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Japanese hardware sales, January 23 - 29: Crystal ball edition
By now, Super Bowl XLVI has finished and the victor has emerged victorious, their glimmering rings reflecting a light of shame into the hearts and souls of the defeated. This article was written much earlier in the day, however, so I'm going to use this as an opportunity to flex my fortune telling muscle and predict the outcome. You have my absolute word that this post will not be altered or edited in any way prior to it being posted.
If I'm right, you owe me 50 bucks. If I'm wrong, and frankly when has that ever happened, I'll record an acoustic cover version of any song the commenters decide on, and post it as next week's hardware sales post. Ready?
Based on the fact that Venus is in Pisces until February 8 and Mercury won't be in retrograde for another 35 days, I'm going to call the NY Giants as tonight's winners.
Shank 2 video schools us all on survival
In Shank 2's Survival mode, you may think staying alive is simply slicing and/or shooting dudes before they slice and/or shoot you. Turns out, it's not that simple.
You should get The Cat That Got The Milk
One of our goals here at Joystiq is to notify you as soon as we possibly can about awesome things. It's something we've been doing for quite some time and now we've got something new and neat to inform you about: The Cat That Got The Milk.
No, we're not talking about that junkyard cat you're certain stole that half gallon of milk from your fridge (how would it carry the container?) but a new indie game that lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. And the best part is it's free -- all you have to do is go over to the website and download it for OSX or Windows.
As you can see in the video above, it's all quite simple: you use the up and down arrows to navigate a beautiful and abstract world that's meant to show us what cats see every day. Also, cats are apparently, like, high all of the damn time. Catnip must be a helluva drug!
The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 dev diary talks engine changes, new content
The Witcher 2's Xbox 360 conversion is more than your run-of-the-mill port, at least according to the first episode of CD Projekt Red's development diary, where executive producer John Mamais and crew discuss the changes and additions being made to the game's engine and storyline.
Phantom Breaker gets a new website, trailer and arcade stick giveaway
With all the hubbub lately over SoulCalibur 5's recent release and the impending punches contained within next month's Street Fighter X Tekken, its easy to lose track of more obsure upcoming releases like Phantom Breaker. The 360 exclusive fighter, developed by 5pb of Japan and localized for North American audiences by 7sixty, now has an English website and a new trailer to go with it, as seen above.
7sixty is also giving away two limited edition Phantom Breaker-themed Fusion Sapphire arcade sticks from boutique custom shop eightarc. Considering that only those deeply mired in the intricacies of the fighting game community know of eightarc's existence, this contest at least shows that 7sixty knows how to do its homework, if nothing else. You can enter for your chance to win either on the game's official site, or at its Facebook page.
Tomoyuki Tsuboi is Konami's new president
Konami Digital Entertainment has made 14 year company veteran Tomoyuki Tsuboi its newest president. Tsuboi, who comes from a global business planning background within the company, replaces Shinji Hirano, who is now president of Konami's European branch, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. Tsuboi will "look to grow the business and institute strategies" around the publisher's marquee franchises, such as Metal Gear and Silent Hill, which we're pretty sure means "use our recognizable IPs to make boat loads of cash" in business speak.
Technically speaking, Tsuboi now mans the helm at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., which is not to be confused with Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., a division of the publisher's Japanese branch (Konami Corporation), which also includes baby-stroller manufacturer Combi Wellness Corporation and valve/pump/fittings manufacturer Takasago Electric Industry Co., Ltd..
Qanba introduces line of ambidextrous arcade sticks
The raging battle between Southpaws and Righties wages ever onward, with each side continuing to produce products for their own kind in an attempt to eventually convert the global population to their way of doing things. Some companies, however, are trying to create peace between the warring factions by introducing products that either side can use.
Take Qanba, for instance: The Chinese arcade stick manufacturer has announced a new line of ambidextrous sticks that can be flipped and reversed with the flick of a switch. Launching sometime next month, the "Q2-PRO Battle of Wits" can be oriented with the stick on the left or on the right, depending on how you were raised, and will be available in PS3/PC, 360/PC and PS3/360/PC flavors. No pricing information is available as of yet, but can you really put a price on world peace?
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28
The above trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 not only shows off the title's battle system, character interaction mechanics, "master demon fusion" system and demon auctions, but it also reveals the game's North American release date: February 28.
Set in an alternate dimension from the first Devil Survivor, Devil Survivor 2 concerns a group of Japanese high-school students who must use their newly discovered "Devil Messenger" abilities to summon demons and rid Japan of the "Septentrion," a group of creatures who also have the ability to summon demons.
Skullgirls reimagines anatomy in its story mode
This trailer introduces the story mode for the downloadable fighter Skullgirls -- and introduces some striking pieces of poster artwork at the same time. Each of the combatants has been cursed by the "Skull Heart," a wish-granting artifact. We're now left wondering if this is a heart shaped like a skull, or a heart that resides inside a skull, or just, like, the middle of a skull.
A dev diary on the PlayStation Blog lays out this and the other modes found within the game, and also teases the inclusion of four exclusive Trophies in the PS3 version.
Gface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta
No longer content with making incredibly technologically advanced games, Crytek is going after the casual space with a browser-based, social gaming platform called Gface (so that's what that trademark was for!), developed and maintained by an affiliate, also called Gface.
