January 2006

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

KOF Neowave coming to the Xbox
Posted by White_Pointer at 05:23:53 CST
The first KOF game that was released on arcade that didn't use the NeoGeo hardware, King of Fighters Neowave, is on its way to the Xbox. Neowave features 12 three-man teams for a total of 43 characters, including 7 bonus characters. You'll be able to choose from new game modes - Super Cancel, Guard Break and Max2, which significantly change the way the game plays. The game will also support online play over Xbox Live.

KOF Neowave for the Xbox is scheduled to ship in March this year.
Post or view comments

Portable Guilty Gear not far away
Posted by White_Pointer at 19:44:05 CST
The two all-new portable Guilty Gear games that were announced way back at last year's E3 finally have a tentative release date of Quarter 2 this year. Guilty Gear Dust Strikers for the Nintendo DS and Guilty Gear Judgement for the PSP are both in development at ARC system works and are both due at the same time.

"Widely praised as one of the leading 2D brawler franchises, the Guilty Gear series has a long history of offering gamers deep, character-driven game play," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco. "These exciting new installments will provide hours of entertainment while offering two unique new game play experiences that fans can enjoy on the go."

The videogame violence debate heats up
Posted by White_Pointer at 19:54:34 CST
We'll never hear the end of the violent video games issue, especially with idiots like Jack Thompson around. However, recently this debate has found a lot more breath as more US states - specifically Utah and Iowa, and joining the bandwagon in regards to video game legislation. It's not just happening in the US though. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has also raised concerns in this topic area, although no official legislation has been proposed - yet.

The news isn't the same in the US though. Utah are reportedly placing video games in the same category as pornography.

"I feel real strong that violence should be in (the statute)," said David Hogue, Republican Representative for Utah, "We need to give parents a tool to protect their children."

"A voluntary system doesn't necessarily always work," said Democratic Representative Janet Petersen. "Do we really want kids spending their free time trying to decide who they want to murder and how they want to murder them?"

SF Alpha Anthology coming to the PS2
Posted by White_Pointer at 21:17:51 CST
Capcom have announced that they are bringing yet another SF compilation to the home market. This time it's a collection of the SF Alpha games and it is headed to the PS2.

There will be five games included in the pack, called Street Fighter Alpha Anthology. They are Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and finally Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix, also known as Pocket Fighter.

All of the games will be direct ports of the arcade originals according to Capcom, with the addition of training mode, survival mode and a 2-on-1 battle mode. Everything else you found in the arcade originals, you'll get here. Capcom have not mentioned however if the games will be playable online - at this point it's probably safe to assume they aren't.

The compilation is scheduled for a release mid-way through this year in North America.
Post or view comments

Original MK included in PC MAT
Posted by White_Pointer at 20:22:17 CST
The PC version of Midway Arcade Treasures, titled Midway Arcade Treasures: Deluxe Edition, is not just a straight port of the console MAT's, it seems. The original Mortal Kombat has been confirmed to be included in the package when it ships early next month, a game the console versions didn't have. Of course MKII and MK3 will also be on there as well. The rest of the games seem to be from a combination of MAT2 and MAT3. Whether other fighting games are going to be included remains to be seen.
Post or view comments

New Poll
Posted by White_Pointer at 20:20:36 CST
2005 was a good year for fighting games, with a number of good, original games hitting the market. So our new poll is quite simple. Looking back on 2005, what was the best fighting game released during the year?

Note this only includes original titles, not ports of older games onto different systems.

Vote now!
Post or view comments

Poll Results
Posted by White_Pointer at 20:04:26 CST
Time to close off our poll and open a new one, but first, as always, here's the results:

Which next-gen console are you going to buy?

28.9%- Playstation 3
24.4% - Nintendo Revolution
12.4% - Revolution and Playstation 3
9.2% - All of them!
7.1% - Xbox 360
6.5% - Xbox 360 and Playstation 3
6.2% - None of them
5% - Revolution and Xbox 360

By the looks of things, it seems most site visitors are interested in the PS2, closely followed by the Revolution. The Xbox 360 lags a long way behind in popularity according to these results.
Post or view comments

Rumble Roses XX coming to 360
Posted by White_Pointer at 05:03:43 CST
The sequel to 2004's Rumble Roses, the female wrestling game with other elements thrown into it, has been dated for a Japanese release. Creatively titled Rumble Roses XX, the game will feature the same gameplay as the PS2 original but with completely overhauled graphics, looking very similar to DOA 4. The character types have also been increased, and the game will now feature a new "superstar mode". Tag teams are being implemented as well, and like DOA 4 the game will be fully playable online.

The game is set to release in Japan on March 30th. There's no word yet on a US release, but you can probably bet it won't be too far behind.
Post or view comments

Samurai Shodown V ships for Xbox
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:11:31 CST
The latest offering in the Samurai Shodown series, Samurai Shodown V has taken a while to hit the home market, but the wait is finally over. SNK have announced that the game has now shipped out exclusively for the Xbox, complete with full online support and a new tournament mode. For you hardcore SS fans out there, the full Japanese version of the game is also included if you prefer it over the English version.

