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Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 14, 2013 in Videogames 
Nintendo is just rolling out the Pokemon X & Y reveals all over the place! You’d almost think there was a new Pokemon game coming out or something, eh? Despite being leaked early by IGN, Nintendo posted a video featuring the Pokemon announced in CoroCoro, as well as their English names, and new Pokemon too, like Pyroar (which has a male and female version). The short trailer also shows off some action footage of these Pokemon, before briefly showing some of the many customization options for your trainer. Seems like GameFreak is adding a good amount of new features this time around. X & Y arrive October 12th. Read more…
Tags: Pokémon
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 14, 2013 in Videogames 
Every once in a while, something catches your eyes just via the art. Hyper Light Drifter is a game just like that. A new Kickstarter from Alex Preston, Beau Blyth (Samurai Gunn), Will Wiesenfeld, and Disasterpeace, which combines a Link to the Past and Diablo into one neon-lit fantasy 2D action RPG. They mention Miyazaki as a significant influence, which is always a plus in my book. PC is the primary platform and will be aimed to release in June 2014. At time of this writing, they’ve already double their $27,000 goal, and look to be continuing upward. Check out the trailer below or go here to back the project if it tickles your fancy! Read more…
Tags: Hyper Light Drifter, Kickstarter
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 13, 2013 in Videogames 
Ever wanted to lend your digital games just like your physical discs? While most have gotten used to the fact of digital rights generally being locked to single device, it would be nice to have more freedom. So here’s a little something! Valve announced that Steam will soon have a Family Sharing feature, in which you’ll be able to let other Steam accounts (your close friends and family) play your game library. While you lend your library to your friend, they’ll be able to download and play any game you own (unless the publisher specifically forbids it). If you start up a game though, it’ll start a countdown timer on your friend’s PC, telling them to save and quit or buy the game to continue playing. Sign up to the Steam group here to enter for a chance to get beta access next week! Read more…
Tags: Steam, Valve
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 12, 2013 in Videogames 
The latest CoroCoro magazine is out in Japan, and since it’s the last one before the worldwide launch of Pokemon X & Y, it’s got some more information. Perhaps the biggest news in this issue concerns Mewtwo, everyone’s favorite psychic pokemon from the first generation. We knew he was getting a Mega Evolution — a temporary evolution triggered in battle by holding a Mega Stone — but now it seems that he’ll have one of two. Depending on whether you’re playing X or Y, players will find Mewtwonite X or Mewtwonite Y. The previous Mega Evolution was apparently Mega Mewtwo Y, so this new one is Mega Mewtwo X. Maybe there will be other version-exclusive Mega Evolutions? The closest thing Pokemon has had to this in the past was the event legendary pokemon Deoxys, which had a different form exclusive to each Game Boy Advance game, though the forms were more changeable in later generations. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 12, 2013 in Videogames 
With the way Square Enix struggles with any worthwhile HD endeavors, I’m always surprised to see them release a videogame, even when it’s an upgraded version of an older game. But putting my mild incredulity aside, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX is finally out in North America and PAL territories this week. The game collects the previously Japan-only “Final Mix” version of the first Kingdom Hearts, the PS2 remake of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, and completely redone cutscenes from Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days on DS. Re:Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days both happen at around the same time after the first game but before Kingdom Hearts II, hence the “1.5” in the collection’s title. Everything has been remastered in HD, with some characters getting updated models and Kingdom Hearts I having some gameplay improvements. Now to wait for the inevitable Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX down the line…oh, and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD, which was announced well before this collection! Read more…
Tags: Disney, Kingdom Hearts, square enix
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 11, 2013 in Videogames 
Deep Down‘s name sounds a bit awkward, like other Capcom games such as Resident Evil. But watching this trailer, the name really fits, evoking a sense of dread as you explore areas deep below the Earth’s surface. Many are noting that it seems to take the oppressive atmosphere of From Software’s Dark Souls while mixing in a sci-fi future concept of exploring past memories, a framework used in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series. The result is this trailer that has practically sold me on the PS4 exclusive. Admittedly, there still isn’t much concrete information on Deep Down‘s plot, gameplay, or release date, so there’s plenty of time for expectations to fall as more details come to light. But for now, consider me excited. Read more…
Tags: Capcom, Fantasy, PS4
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 10, 2013 in Tech, Videogames 
If you didn’t get the memo, Sony really, really wants you to buy a PlayStation Vita. The ailing handheld is in desperate need of a good install base. In Japan, they just announced two new products that will hopefully help turn the tide for the system. The first is the PCH-2000, a slightly redesigned Vita that is 20% thinner, 15% lighter, and comes in six colors. The battery now lasts for 6 hours, you can charge it via micro USB, and it comes with 1GB of storage, though you’ll want to consider buying a memory card, like the new 64GB one that costs about $100. A key difference is that this redesign sports a LCD screen instead of an OLED screen, which is sure to help battery life and screen consistency, but is a shame for those of us who love the current OLED screen. This WiFi-only Vita will be out on October 10 and cost the same amount as the current model. But the bigger news is their other big Vita announcement. Read more…