Gface is sort of like a game-focused Facebook: a cross-platform social network designed to facilitate playing casual or hardcore, 2D or 3D games with people, and finding more people to play with. Games are delivered through a plugin based on the "Seed Engine," enabling installation-free, streaming gameplay.
If you're interested in checking out Gface, the company is hosting signups for a closed beta. Maybe if you get in, you can find out what the games are!
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is giving you some serious advice
So, Resident Evil: Revelations is shipping with a pretty hilarious spelling error, and Capcom is offering to send a replacement insert to people who receive the misprinted box. For the love of God, don't take them up on that offer. Or if you do, hang on to that defective insert for dear life. This is the kind of thing that, in 15 or 20 years, will be going for thousands of dollars on the collector market.
If "quickly corrected printing error" and "fairly limited production run" don't sound like the bank-account infusing ding of a 1950s cash register, I don't know what does. While you're frantically calling your local game shop to see if they have any in stock, take a look at our favorite webcomics from last week, and vote for your favorites after the break.
Dream Land Mix (Brawl in the Family)
The Creative Spark (Penny Arcade)
Moral Victories (GameOver Nation)
Wardrobe Malfunction (Awkward Zombie)
Keptocalypse (Hejibits)
Overwear (Nerf Now!!)
Call of Booty (Dueling Analogs)
Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC
The House of Blues in San Diego will play host to Sonic Boom 2012 on Friday, July 13, during the San Diego Comic Con. Comic Con badges will not be required to enter the event, although what the event actually is still remains completely unknown, save for the fact that Sega's ultimate goal is to "make it a great time for Sonic fans of all ages." Last year's Sonic Boom centered mostly on Sonic Generations, prize giveaways and a musical performance by Crush 40, the greatest band in the world.
If we had to guess, we'd figure that this year's Sonic Boom will focus mostly on Sonic 4: Episode 2, since that's the only pressing Sonic release on our immediate horizon. We'll be keeping our collective ear to the ground for moreCrush 40 live show Sonic Boom 2012 news as it develops.
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition now on Games on Demand
Pugilists with a penchant for downloads will be delighted to hear that Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition has been added to Xbox Live's Games on Demand list. No longer are you forced to download that ordinary, boring Street Fighter IV -- a Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition download will set you back $29.99.
Now, before you go rushing to download this, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that you could buy a physical copy of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition for $19.99, a whole $10 off the price to download.
PSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8
As part of Sony's efforts to phase out the Qriocity brand and replace it with the all-encompassing Sony Entertainment Network, Sony will be phasing out the term "PlayStation Network account" and will instead be using "Sony Entertainment Network account," beginning next Wednesday, February 8.
The change, however, is purely cosmetic. Your account will still function in an identical fashion and it will not be necessary to change your username or password; the PSN itself remains unaltered.
"The goal is for there to be one networked log-in for all Sony services," a Sony spokesperson told us after news of the switch made its way to neoGAF. "Changing the name 'PlayStation Network account' to 'Sony Entertainment Network account' helps clarify the unity between PSN and other Sony Entertainment Network services." The change does not apply to the PSP, so users will still see "PlayStation Network account" when logging on with that device.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends announced by Atari
XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps
If Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and the Zune marketplace haven't been enough to satiate your unquenchable thirst for all things cinematic, perhaps two more apps will help quell the raging torrent in your soul. Crackle, a free service, has a somewhat limited and eccentric selection of movies and television shows to choose from, although they do have a rather impressive selection of classic anime like Ah! My Goddess and Galaxy Express 999.
Best Buy's CinemaNow ecosystem has more new releases to choose from, but its services require cash money. It's unclear whether all of the content on these two services will be available through the respective apps, or if some content will be restricted, like the YouTube and Hulu Plus apps. If our calculations are correct, Xbox Live only needs 2 more movie apps and 4 more internet radio apps before it becomes self aware.
Brand swings on to Xbox Live Indie Games
Brand caught our eye all the way back in August of last year, and we've just gotten word that the game is available now on Xbox Live Indie Games, yours for the low price of just 240 Microsoft points ($3). You can see a release trailer above, and all of those swords you see in there are custom-made, because the game allows you to create your own.
We're also told that you can play as your own Xbox Live avatar, and that there's about five hours of nonlinear exploration gameplay across three big areas. Looks good -- if you give it a download, let us know what you think.
'Outernauts' trademarked by Insomniac, could be part of EA Partners deal
The wily gentlemen at NeoGAF have spotted a copyright registration by Insomniac Games for something called Outernauts, supposedly a new game the developer is working on. If you thought the company was already working on "O-something," you're also right: Overstrike was announced at last year's E3. But Outernauts is new, and Insomniac has also registered "outernauts-game.com," and "outernauts-game.net," so the game, as they say, is afoot.
There's more, too: A Google search for the recently unburied title revealed a wiki page that was apparently meant for EA Partners marketing planning, and revealed both Overstrike and Outernauts, along with "Respawn" (probably the new project from the studio of the same name), The Secret World (which EA is publishing with Funcom) and "Populous," which might be a new version of that old strategy series. And as if all of that isn't enough, the wiki page was created by one "pmarineau," which matches up to Phil Marineau, who happens to be EA's director of marketing.
Whew! Did we mention that the NeoGAF folks were wily? We've contacted Insomniac for comment on this one, but it's unlikely they'll confirm at this point. We'll probably just have to wait for the official Outernauts announcement to know what it's all about.