An interesting point to note ios that this is the first time the series has appeared on the current generation of consoles outside of Japan.
Post or view comments

Naruto: Narutimate Hero set for 2006 release
Posted by White_Pointer at 23:28:03 CST
Naruto: Narutimate Hero, a 3D fighting game based on the popular manga of the same name, was first announced way back in 2003. Since then the game has only been released in Japan, but recently Namco Bandai have updated their 2006 release schedule and it looks as though the game is finally coming across the pond and it's set to hit the PS2 in the summer.

Apart from an action fighter named Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, there doesn't seem to be any other fighting games on this year's agenda from Namco Bandai. By the looks of things the new PS3 Tekken game is not anticipated to make the system's launch late this year.
Post or view comments

DOA coming to PS3?
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:46:29 CST
Tecmo recently made a PR statement that sent many a DOA fan wondering what on earth they were doing. The statement eluded to the possibility that future Dead or Alive games may appear on the Playstation 3. The statement reads as follows:

"Regarding our impressions of the next generation systems, we don't really have enough information about the PS3 or Revolution at the moment. On the other hand, we think Xbox 360's online system will really heat up matches so we've scheduled the next two DoA titles for PS3"

MK: Armageddon revealed
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:56:52 CST
Exciting news for MK fans!

Issue #154 of Game Informer magazine reveals much about the upcoming seventh title in the MK series; Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. First of all, the game is set to be released on THIS generation of consoles (Xbox and PS2 probably) in October this year. On top of that, Midway have said that there will be at least 60 (count 'em) playable characters this time around - every single playable Mortal Kombat character from the past games to date (although it does mention that Motaro may not make the cut). There are so many characters that the screen needs to rotate to reveal them all.

As if 60 characters wasn't enough, Midway are taking a page out of Namco's book and are including a "Kreate a Fighter" feature, that allows the player to create their own MK character. This isn't just simply taking the preset fighting styles that the regular characters use and applying them to your own character either, you can actually determine every single attack move in a particular fighting style and give the style your own name.

The game will also come with a revamped Konquest mode, based more around the Shaolin Monks engine than the one used in Deception. You will no longer need to play through Konquest mode to unlock stuff either...the "Krypt" has now been replaced by the "Vault", and you can unlock stuff in there by playing the other modes as well as Konquest.

So what about the gameplay? It appears to be based on the same system that Deadly Alliance and Deception used, however it is getting a few more coats of polish and is being refined. For starters, the air combat system is getting an overhaul, and it will now be possible not only to execute different air attacks, but string together air combos. Throws are also getting redone, and now you will be able to determine the direction your opponent will be thrown when you execute the move, making the death traps (yes, they make a return as well) much more dangerous than before. Finally the Fatality system is said to be "reinvented", though the article doesn't expand on this aspect at all. There is also a brief mention in the article about a new online mode where up to 8 players can join in the fray, but what it is exactly is a mystery at this point.

Due to copyright reasons we can't post scans of the article here, however, if you head over to TRMK, they have some small scans there that you can take a look at. Look for the issue on store shelves later this month.

Thanks to forum member Vion Veo Vision for the tip off!
Post or view comments

New Fan Art
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:51:32 CST
droberts has sent us two new pieces of fan art, hand drawn images of Hitomi and Tina from the DOA series. You can see them in Gallery 8 in our fan art section.

Don't forget, that's the link to follow if you want to submit your own fighting game artwork for the world to see!
Post or view comments

Ubisoft to make games off new TMNT movie
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:40:40 CST
Since the 80's Konami have been the sole licensee of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as far as the video games were concerned, and indeed they were true classics back then, and the modernised remakes aren't half bad either. However, another publisher has now got their hands on the license. Ubisoft will be developing a game (or series of games) based off the new upcoming TMNT CG movie. As far as we are aware, this doesn't affect Konami's ability to make games based off the existing franchise.

If you're after information on the new CG TMNT movie...well, you're out of luck, because there isn't any at the moment, aside from an expected release date of Quarter 2 2007. We do know however that it's being made by Hong Kong-based Imagi Animation Studios, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. in the US and The Weinstein Company around the rest of the world.

Here's a little something to whet your appetite until more information is released.

DOA4 game save glitch unearthed
Posted by White_Pointer at 18:34:55 CST
Originally slated as an Xbox 360 launch title, Dead or Alive 4 was delayed again and again for over a month until the game finally hit retail on the 29th of December last year. Yet, despite all of that, Tecmo have confirmed a glitch with the game's save system, that causes all of your saved game data to vanish. That includes everything, from the unlocked characters and costumes to your online ranking.

Tecmo have told video game site Gamespot that they are aware of the problem and are currently working with Microsoft to try and rectify it, and will be releasing a patch as soon as they can (will that make DOA4 the first 360 title to be patched?).

