC version including the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion. Both versions will also see the inclusion of new story content, extra quests, and new party members.

The iPad version of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition will run on the Infinity Engine. No release date has been given for either version of the game.

 

Media Molecule and United Front Games team up for LittleBigPlanet Karting

Today the Playstation Blog revealed that LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule will be teaming up with ModNation Racers developer United Front Games to develop LittleBigPlanet Karting. The game, which is due out later this year exclusively on the Playstation 3, will build on the foundation laid by ModNation Racers.

James Grieve, senior producer at United Front Games, told the Playstation Blog that players should expect a new toolbox specifically tailored to allow for building in LittleBigPlanet Karting‘s world,” along with racing and battle modes with modifiable rule sets.”

 

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy hits the US this summer

Square-Enix has confirmed that the 3DS-exclusive Final Fantasy rhythm game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy will be heading to North America and Europe this summer. Originally released in Japan back in February, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy does what the name implies: combine the worlds of rhythm games and Final Fantasy into one pleasing little package.

When released in February, the game was the first to take advantage of the new Nintendo Network. It remains to be seen if the DLC from the title will make its way to North America and Europe as well.

 

“Crews” from Max Payne 3 carry over to Grand Theft Auto V multiplayer

The multiplayer form title “crews” from Max Payne 3 will carry over to Grand Theft Auto V says Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser. Speaking to IGN, Houser revealed that Grand Theft Auto V will share Max Payne 3‘s crews via Rockstar’s Social Club.

“Multiplayer is an ever-more important part of all our games moving forward,” Houser said. “And by creating crews through Social Club, the crews that you create in Max Payne 3 will be ready and available for you to play in Grand Theft Auto V from day one.”

It will be interesting to see just how this multiplayer crossover will pan out once both games are released.

 

Gamestop sees “modest increase”, reaches “all-time high” sales

For the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012, Gamestop’s global sales reached $9.55 billion. This is a “modest increase” from the same period last year although they mark an “all-time high” for the company. However, this year only saw a $339.9 million dollar gain this year, opposed to their record net profit of $408 million in 2010.

Finally, the company also revealed that digital receipts grew 57 percent during the year, reaching $453 million.

Today in Gaming News – March 20, 2012

Epic Mickey
March 20, 2012 By In 3DS, Apple, Mac, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Wii, Xbox 360

Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 Heading to the 3DS

France’s Nintendo Magazine has revealed through a tweet that some kind of presentation featuring Epic Mickey 2 will happen next week. The magazine specifically points to a 3DS version of Epic Mickey 2 called Power of Illusion. Those familiar with Mickey’s Sega Genesis/Mega Drive adventures will likely find similarities between Power of Illusion and the two ’90s titles World of Illusion along with Castle of Illusion.

To make things even more interesting, the tweet also points to a “classic” 2D game that will be shown. Epic Mickey 2 has not yet been confirmed to be in development, but various signs have pointed to such being the case.

 

Dragon’s Lair XBLA set to include Kinect support

According to Digital Leisure, the publisher of Dragon’s Lair on XBLA, the game will feature Kinect support when released. The publisher says that the Kinect will allow players to do things such as jump over pits and reach for ropes. Those who are looking for a more traditional Dragon’s Lair experience can use a normal Xbox 360 controller as well.

There is currently no release date for Dragon’s Lair on XBLA.

 

I Am Alive comes to PSN April 4

Ubisoft has announced that their previously XBLA-exclusive downloadable title I Am Alive will be heading to the PSN on April 4. For the first two weeks of its release, Playstation Plus subscribers will be able to pick up the game for 20% off the regular price.

Sony has not revealed an official price for the game, but considering it was released on XBLA for 1200 MSP, we can expect a price or around $15.

 

The Walking Dead priced, pre-order bonus announced

Telltale’s The Walking Dead finally has a release timeframe and pricing structure. The episodic title will launch its first five episodes for $5 each on PSN, PC, and Mac. Those on XBLA will be able to pick up the game for 400 MSP. All platforms will also have the option of picking up the title as part of a $25 season pass from the Telltale Online Store. The action will start sometime in “late April”.

Those who pre-order for PC and Mac through the Telltale online store will recieve the five-episode bundle for 10% off, putting the price at $22.50. Those who purchase this bundle will also be entered into a contest to be drawn into the fourth episode as a human survivor who is turned into a zombie.

Today in Gaming News – March 9, 2012

Onimusha
March 9, 2012 By In 3DS, Android, Apple, iPhone, iPod, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Vita, Xbox 360

New rumours describe a disc drive-less system set for a 2013 release

According to a report this morning from MCV, the next Xbox will be download-only when it is released in 2013. Despite the lack of a disc drive, the report does say that the new console will offer “compatibility with some sort of interchangeable solid-state card storage”.

The report currently pegs the system for release in 2013. The announcement timing is not clear, but it could be announced at E3 in June.