M. Bison, Xiaoyu, Akuma, Jin and Ogre confirmed for SFxT
Street Fighter X Tekken's character roster has had more leaks than a Civil War-era submarine; this time, the unannounced character details come courtesy of a move list card deck included in a Taiwanese collector's edition of the game, which happens to include cards for five unannounced characters: M. Bison, Xiaoyu, Akuma, Jin and Ogre.
M. Bison and Xiaoyu were leaked once already, but this is the first we've heard of Akume, Jin or Ogre's inclusion in the game. This collector's edition also includes a 46 track soundtrack and a Yoshinori Ono bobble-head figurine (!!), so we're desperately hoping that the US will get a similar package.
Space (and other) Quests half off on GOG this weekend
If you grew up on the LucasArts side of the adventure game turf wars, you missed out on some really wonderful Sierra stuff -- specifically, the Space Quest series; a consistently funny, wonderfully designed set of sci-fi adventure games.
GOG just happens to have them on sale this weekend for 50% off, so you can get the entire series for ten bucks. Other Sierra adventure game packs are marked down too, including King's Quest and Police Quest. Those are fine, but they lack a certain something. There are no pet facehuggers, for example.
Arkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan
Not to be confused with the upcoming line of DC figures based on the Caped Crusader's escapades through Gotham and its related institutions, these new figures from Square Enix recreate Batman: Arkham Asylum's Harley Quinn, who happens to come with her own little Scarface, as well as a new armored Batman variant.
Each toy comes with interchangeable hands and accessories and will be available in Japan this May for ¥5,800, or about $76.
THQ partners with Innovative Leisure for digital and mobile
You gotta hand it to THQ, despite posting a $56 million loss last quarter, the publisher is still willing to take a risk on bringing a fresh-faced developer into the fold. Of course, when you take into account that said developer is staffed by a who's who list of classic game designers, the proposition sounds less risky.
Innovative Leisure, the brand-new developer in question, touts Seamus Blackley, Ed Logg, Ed Rotberg, Rich Adam and others among its ranks. If those names sound slightly familiar, it's for a good reason: Blackley co-wrote the original Xbox proposal and helped shepherd the product into existence. Meanwhile, Logg was responsible for Asteroids, Centipede and Gauntlet, while Rotberg and Adam were responsible for Battlezone and Missile Command, respectively.
The studio will focus on creating titles for mobile, downloadable and social platforms; THQ is applying Innovative Leisure's extensive collective experience in design-driven experiences to produce accessible titles that work well in small doses. Here's hoping for a Saints Row-themed Missile Command clone for iOS and Android.
Report: XBLA prices rising (slowly), Summer of Arcade review scores dropping
XBLA Fans has done an exhaustive analysis of Xbox Live Arcade sales, Metacritic scores, and trends over the past few years in a four-part writeup. The most interesting finding in the article, in our estimation, is how the perception of rising prices squares with reality. Yes, there are more 1200 point ($15) games being released on the service as compared to previous years, but there are more 800 point ($10) games coming out as well, and there are more of those than $15 games. The average is rising overall, but it hasn't yet reached the 1200 point mark, even if that price is being assigned to some of the more high profile (and high quality) games on the service.
The quality of the Summer of Arcade, on the other hand, is dropping overall, according to the average price and Metacritic score. In 2008, the first year the promotion existed, the games had an average Metacritic score of 84.8, with an average price of 960 points. This past year, however, the Metacritic score dropped to 78.8 (which still isn't too bad), but the average price was at 1120. This is purely mathematical, remember: The games are probably more complex these days, which allows Microsoft to set a higher price, and reviews on any site are subjective.
Finally, XBLA Fans found 73% of titles on XBLA have gone on sale within their first year, though many of the games on XBLA were only on sale for a day or so. That means that patient XBLA buyers can save a lot of money, if they pay attention and move quickly. There are a few other interesting conclusions in the analysis as a whole, and lots of insight on how Microsoft's Arcade has developed over the past few years.
Bioware fixing Mass Effect: Deception novel mistakes in future editions
That first-run copy of Mass Effect: Deception you picked up may just be turning into an odd collector's item. Bioware has issued a statement on the slew of errors fans have found in the novel, stating that all will be fixed in future editions of Deception.
"The teams at Del Rey and BioWare would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the Mass Effect fans for any errors and oversights made in the recent novel Mass Effect: Deception," the apology post on Bioware's forums reads. "We are currently working on a number of changes that will appear in future editions of the novel."
Currently, there's no word on when the revised edition will be available.
PSA: 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites sent out
Blizzard has announced that 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites have been sent out in North America, so if you opted in to beta access with your Battle.net account, you should log in and see if you've gotten a notification. Blizzard warns that phishing activity may increase with this new wave of invites, so take care.
If you weren't one of the lucky one hundred thousand, don't fret: Blizzard promises to send out more invites eventually. You can go back to rolling classes now!
Rock Band Weekly: Bush
Breathe in, breathe out, and everything's zen, because next week's Rock Band DLC is a three-pack from alt rockers Bush. All the tracks are off the band's hit 1994 debut album "Sixteen Stone."
Square Enix thanks games for 2011's rise in revenue, profit
Deus Ex is leading the revenue revolution for Square Enix, whose digital entertainment -- games -- department in April-December 2011 grew 6.2 percent from the previous fiscal year, totaling $704.7 million in net sales. Games now comprise 56 percent of Square Enix's total revenue, where in the same period of 2010 they made up just 52 percent.