In the meantime, Tecmo have provided a temporary workaround you can follow to avoid having your hard-earned saves disappear into thin air:

1. With your copy of DOA4 already inserted, turn on your 360 by pressing the "open tray" button.
   
2. Wait until all the information from your Gamer Profile is fully displayed on your Gamer Card, including achievements and other awards.
   
3. Close the tray again with DOA4 still inserted.
   

Blind MK whiz taking it to Japan
Posted by White_Pointer at 19:08:10 CST
Back in August last year, we reported a story about a teenager named Brice Mellen, who, despite being completely blind, was a guru at Mortal Kombat. Well, now he's expanding his horizons and is heading over to Japan, where he'll be competing in a competition held by Nippon TV's Power of Memory, Part III. Brice made an appearance at Lincoln, Nebraska's DogTags Gaming Center last weekend to help aid his overseas preparations, and beat all of his opponents senseless, most without breaking a sweat.

The Japanese competition will be held later this month. Good luck Brice!
Post or view comments

SFII: Hyper Fighting coming to the 360
Posted by White_Pointer at 12:08:34 CST
Capcom has announced their first title for Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360 - Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting. Of course the game will be playable online, but Capcom are introducing an entirely new mode to this version in an attempt to relive the retro arcade feel, a feature they are calling the "Quarter Match". No, this doesn't mean you play a quarter of a game, it means players are given virtual quarters, and they "line up" in the game lobby actually being able to watch the current match in progress. The winner stays on, and the loser moves on, and the next challenger inserts their virtual quarter and challenges the victor. It's almost like being at the arcade again! The game even supports voice chat so players can trash talk each other. The game also keeps track of the best competitive players with a regularly updated ladder.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Capcom on Xbox Live Arcade,” said Greg Canessa, Group Manager of Xbox Live Arcade at Microsoft. “Street Fighter is one of the most recognized and successful game franchises in history and it is an absolute honor to bring the arcade classic Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting to Xbox 360 users across the globe. Offering this flagship title in Xbox Live Arcade and imbuing it with full Xbox Live support is the answer to many gamers’ dreams, including mine.”

The 20 Best Fighting Games of all Time, and the SCIII winner!
Posted by White_Pointer at 22:49:42 CST
We said we would deliver this early in the new year, and we've done it.

First things first though! Congratulations to Adrian Hancock, you are the lucky winner of Soul Calibur III! Make sure you check your inbox for your reply e-mail asking for your details so we can send the game out to you!

With that out of the way, we present to you The 20 Best Fighting Games of all Time. These were voted by you, the site visitor, and there are more than a few surprises in the list. It's not our fault if your favourite game didn't make it in, this list was determined by you guys! In total we had more than 120 fighting games nominated for inclusion in the list, but only 20 could make the final cut and be honoured as the best.

So what was the end result? You'll need to click here to find out!
Post or view comments

Namco/Bandai US merger complete
Posted by White_Pointer at 00:59:55 CST
It's taken the best part of nearly 9 months, but the merger between the North American operations of Namco and Bandai is now finally complete, with the new company to be known as Namco Bandai Games America.

"We are thrilled that the integration of the two North American entities is now complete and we are all now under one roof," said the new company's president and CEO, Genichi Ito, in a statement. "We are proud to be part of the new Namco Bandai Games America family and look forward to a successful year ahead."

"The integration of our two companies has been a team effort over the last several months," said Naruo Uchida, the new corporate planning senior vice president. "We have worked together to fuse the many strengths each of our companies have to form one strong North American operation."

Tekken movie details
Posted by White_Pointer at 00:59:48 CST
Not much has been released to the public about the announced Tekken movie up to this point. However, Steven Paul, CEO of film studio Crystal Sky had a talk to website Gamecloud a few weeks ago about the studio's upcoming projects, one of which is of course the Tekken movie. He remained tight-lipped about the movie's casting and the possible involvment of Jet Li, but he did say that Crystal Sky managed to win the license to make the movie due to their close relationship with Namco. The only other thing that was revealed was that they are planning on beginning production early this year.

As a matter of interest, the studio also has two other movies based on game franchises in the works...Castlevania and believe it or not...Pac-man.

You can read the full interview at Gamecloud here.
Post or view comments

DOA4 finally out
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:29:26 CST
Let's kick off the new year with some good news for all those Xbox 360 owners that have been patiently waiting for Dead or Alive 4 since the system's release. According to Tecmo, the game apparently shipped out and has been on store shelves since the 29th of December...just barely making it into 2005.

We don't know yet whether the game is out in Japan or whether it has been delayed further there, and who knows when the PAL release might be, but at least those of you in North America with 360's can now play the anticipated fighter.
Post or view comments

Site's back up
Posted by White_Pointer at 01:03:20 CST
Sorry for being down for a couple of days but as you probably noticed we exceeded our bandwidth.

The site's back up now though and we'll return to regular news posting on the 3rd of January. However because of the site downtime there's 2 extra days to get your votes in for the best 20 fighting games of all time and be in the running to win SCIII, so head on over to this page quickly and submit your list.

Happy Twenty-O-Six by the way, hope everyone had a safe new years!
Post or view comments