Tags: Playstation Vita, Sony
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 9, 2013 in Videogames 
Capcom’s Monster Hunter is still a huge series in Japan. The latest in the series is Monster Hunter 4, and will be showing up on the 3DS on September 14th… in Japan. Hopefully we’ll see it arrive on western shores eventually, but for now you can just drool over their cross-promotion with Nintendo: Mario & Luigi costumes for the Felynes, and Link armor and weapons for your character. Now you can slay monsters with the Sacred Bow or Master Sword while your assistants run around with mustaches on. I’m sure it’s been a long desire of yours. The trailer is embedded below, or you can watch the full Monster Hunter Nintendo Direct here! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Monster Hunter, Nintendo
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 9, 2013 in Videogames 
I know Grand Theft Auto is big. You know GTA is big. But sometimes it’s astounding to just see how big. Scottish newspaper The Scotsman is reporting that GTA V’s total budget (marketing and development) is $265 million. That’s way over the previous record holder, (the massive flop) Star Wars: The Old Republic at $200 million, and encroaching upon the highest budget film ever, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End at $300 million. That’s big money right there. Rockstar certainly feels they can make it back, given that GTA IV sold over 25 million copies. I love big-budget movies and games, but I still worry about how large each budget is becoming. The bigger they are, the harder they fall — not that GTA V is in danger of this. Read more…
Tags: Grand Theft Auto
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 8, 2013 in Videogames 
While Plants vs. Zombies 2 is already out on iOS and its abundance of micro-transactions dividing the populace, there is another PvZ game on the horizon: Garden Warfare. Currently an Xbox One exclusive (but expect that to change eventually), Garden Warfare is a class-based third-person shooter, taking cues from a multitude of other shooters, and mashing it together into a silly bundle of zombies. It definitely looks interesting, and I hope it turns out alright. Check out the trailer below and some gameplay here. Read more…
Tags: Plants vs. Zombies
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 5, 2013 in Videogames 
Kickstarter seems like a good fit for indie developer WayForward. Though they’ve worked on some big titles like DuckTales Remastered, Contra 4, and Adventure Time, it seems like they always wanted to do more with some of their original ideas. WayForward has created a Kickstarter for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, to develop the game and bring it to every current console (except Wii), next-gen console, and Steam. If you’re into obscure games, you might recognize the game’s name from the critically-acclaimed, but very rare Game Boy Color game. A DSiWare sequel came out a few years ago, with a 3DS eShop sequel also on the way. But this is an all-new, HD game for consoles! Read more…
Tags: Kickstarter, Shantae
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 5, 2013 in Videogames 
Nintendo released another Nintendo Direct, holding a rather self-congratulatory roundtable to discuss more information on Pokemon X & Y. First of all, it was revealed that you would get your starter pokemon from your friend, not a professor. The professor will actually offer you a choice soon after of one of the starter pokemon from Pokemon Red & Blue, meaning you’re basically getting two starters. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle’s evolved forms also have new Mega Evolutions, a temporary battle state triggered by a Mega Stone and a trainer’s Mega Ring. Charizard’s looking pretty good! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Nintendo Direct, Pokémon
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 4, 2013 in Videogames 
Contrary to popular belief, Disney and Harmonix’s Fantasia: Music Evolved does have some classical music in it. Just look at this gameplay demo of part of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the newly revealed section of the game called “The Haven.” I’m not sure how much the area is incorporated into the actual game, but it has plenty of charm, including some sort of fantasy snow creature. I’m hoping the game is filled with many of these realms, though I’m sure there are multiple songs featured in a single realm. Hopefully there is the option for even more classical music as DLC. Read more…
Tags: Disney, Music, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 3, 2013 in Videogames 
Speaking of Square Enix, they’re rolling out the preorder content for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. We already know that if you preorder the game in the US you get Cloud’s outfit and sword. But in Japan, you can also get various feudal Japanese armors as well. This latest video shows off some battles, and a lot of the samurai outfits do look admittedly cool. I’m less into the same victory pose over and over again, but I suppose you might not notice if you’re sticking to one outfit most of the time. Read more…
Tags: Final Fantasy, square enix
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 3, 2013 in Videogames 
Technically, getting a Western release of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, Square Enix’s critically-acclaimed so-far-Japan-only JRPG, in our native tongues counts as an improved version to me. But while it’s great that Squenix finally confirmed the 3DS game for Europe in 2013 and America in 2014, gamers were slightly concerned when the company announced an updated version with expansion content, misleadingly titled Bravely Default: For the Sequel. It features better battles, better UI, better graphics, and more content in general that may hint at a sequel. Interestingly, it also has multiple language options (including English), which made everyone concerned about whether or not this better version was the one the rest of the world would also be getting. Read more…
Tags: Bravely Default, RPG, square enix