The company's operating profit rose 11.5 percent to $169.4 million and its net income ended at $65 million, up 175.2 percent from the previous period. Square Enix cited Deus Ex: Human Revolution and its online and social titles as the main factors behind its financial progress.
Konami net income up 77 percent year-over-year
We're still a couple of months away from the end of fiscal 2012, but the first 9 months of the confusingly offset financial season have treated Konami extremely well: The company reports a 77.3 percent year-over-year increase in net income over fiscal 2011, earning profits of ¥17.05 billion ($224 million) for the period.
Most of that, however, was pushed by Konami's social networking devision, which operates mobile/casual games in Japanese markets and posted revenues of $348 million, up from $127 million over the same period last year. The company's "consumer games" segment fell year-over-year, from $698 million in fiscal 2011 to $465 million in fiscal 2012. Konami has also adjusted its predictions for the end fiscal 2012, anticipating overall revenue at $3.38 billion and net income at $298 million.
TF2 in 2012: 'Meet the Pyro' is coming, more secrets
Valve has finally put together its schedule of events for 2012, announcing the big things happening in Team Fortress 2 in the coming months. Most notably, Valve says its final character video, Meet the Pyro, will air in 2012 and it will feature "lots of blood pretty much all the way through."
The TF2 team is also working on a secret project that isn't a hat or a map, Valve reports. This leaves speculation open to new characters, a feature-length film, a live-action feature-length film, or a live-action feature-length film starring Brendan Gleeson, Jude Law and Emma Stone. These are the only options.
The Steam Workshop has a shiny new blog, and Valve says it plans to unveil another secret at the second annual Saxxy Awards. We're pretty sure this secret will be the announcement of the TF2 movie's sequel, starring Katherine Heigl as Brendan Gleeson and Brendan Fraser as everyone else.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies iOS update adds ray gun, monkey bombs
How many times have you been in the middle of an intense Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies round when you've had to suddenly stop? Well, Activision has a solution in the latest update: save and load games mid-session.
It's just one of the additions in this free update, which also adds the ray gun, six different tiers of in-game point packs that players can purchase through the app, and monkey bombs -- relax, they're not real monkeys strapped with dynamite or anything. They're actually cute little toys that explode, which may actually be worse now that we think about it. We like toys!
WRUP: Super Puppy Bowl
This weekend is Super Bowl XLVI, where the New York Giants and New England Patriots tee off for the most runs in a set. It is also the weekend for the greatest counter-programing tradition since the year one network televised Gypsy. Yes, we refer to Puppy Bowl VIII. Cute overload!
What's everyone playing?
Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10
If you're near Los Angeles on February 10, and you're eager to celebrate the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Fever, you can party with other like-minded people at the iam8bit gallery.
Nintendo, Giant Robot, and iam8bit are teaming up for a launch event, at which attendees will be able to play the game (with headphones, hopefully!) and pick up custom swag. Go find out who else in the world dares to play a rhythm game about interviewing wrestlers and playing airplane badminton!
EA in Vancouver sees 'small number' of layoffs
EA's studio in Vancouver, home to EA Canada and Black Box, was hit with layoffs while the studio goes through a "transformation." Apparently it's a lot of transforming, since variants of "transform" show up a lot in the following statement about the transformational studio.
"EA in Vancouver is transforming its studio to align with EA's transformation to high-growth digital formats, including online, social gaming and free-to-play," an EA spokesperson told IndustryGamers. "The Need for Speed World team in Burnaby is leading the digital transformation with 11 million registered players. As the BC studio makes this transformation, a small number of employees are being impacted while most others are being retrained, redeployed and rolling-on to new projects."
EA recently reported a net loss of $205 million in the third quarter, but is seeing significant positive transformation in increased digital product sales.
Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it
Sony may have been caught in the same handheld wavelengths as Nintendo in 2010. A patent uncovered by Games Beat shows Sony considering a handheld, touchscreen device that would function similarly to Nintendo's Wii U. Titled the "Position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," the device would track its own location as "input to a video game" and render "an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world."
Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.
Keep your Mass Effect 3 save files, BioWare suggests
We know you're used to coveting Mass Effect save files, so this should come as no surprise: you'll probably want to hold onto your Mass Effect 3 saves. In an interview with GamerZines, associate producer Mike Gamble said it "wouldn't be a bad idea" to keep them.
Of course, Gamble didn't go into any specifics -- the save files could affect future DLC or any potential entries in the Mass Effect series beyond the third and final Shepard-focused game. Or maybe it's just so BioWare can forever track those monsters who decided to shoot Wrex in the face. You know who you are and you should be ashamed.
NCSoft's iOS Gem Keeper goes free for now
Perhaps our recommendation of NCSoft's Gem Keeper last year piqued your interest -- but your interest didn't reach a 99-cent level of piquedness. Luckily, thanks to a Free App a Day partnership, you can now download the iOS tower defense title for free!
Resident Evil 'Revelaitons' misprint makes it to retail [Update: Capcom offers statement, replacement]
Capcom made an embarrassing printing error on the spine of the Resident Evil: Revelations box sent to reviewers -- one made more embarrassing by the "revelaiton" today that it's still on the version of the art sent to retailers in advance of Tuesday's release.