Microsoft has refused to comment on the report but did offer the following statement:

“Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”

 

 

New Onimusha Announced

Capcom has revealed a new title in the Onimusha series. Titled Onimusha Soul, the game is a browser-based strategy RPG, which of course strays slightly from the series’ roots. This browser-based take on the Onimusha series will be released on desktop and mobile devices.

Continuing with the series’ historical settings, Onimusha Soul is set in the Sengoku era. The game will have a focus on “social” elements as players become warlords and battle for control of Japan. The game will be of the “free to play” variety, but will of course incorporate micro transactions.

Onimusha Soul will hit desktops on June 28 and smartphones in the fall.

 

 

February NPD Top 25 Released

Despite none making the NPD Top 10 last month, many 3DS titles have placed in last month’s NPD Top 25. The NPD revealed to Joystiq that the following 3DS titles just missed the Top 10:

  • Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure
  • Mario Kart 7
  • Super Mario 3D Land
  • FIFA Soccer
  • Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars
  • Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Resident Evil: Revelations
  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
These high sales are showing some definitely love for Nintendo’s latest handheld, even in the face of the newly released Playstation Vita. As for that handheld, the only title to make it was Uncharted: Golden Abyss which placed in the Top 20.

 

 

Phantasy Star Online 2 announced for Vita with PC cross-play

Japan’s Phantasy Star Online 2 will no longer be PC-exclusive. Sega has announced that the MMO will be making its way to Sony’s latest handheld. There are currently no plans for an international release.

The Playstation Vita version of Phantasy Star Online 2 will work very similar to its PC counterpart. Both versions will share the same servers and your characters will be cross-platforming, meaning you can be immersed in the
Phantasy Star Online world for even more hours of the day.

 

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition Vita Gets Japanese Release Date

Konami has revealed that Metal Gear Solid HD Edition Vita will be released in Japan on June 28. The game, which features Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, will also incorporate special Vita-only touch controls.

Despite this being a pretty boring announcement, it’s the best we’ve got from the Playstation Vita Game Heaven event, which was a colossal disappointment.

 

 

New Uncharted 3 DLC priced and dated

Naughty Dog has revealed dates and pricing on a new piece of Uncharted 3 DLC. Titled Co-op Shade Survival Mode, the DLC will be released on March 13 and feature a battle with the Djinn, which are “demonic specters able to teleport and catch fire”.

On March 13 Uncharted 3 players will be able to pick up the DLC for $5.99. If you’re in the Fortune Hunters’ Club, you will of course be able to download this for free.

 

 

Mass Effect 3 Ships 3.5 Million Copies

John Riccitiello has revealed that Mass Effect 3 has shipped a total of 3.5 million copies worldwide since its release. Even more impressive is that the game sold 890,000 copies in North America in its first 24 hours on sale. This info came at a Media and Telecommunications conference at Wedbush Technology where Riccitilleo said “we anticipated it doing well, so we’re happy”. He also announced that a large amount of download codes for the From Ashes DLC were purchased alongside the game, saying “the tie ratio at the register is the highest in their history”.

Finally, it was confirmed that Bioware’s MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic curretly has 1.7 million active subscribers. Riccitiello described the game as “the most successful MMO through this period in the history of the industry.” He also promised a slew of new content will be coming every quarter along with tutorials, upgrades, and expansions.

 

Alan Wake PC to be distributed at retail by Legacy Interactive

Remedy’s psychological thriller will be heading to PC via retail in North America thanks to Legacy Interactive. The publisher has been awarded the rights to publish a boxed copy of the PC version of Alan Wake‘s first adventure starting April 3.

“We are thrilled to be bringing such an iconic title to North American retail.” said Steve Wall, Vice President of Legacy Interactive.

“I have been a longtime fan of Remedy’s work. Max Payne was a true masterpiece and Alan Wake follows in its footsteps as a brilliant feat of storytelling and innovative gameplay.”

“Alan Wake is a great product and we are proud about being able to take it to the North American retail customers. In Legacy Interactive we have found a partner who will give the product the focus it deserves, and also ensure best possible market penetration for the PC retail versions,”

commented Egil Strunke, Vice President at Nordic Games. Just like with the digital release of the PC version of Alan Wake, this retail release will come packaged with the game’s two pieces of DLC. It will also have some additional PC-only features such as stereoscopic 3D and multi-monitor support.

3DS surpasses first-year sales of DS in North America

Peal Pink Nintendo 3DS
March 6, 2012 By In 3DS, DS, News, Nintendo

The 3DS will be celebrating its 1st birthday on March 27th – in North America anyway. Nintendo has confirmed that there’s something else related to its newest handheld’s birthday  that is definitely worth celebrating.

Not only has the 3DS hit a staggering milestone of 4.5 million units sold in the U.S., but it has nearly doubled the first-year sales of the original DS in the States. That figure is surprisingly close to its Japanese counterpart of 5 million units sold in its first year as of last month.