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 2, 2013 in Videogames 
I have to really respect Keiji Inafune, he really seems to love what he does. And he really wants to make a new Mega Man, but since he’s no longer at Capcom that’s not possible. But what about a spiritual successor to Mega Man? That’s where his new Kickstarter for Mighty No. 9 comes in. It’s a side-scrolling action game where you play as Beck, the 9th robot in a series, who can pick up enemy weapons and abilities to enhance his arsenal. A lot of the staff working with Inafune are Mega Man veterans, with music done by Manami Matsumae and localization by 8-4! They’re asking for $900,000, which at time of this writing is already up to almost $600,000. I have no doubt Inafune will reach his budget and more. If you’re interested in backing it, click here, or check out the amazing pitch video below. Read more…
Tags: Keiji Inafune, Kickstarter, Mighty No. 9
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 30, 2013 in Videogames 
Grand Theft Auto V is almost here, and it’s one of the biggest releases of the year, despite the upcoming next-gen consoles. I’m normally not a big GTA fan, but these trailers are definitely piquing my interest. So, with the game arriving on September 17th, Rockstar has released one more final trailer for whet your taste buds. I have no doubt this game will sell amazingly well and be super popular, but I think I’ll wait for a PC or GOTY edition release later. Too many games are coming out all at once! Read more…
Tags: Grand Theft Auto
Posted by Bob Muir on Aug 29, 2013 in Videogames 
I’ll say one thing for Nintendo: you can’t ever safely predict what they’re going to do. Apparently they wanted to offer a cheaper version of the 3DS, targeting kids age 6 and under who shouldn’t be using the system’s 3D visuals but who may want to play the next Pokemon game. So they’ve created the 2DS, a system that plays 3DS (and DS) games with no option to turn on 3D. It’s coming out on October 12, the same day as Pokemon X & Y, for $129.99 in either red or blue. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, Wii U
Posted by Bob Muir on Aug 28, 2013 in Videogames 
If you haven’t quite reversed your position on the Xbox One yet, here’s a few more reasons to consider buying it at launch. Three exclusive games will have bonus Day One content, provided you buy the Day One Editions or buy a digital copy within the first two weeks. Besides having special packaging (that matches if you buy all three games), Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, and Ryse: Son of Rome will have the following additional content. Read more…
Tags: Xbox One
Posted by Bob Muir on Aug 27, 2013 in Videogames 
It’s been over 25 years since Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished came out in Japan, and since then, the somewhat-unknown series has grown, putting out many action-RPG sequels and spin-offs, as well as tons of ports. To celebrate, publisher XSEED is putting out a premium edition of Ys: Memories of Celceta, a loose remake of Ys IV: Mask of the Sun and Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys (neither of which came to America) that make the entry fit better into the series canon. The PlayStation Vita game will normally retail for $39.99, but this premium version is $59.99 because of all the extra stuff that comes with it. Read more…
Tags: Playstation Vita, XSEED
Posted by Bob Muir on Aug 27, 2013 in Videogames 
When you think of HD game remasters, you generally focus on the visuals. Besides being rerendered in a higher resolution, HD versions sometimes have higher-res textures, framerate fixes, or small bonus touches. You don’t generally consider the audio, which is often the same music the game had before. But since Square Enix is making many more improvements for Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD (like creating new models), they’ve also redone more than 60 tracks from Final Fantasy X‘s 91-track soundtrack. That’s pretty cool! Read more…
Tags: Final Fantasy, PS3, square enix
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 26, 2013 in Videogames 
Star Citizen has been an incredible success for a crowdfunding game. Chris Roberts’ game has been getting record support and now, the game is starting to take shape. At an event in Cologne, Roberts and the team reveal the Hanger Module, a download available this Thursday, August 29th, that lets you walk around your hanger and view your ships that you own. Granted, you have to support the game by buying a ship and have backer access to the game, but still: it’s a good first step. I’ve included an embed below of Roberts demoing the hanger and the crowd cheering. At everything. No matter what. Read more…
Tags: Star Citizen
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 25, 2013 in Videogames 
Titanfall has consistently been one of the best-showing games at the past few press conferences. It’s fast-paced, incredibly exciting to watch, and also very vertical. I love shooters that require you to look up and engage on multiple levels, dealing with enemies above and below. Most of all, I love mechs and giant robots. Titanfall looks to combine that with on-foot combat that’s super versatile (double-jumps and wall-running!), while not making either side too overpowered. This new trailer from Gamescom runs through a multiplayer level with plenty going on, and makes me very interested for the game’s release. Check it out below. Read more…
Tags: Titanfall
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 25, 2013 in Videogames
We don’t know when (probably October), and we don’t know how much (probably $350 or so), but Nintendo will be releasing a special edition Wii U system branded with Zelda-inspired designs on the controller. Along with this news we’ve also gotten word of a few upgrades to Wind Waker HD. The Triforce hunt will be shortened, a harder “Hero Mode” will be available right from the start (enemies do more damage and no hearts drop, you must use potions or heart containers to heal), a new sail will make sailing faster, and you can now take selfies with Link’s camera. Yes, the first game ever to feature selfies, and it’s Wind Waker HD. Thanks, Nintendo. Read more…
Tags: Legend of Zelda, Wii U
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