Reader Zach shared this picture of the stock at the Prescott, AZ store, showing "Revelaitons" all the way down -- Joystiq has since confirmed the error with the store. For some, we're sure this mistake will be at worst a slight deterrent to purchase. For others, what was once a reasonably interesting 3DS item now seems like a fascinating rare collectible.
Update: A Capcom representative offered us the following statement: "The initial shipment of Resident Evil Revelations had been sent to retailers in North America with the spelling error. Subsequent shipments of the title are being repackaged and will have the corrected spelling. Customers who have been affected by the misspelling on the Resident Evil Revelations packaging can contact Capcom Customer Service at 650-350-6700 or accounts@capcom.com and a new insert for the front of box will be sent." So, like the previous Okami snafu, Capcom will offer replacement packaging to any who want it.
Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards
You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.
Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets new Ability Cards, new trailer for Vita
Is it just us, or is the trailer above for the Vita version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 uncommonly smooth? It makes a pretty convincing showpiece for the portable fighter, even if you do have to squint to see the tiny gameplay screen on the tiny Vita within the window.
Kotaku noticed that the Vita version has additional "Ability Cards," which provide stat boosts in Heroes & Heralds mode, including X-Men's Nightcrawler, Green Goblin, and Ulik, a Thor villain we definitely didn't have to look up just now.
Oklahoma attempts violent-game tax, ESA responds
O-K oy vey -- some States just never learn. Oklahoma State Representative William Fourkiller has proposed a 1 percent tax on Teen, Mature and Adults Only-rated games.
Fourkiller says, "Violent video games contribute to some of our societal problems like obesity and bullying, but because they raise a lot of revenue, they can also provide part of the solution." The proposed bill would have half of the money go to a bullying prevention fund and the other to get kids out of the house.
You can imagine the Entertainment Software Association, which just last week got the State of California to agree to reimburse it $950,000 in legal fees (on top of another check back in 2008) for fighting Brown v. EMA up to the Supreme Court, has something to say on this subject.
"We are disappointed that even in the wake of an overwhelming decision in the United States Supreme Court finding proposals such as this to be patently unconstitutional, there are those who still try to attack video game with outdated notions of our industry," the ESA told Joystiq. "Taxing First Amendment protected material based on its content is misguided."
California will have paid the ESA more than $1,327,000 to reimburse legal fees, while other states have also had to pay back the industry's lobbying and political arm for fighting similar bills. Turn back now, Oklahoma. Turn back now while you still can!
If I'm right, you owe me 50 bucks. If I'm wrong, and frankly when has that ever happened, I'll record an acoustic cover version of any song the commenters decide on, and post it as next week's hardware sales post. Ready?
Based on the fact that Venus is in Pisces until February 8 and Mercury won't be in retrograde for another 35 days, I'm going to call the NY Giants as tonight's winners.
Continue reading Japanese hardware sales, January 23 - 29: Crystal ball edition
Japanese hardware sales, January 23 - 29: Crystal ball edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Shank 2 video schools us all on survival
In Shank 2's Survival mode, you may think staying alive is simply slicing and/or shooting dudes before they slice and/or shoot you. Turns out, it's not that simple.
Shank 2 video schools us all on survival originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
You should get The Cat That Got The Milk
One of our goals here at Joystiq is to notify you as soon as we possibly can about awesome things. It's something we've been doing for quite some time and now we've got something new and neat to inform you about: The Cat That Got The Milk.
No, we're not talking about that junkyard cat you're certain stole that half gallon of milk from your fridge (how would it carry the container?) but a new indie game that lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. And the best part is it's free -- all you have to do is go over to the website and download it for OSX or Windows.
As you can see in the video above, it's all quite simple: you use the up and down arrows to navigate a beautiful and abstract world that's meant to show us what cats see every day. Also, cats are apparently, like, high all of the damn time. Catnip must be a helluva drug!
You should get The Cat That Got The Milk originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 dev diary talks engine changes, new content
The Witcher 2's Xbox 360 conversion is more than your run-of-the-mill port, at least according to the first episode of CD Projekt Red's development diary, where executive producer John Mamais and crew discuss the changes and additions being made to the game's engine and storyline.
The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 dev diary talks engine changes, new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Phantom Breaker gets a new website, trailer and arcade stick giveaway
With all the hubbub lately over SoulCalibur 5's recent release and the impending punches contained within next month's Street Fighter X Tekken, its easy to lose track of more obsure upcoming releases like Phantom Breaker. The 360 exclusive fighter, developed by 5pb of Japan and localized for North American audiences by 7sixty, now has an English website and a new trailer to go with it, as seen above.
7sixty is also giving away two limited edition Phantom Breaker-themed Fusion Sapphire arcade sticks from boutique custom shop eightarc. Considering that only those deeply mired in the intricacies of the fighting game community know of eightarc's existence, this contest at least shows that 7sixty knows how to do its homework, if nothing else. You can enter for your chance to win either on the game's official site, or at its Facebook page.
Phantom Breaker gets a new website, trailer and arcade stick giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tomoyuki Tsuboi is Konami's new president
Technically speaking, Tsuboi now mans the helm at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., which is not to be confused with Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., a division of the publisher's Japanese branch (Konami Corporation), which also includes baby-stroller manufacturer Combi Wellness Corporation and valve/pump/fittings manufacturer Takasago Electric Industry Co., Ltd..