Finally, Nintendo has also confirmed that software accessories sales have surpassed $1.2 billion in the U.S., with over 9 million 3DS software units sold. That’s a lot of Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario! Also, this should be a pretty positive omen for people worried about the success of the Vita given that both Nintendo’s and Sony’s latest handhelds got off to slow starts.

The Binding of Isaac cut loose from Nintendo 3DS plans [Update: McMillen Confirms Religious Content Issues]

February 28, 2012 By In 3DS, News, Nintendo, PC

Update: McMillen confirmed the heavy religious content was the reason Nintendo backed off the release:

As many assumed the reasons were due to the games “questionable religious content”. Thank GOD Steam exists!

The surprisingly great rogue-like The Binding of Isaac has seen its glory on the PC already. Months after its release, gamers were teased the possibility that the game would find its way to the Nintendo 3DS, either via the eShop or retail release. Unfortunately, it looks like Nintendo has denied release on either front. The news broke via creator Edmund McMillen’s Twitter:

Attention: After a long internal debate Nintendo has decided NOT to allow the Binding of Isaac on the 3ds. :(

While the game would have been perfect for the handheld, it’s not too surprising that Nintendo would say no. The visuals are cutesy, but there’s tons of gore, bodily fluids, and copious amounts of old-fashioned heresy. Nintendo really doesn’t like stepping on the toes of religion, and probably wanted to avoid any potential controversy, especially with such a niche game. In the end, it’s the gamers that lose out.

Source: Twitter

First Eight Theatrhythm DLC Songs Revealed

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
February 7, 2012 By In 3DS, News, Nintendo

Sinobi has revealed that the first batch of Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy’s downloadable content will be available at launch and feature eight songs. The news comes from Famitsu magazine. Japanese players will be able to download the following eight songs at launch, each for 150 yen ($2):

Battle stage songs:

  • Final Fantasy II: Battle Scene 1
  • Final Fantasy IV: The Final Battle
  • Final Fantasy IX: Fighters of the Crystal
  • Final Fantasy XIII: Fighting Fate

Field stage songs:

  • Final Fantasy V: Seeking the Light
  • Final Fantasy VII: Cosmo Canyon
  • Final Fantasy VIII: Ride On
  • Final Fantasy X: Someday the Dream Will End

That’s a total of 1,200 yen ($15 – $16) for day one DLC. Square-Enix is set to release new DLC songs for the game every 2 – 3 weeks and the songs available won’t be limited to main numbered games from the Final Fantasy series.

Via: Siliconera
Source: Sinobi

Rune Factory 4 (3DS) Set for July Release

Rune Factory 4
February 7, 2012 By In 3DS, News, Nintendo

Famitsu has revealed a more specific release schedule for the latest entry into the Rune Factory series. The 3DS entry into the Harvest Moon spin-off series previously had an unspecific “Spring” release schedule, but will now be released in July in Japan.

Andriasang points out that the magazine may have a further update on the game to correspond with this reveal.

Source: Andriasang

GAME Restructures Head Office, Lets 46 Go

GAME
February 7, 2012 By In 3DS, DS, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, PSP, Sony, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360

UK Games retailer GAME has laid off 46 employees at their head office as part of a restructuring effort by the company. The troubled retailer will now go down from 400 to 354 at their head office. GAME said today that the layoff will change the way that we operate and will enable us to be significantly more efficient in our relationships with suppliers and customers.” The company addded, “We are giving our full help and support to the colleagues who are affected by these proposed changes.”

Last week the company secured the backing of its lenders after it was doubtful the company could restock new games after a loss of credit insurance. This latest move comes as an attempt to secure the fate of the retailer.

Source: MCV

Pre-Order Pearl Pink 3DS, Get Free Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7 at Futureshop (Canada Only)

Peal Pink Nintendo 3DS
February 6, 2012 By In 3DS, News, Nintendo

Yet another Nintendo 3DS deal has surfaced in Canada. Those who pre-order a new Pearl Pink Nintendo 3DS will recieve their choice of a free copy of Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7. The deal is only available for the Pearl Pink 3DS and is available both in-store and online, although in-store availablity information is currently unavaialable.

The Pearl Pink Nintendo 3DS will be released on February 10 in Canada.

Source: Futureshop

Resident Evil Revelations spelling error addressed, fix on the way

February 3, 2012 By In 3DS, News, Nintendo

Capcom has admitted their fault over a spelling error on the side of the Resident Evil Revelations game case insert. The error, which spells “Revelations” as “Revelaitons” was quite embarrassing for the company as it was revealed by an image circulating the internet. Although the company has announced that this error will be reflected on the first shipment of the game’s North American release, the company has prepared a solution.

Those who are affected by the typo can call the Capcom Customer Service line at 650-350-6700 or  email accounts@capcom.com to receive a new insert for their games. The company has also revealed that subsequent shipments of the title will come with the spelling error corrected.

Source: Greg Man’s Blog at Capcom Unity