Continue reading Tomoyuki Tsuboi is Konami's new president
Tomoyuki Tsuboi is Konami's new president originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Qanba introduces line of ambidextrous arcade sticks
Take Qanba, for instance: The Chinese arcade stick manufacturer has announced a new line of ambidextrous sticks that can be flipped and reversed with the flick of a switch. Launching sometime next month, the "Q2-PRO Battle of Wits" can be oriented with the stick on the left or on the right, depending on how you were raised, and will be available in PS3/PC, 360/PC and PS3/360/PC flavors. No pricing information is available as of yet, but can you really put a price on world peace?
Qanba introduces line of ambidextrous arcade sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28
The above trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 not only shows off the title's battle system, character interaction mechanics, "master demon fusion" system and demon auctions, but it also reveals the game's North American release date: February 28.
Set in an alternate dimension from the first Devil Survivor, Devil Survivor 2 concerns a group of Japanese high-school students who must use their newly discovered "Devil Messenger" abilities to summon demons and rid Japan of the "Septentrion," a group of creatures who also have the ability to summon demons.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Skullgirls reimagines anatomy in its story mode
This trailer introduces the story mode for the downloadable fighter Skullgirls -- and introduces some striking pieces of poster artwork at the same time. Each of the combatants has been cursed by the "Skull Heart," a wish-granting artifact. We're now left wondering if this is a heart shaped like a skull, or a heart that resides inside a skull, or just, like, the middle of a skull.
A dev diary on the PlayStation Blog lays out this and the other modes found within the game, and also teases the inclusion of four exclusive Trophies in the PS3 version.
Skullgirls reimagines anatomy in its story mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Gface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta
Gface is sort of like a game-focused Facebook: a cross-platform social network designed to facilitate playing casual or hardcore, 2D or 3D games with people, and finding more people to play with. Games are delivered through a plugin based on the "Seed Engine," enabling installation-free, streaming gameplay.
If you're interested in checking out Gface, the company is hosting signups for a closed beta. Maybe if you get in, you can find out what the games are!
Gface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is giving you some serious advice
If "quickly corrected printing error" and "fairly limited production run" don't sound like the bank-account infusing ding of a 1950s cash register, I don't know what does. While you're frantically calling your local game shop to see if they have any in stock, take a look at our favorite webcomics from last week, and vote for your favorites after the break.
Dream Land Mix (Brawl in the Family)
The Creative Spark (Penny Arcade)
Moral Victories (GameOver Nation)
Wardrobe Malfunction (Awkward Zombie)
Keptocalypse (Hejibits)
Overwear (Nerf Now!!)
Call of Booty (Dueling Analogs)
Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is giving you some serious advice
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is giving you some serious advice originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC
If we had to guess, we'd figure that this year's Sonic Boom will focus mostly on Sonic 4: Episode 2, since that's the only pressing Sonic release on our immediate horizon. We'll be keeping our collective ear to the ground for more
Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition now on Games on Demand
Now, before you go rushing to download this, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that you could buy a physical copy of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition for $19.99, a whole $10 off the price to download.
Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition now on Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8
The change, however, is purely cosmetic. Your account will still function in an identical fashion and it will not be necessary to change your username or password; the PSN itself remains unaltered.
"The goal is for there to be one networked log-in for all Sony services," a Sony spokesperson told us after news of the switch made its way to neoGAF. "Changing the name 'PlayStation Network account' to 'Sony Entertainment Network account' helps clarify the unity between PSN and other Sony Entertainment Network services." The change does not apply to the PSP, so users will still see "PlayStation Network account" when logging on with that device.
PSA: PSN accounts changing to Sony Entertainment Network accounts Feb. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends announced by Atari
Atari has announced a new version of Test Drive, but instead of the open-world, tropical setting of the two Unlimited iterations, this time the franchise is headed back to the race track. Test Drive Ferrari Racing Legends will focus on Ferrari's history across almost all of the racing disciplines, including Formula One, rally racing, and GT. There will be over 50 different Ferrari vehicles to drive, and each will show off full realistic interior and exterior models, as well as damage effects, which means Atari didn't skimp on the Ferrari licensing budget.
The game should be out for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC later on this spring. Too bad the company didn't stick with the more fantasy-based version of the Test Drive series, this time based exclusively on night drives in Africa; They could have named the game the Starry Atari Ferrari Safari. Don't like that joke? Sorry.
The game should be out for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC later on this spring. Too bad the company didn't stick with the more fantasy-based version of the Test Drive series, this time based exclusively on night drives in Africa; They could have named the game the Starry Atari Ferrari Safari. Don't like that joke? Sorry.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends announced by Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps
Best Buy's CinemaNow ecosystem has more new releases to choose from, but its services require cash money. It's unclear whether all of the content on these two services will be available through the respective apps, or if some content will be restricted, like the YouTube and Hulu Plus apps. If our calculations are correct, Xbox Live only needs 2 more movie apps and 4 more internet radio apps before it becomes self aware.
XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Brand swings on to Xbox Live Indie Games
Brand caught our eye all the way back in August of last year, and we've just gotten word that the game is available now on Xbox Live Indie Games, yours for the low price of just 240 Microsoft points ($3). You can see a release trailer above, and all of those swords you see in there are custom-made, because the game allows you to create your own.
We're also told that you can play as your own Xbox Live avatar, and that there's about five hours of nonlinear exploration gameplay across three big areas. Looks good -- if you give it a download, let us know what you think.
Brand swings on to Xbox Live Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
'Outernauts' trademarked by Insomniac, could be part of EA Partners deal
There's more, too: A Google search for the recently unburied title revealed a wiki page that was apparently meant for EA Partners marketing planning, and revealed both Overstrike and Outernauts, along with "Respawn" (probably the new project from the studio of the same name), The Secret World (which EA is publishing with Funcom) and "Populous," which might be a new version of that old strategy series. And as if all of that isn't enough, the wiki page was created by one "pmarineau," which matches up to Phil Marineau, who happens to be EA's director of marketing.
Whew! Did we mention that the NeoGAF folks were wily? We've contacted Insomniac for comment on this one, but it's unlikely they'll confirm at this point. We'll probably just have to wait for the official Outernauts announcement to know what it's all about.
'Outernauts' trademarked by Insomniac, could be part of EA Partners deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
M. Bison, Xiaoyu, Akuma, Jin and Ogre confirmed for SFxT
M. Bison and Xiaoyu were leaked once already, but this is the first we've heard of Akume, Jin or Ogre's inclusion in the game. This collector's edition also includes a 46 track soundtrack and a Yoshinori Ono bobble-head figurine (!!), so we're desperately hoping that the US will get a similar package.
M. Bison, Xiaoyu, Akuma, Jin and Ogre confirmed for SFxT originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Space (and other) Quests half off on GOG this weekend
GOG just happens to have them on sale this weekend for 50% off, so you can get the entire series for ten bucks. Other Sierra adventure game packs are marked down too, including King's Quest and Police Quest. Those are fine, but they lack a certain something. There are no pet facehuggers, for example.
Space (and other) Quests half off on GOG this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Arkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan
Each toy comes with interchangeable hands and accessories and will be available in Japan this May for ¥5,800, or about $76.
Arkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
THQ partners with Innovative Leisure for digital and mobile
Innovative Leisure, the brand-new developer in question, touts Seamus Blackley, Ed Logg, Ed Rotberg, Rich Adam and others among its ranks. If those names sound slightly familiar, it's for a good reason: Blackley co-wrote the original Xbox proposal and helped shepherd the product into existence. Meanwhile, Logg was responsible for Asteroids, Centipede and Gauntlet, while Rotberg and Adam were responsible for Battlezone and Missile Command, respectively.
The studio will focus on creating titles for mobile, downloadable and social platforms; THQ is applying Innovative Leisure's extensive collective experience in design-driven experiences to produce accessible titles that work well in small doses. Here's hoping for a Saints Row-themed Missile Command clone for iOS and Android.
THQ partners with Innovative Leisure for digital and mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Report: XBLA prices rising (slowly), Summer of Arcade review scores dropping
The quality of the Summer of Arcade, on the other hand, is dropping overall, according to the average price and Metacritic score. In 2008, the first year the promotion existed, the games had an average Metacritic score of 84.8, with an average price of 960 points. This past year, however, the Metacritic score dropped to 78.8 (which still isn't too bad), but the average price was at 1120. This is purely mathematical, remember: The games are probably more complex these days, which allows Microsoft to set a higher price, and reviews on any site are subjective.
Finally, XBLA Fans found 73% of titles on XBLA have gone on sale within their first year, though many of the games on XBLA were only on sale for a day or so. That means that patient XBLA buyers can save a lot of money, if they pay attention and move quickly. There are a few other interesting conclusions in the analysis as a whole, and lots of insight on how Microsoft's Arcade has developed over the past few years.
Report: XBLA prices rising (slowly), Summer of Arcade review scores dropping originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Bioware fixing Mass Effect: Deception novel mistakes in future editions
"The teams at Del Rey and BioWare would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the Mass Effect fans for any errors and oversights made in the recent novel Mass Effect: Deception," the apology post on Bioware's forums reads. "We are currently working on a number of changes that will appear in future editions of the novel."
Currently, there's no word on when the revised edition will be available.
Bioware fixing Mass Effect: Deception novel mistakes in future editions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PSA: 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites sent out
If you weren't one of the lucky one hundred thousand, don't fret: Blizzard promises to send out more invites eventually. You can go back to rolling classes now!
PSA: 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites sent out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Rock Band Weekly: Bush
Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bush
Rock Band Weekly: Bush originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Square Enix thanks games for 2011's rise in revenue, profit
The company's operating profit rose 11.5 percent to $169.4 million and its net income ended at $65 million, up 175.2 percent from the previous period. Square Enix cited Deus Ex: Human Revolution and its online and social titles as the main factors behind its financial progress.
Square Enix thanks games for 2011's rise in revenue, profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Konami net income up 77 percent year-over-year
Most of that, however, was pushed by Konami's social networking devision, which operates mobile/casual games in Japanese markets and posted revenues of $348 million, up from $127 million over the same period last year. The company's "consumer games" segment fell year-over-year, from $698 million in fiscal 2011 to $465 million in fiscal 2012. Konami has also adjusted its predictions for the end fiscal 2012, anticipating overall revenue at $3.38 billion and net income at $298 million.
Konami net income up 77 percent year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
TF2 in 2012: 'Meet the Pyro' is coming, more secrets
The TF2 team is also working on a secret project that isn't a hat or a map, Valve reports. This leaves speculation open to new characters, a feature-length film, a live-action feature-length film, or a live-action feature-length film starring Brendan Gleeson, Jude Law and Emma Stone. These are the only options.
The Steam Workshop has a shiny new blog, and Valve says it plans to unveil another secret at the second annual Saxxy Awards. We're pretty sure this secret will be the announcement of the TF2 movie's sequel, starring Katherine Heigl as Brendan Gleeson and Brendan Fraser as everyone else.
TF2 in 2012: 'Meet the Pyro' is coming, more secrets originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies iOS update adds ray gun, monkey bombs
How many times have you been in the middle of an intense Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies round when you've had to suddenly stop? Well, Activision has a solution in the latest update: save and load games mid-session.
It's just one of the additions in this free update, which also adds the ray gun, six different tiers of in-game point packs that players can purchase through the app, and monkey bombs -- relax, they're not real monkeys strapped with dynamite or anything. They're actually cute little toys that explode, which may actually be worse now that we think about it. We like toys!
Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies iOS update adds ray gun, monkey bombs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
WRUP: Super Puppy Bowl
What's everyone playing?
[WilleeCole via Shutterstock]
Continue reading WRUP: Super Puppy Bowl
WRUP: Super Puppy Bowl originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10
Nintendo, Giant Robot, and iam8bit are teaming up for a launch event, at which attendees will be able to play the game (with headphones, hopefully!) and pick up custom swag. Go find out who else in the world dares to play a rhythm game about interviewing wrestlers and playing airplane badminton!
Continue reading Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10
Play Rhythm Heaven Fever early in LA Feb. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
EA in Vancouver sees 'small number' of layoffs
"EA in Vancouver is transforming its studio to align with EA's transformation to high-growth digital formats, including online, social gaming and free-to-play," an EA spokesperson told IndustryGamers. "The Need for Speed World team in Burnaby is leading the digital transformation with 11 million registered players. As the BC studio makes this transformation, a small number of employees are being impacted while most others are being retrained, redeployed and rolling-on to new projects."
EA recently reported a net loss of $205 million in the third quarter, but is seeing significant positive transformation in increased digital product sales.
EA in Vancouver sees 'small number' of layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it
Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.
Continue reading Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it
Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Keep your Mass Effect 3 save files, BioWare suggests
Of course, Gamble didn't go into any specifics -- the save files could affect future DLC or any potential entries in the Mass Effect series beyond the third and final Shepard-focused game. Or maybe it's just so BioWare can forever track those monsters who decided to shoot Wrex in the face. You know who you are and you should be ashamed.
Keep your Mass Effect 3 save files, BioWare suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
NCSoft's iOS Gem Keeper goes free for now
NCSoft's iOS Gem Keeper goes free for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Resident Evil 'Revelaitons' misprint makes it to retail [Update: Capcom offers statement, replacement]
Capcom made an embarrassing printing error on the spine of the Resident Evil: Revelations box sent to reviewers -- one made more embarrassing by the "revelaiton" today that it's still on the version of the art sent to retailers in advance of Tuesday's release.Reader Zach shared this picture of the stock at the Prescott, AZ store, showing "Revelaitons" all the way down -- Joystiq has since confirmed the error with the store. For some, we're sure this mistake will be at worst a slight deterrent to purchase. For others, what was once a reasonably interesting 3DS item now seems like a fascinating rare collectible.
Update: A Capcom representative offered us the following statement: "The initial shipment of Resident Evil Revelations had been sent to retailers in North America with the spelling error. Subsequent shipments of the title are being repackaged and will have the corrected spelling. Customers who have been affected by the misspelling on the Resident Evil Revelations packaging can contact Capcom Customer Service at 650-350-6700 or accounts@capcom.com and a new insert for the front of box will be sent." So, like the previous Okami snafu, Capcom will offer replacement packaging to any who want it.
Resident Evil 'Revelaitons' misprint makes it to retail [Update: Capcom offers statement, replacement] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards
Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.
Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards
Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets new Ability Cards, new trailer for Vita
Is it just us, or is the trailer above for the Vita version of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 uncommonly smooth? It makes a pretty convincing showpiece for the portable fighter, even if you do have to squint to see the tiny gameplay screen on the tiny Vita within the window.
Kotaku noticed that the Vita version has additional "Ability Cards," which provide stat boosts in Heroes & Heralds mode, including X-Men's Nightcrawler, Green Goblin, and Ulik, a Thor villain we definitely didn't have to look up just now.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 gets new Ability Cards, new trailer for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Oklahoma attempts violent-game tax, ESA responds
Fourkiller says, "Violent video games contribute to some of our societal problems like obesity and bullying, but because they raise a lot of revenue, they can also provide part of the solution." The proposed bill would have half of the money go to a bullying prevention fund and the other to get kids out of the house.
You can imagine the Entertainment Software Association, which just last week got the State of California to agree to reimburse it $950,000 in legal fees (on top of another check back in 2008) for fighting Brown v. EMA up to the Supreme Court, has something to say on this subject.
"We are disappointed that even in the wake of an overwhelming decision in the United States Supreme Court finding proposals such as this to be patently unconstitutional, there are those who still try to attack video game with outdated notions of our industry," the ESA told Joystiq. "Taxing First Amendment protected material based on its content is misguided."
California will have paid the ESA more than $1,327,000 to reimburse legal fees, while other states have also had to pay back the industry's lobbying and political arm for fighting similar bills. Turn back now, Oklahoma. Turn back now while you still can!
Oklahoma attempts violent-game tax, ESA responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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