Namco Bandai announced today that Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is set to release for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 the week of September 10. They're touting this installment of the series as having "the largest roster of fighters in Tekken history," but in fact, there's a way you can boost the number of playable characters. That's right, it's another pre-order bonus.
Pre-ordering at Amazon.com and Best Buy will get you Michelle Chang and Angel, while GameStop is offering Kunimitsu and Ancient Ogre in addition to Michelle Chang and Angel. So it seems that GameStop is the way to go. Unless you don't give a toss about Kunimitsu...
"Pleasing our fans is of paramount importance to the TEKKEN development team, therefore we are giving players full access to the wide array of fighters in TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 at no additional cost," said Katsuhiro Harada, TEKKEN Project Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. "The roster of playable characters in any fighting game is an essential factor in contributing to a player's overall experience. By offering DLC characters at no additional cost to players, we are able to deliver a pure TEKKEN experience to all of our fans."
If they really wanted to please their fans, they wouldn't divvy up the DLC like that. While I appreciate that the bonus characters are free (albeit with a pre-order), the fact that they're releasing them at launch stinks of more of this on-disc unlockable DLC that's been all the rage lately. And honestly, if you were at all interested in pre-ordering this game to get the bonus characters, why would anyone opt to buy Tekken Tag Tournament 2 at Amazon or Best Buy if they're only going to get two instead of the four you get at GameStop?
So I thought I could just swing by the Children's Museum of Manhattan for the special hands-on preview event for LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, play a little bit of the game, get some questions answered, and be on my way. What was I thinking? I'd forgotten how the LEGO games bring out the worst of my videogame OCD...
LEGO Batman 2 starts off with Batman and Robin foiling a bunch of their rogue's gallery, and then a prolonged battle against the Joker again, but then Superman flies by to say hi, and that's when things get interesting. The game will feature over 50 playable characters, and this time, in addition to Batman's cast of allies and enemies, you've got a whole bunch of the Justice League in attendance. You know, folks like Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman (and Hawkgirl), Black Canary, Martian Manhunter... and more! See, Lex Luthor decides to team up with Joker, which means it's going to take a lot more than Batman to get the job done this time!
I basically started out playing the full game from the start, and immediately you'll notice one of the biggest changes in the LEGO franchise: they speak! Yes, there is full voice acting for the characters this time around. (Clancy Brown voices Lex, as he did in the animated series, but don't look for Mark Hamill as the Joker or Kevin Conroy as Batman) It's initially off-putting, but it doesn't change the real appeal of the game, which is (to me, anyway) smashing everything you can and collecting all of those tiny little LEGO pieces! The reason for this change is that while Star Wars and Indiana Jones and Harry Potter have established stories, Batman does not, and with the first Batman, Traveller's Tales worried that the story wasn't entirely clear being told through LEGO gestures. I would argue that it was just fine, but I can't fault them for making sure their storytelling is crystal clear by giving voices to the characters.
I played as Batman and Robin for three story levels, and it was pretty much what you'd expect from a LEGO game. Smash things, solve basic puzzles to get to seemingly unreachable areas, and collect stuff. Lots of stuff. There's some new suits which give them new abilities, but it was mostly the same. Although I will say that the camera angle during a rooftop scene in the second level gave me serious vertigo, something that's never happened in a game before. After dispatching the Joker at the end of the third level, Superman swung by, and I couldn't take it anymore. So they unlocked everything for me. And I mean everything.
The hub level in LEGO Batman 2 isn't the Batcave, it's a wide-open explorable Gotham City, and it's huge (The Batcave is just one small section of it). I flew around it for a while as Hawkman, and it was pretty cool. Although running as The Flash is even cooler, because of the speed lines and blur. Everyone's got their own powers. Hawkman smashes with his mace, Wonder Woman whips her golden lasso and throws her tiara, Black Canary has a couple different canary cries, and Cyborg shoots lasers. It's almost too much fun.
I was suitably impressed by what I saw, and could've stayed there even longer. I mean, I was there for well over an hour playing the game... I wonder how long I would've had to stay before they said something. The event was scheduled to go for four hours... I guess they would've kicked me out when they had to close up shop! But what I saw has me excited, and any fellow DC Comics nerds out there should also get ready to check this one out. (By the way, they're obviously in modern, but still classic costumes — none of this New 52 stuff here!) LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is set ot release June 19 in North America and June 27 in Europe for the PC, PS3, 360, Vita, 3DS, Wii and DS. (So just about all of them, really!)
I can't believe it myself, but it seems that Street Fighter has turned 25. That's a quarter of a century of kicking and punching (and assorted special moves!). Wow. To commemorate the occasion, Capcom is planning lots of stuff throughout 2012 including global tournaments. But this article is all about that crazy-ass set of merch you see in the photo above, which is the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set. Each one is individually numbered and packed with Street Fighter games, video, art, music and collectibles, all in a special chest and a certificate of authenticity.
Inside the chest, you'll find four select Street Fighter games (playable on your Xbox 360 or PS3, depending on which version of the set you get): Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition(with all costume DLC) and Street Fighter X Tekken(including all character and Swap Costume DLC). Then there's a two-disc Blu-ray set including a documentary on the franchise, the Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter IV anime movies, as well as all the episodes of the Street Fighter animated series and Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie.
There's also that 8" tall light-up Ryu statue that looks pretty boss. Oh, and an 11-disc soundtrack collection spanning the series' entire 25 years, including remixes and fan-created music inspired by Street Fighter. Not enough? Well, how about a 64-page hardcover art book that includes professional and fan pieces. Or maybe you're wondering what that rolled up black thing is in the bottom right corner of the photo. That's a full-size regulation martial arts black belt that is a replication of the one that Ryu wears (and emblazoned with his classic "Furinkazan" in kanji!)!
Of course, this kind of a set isn't going to come cheap, so it's pretty much for the real Street Fighter die-hards. Which, honestly, if you're even interested in the stuff that's in this box, you probably are. In which case, you're probably not going to mind shelling out $149.99 for the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set for Xbox 360 or PS3. (Honestly, that price doesn't seem that outrageous for what you're getting, at least not to me...)
That's right, as far as they can see right now, people are being scammed through "traditional means." This is 2012, people. By this point, the internet is almost able to drink legally in the US. We should know by now that unique passwords and any available extra security measures, like Blizzard's random number generating authenticator, are essential for online games. It might not always keep you secure, but it will definitely help.
But on the bright side for Blizzard, Diablo 3 has eviscerated sales records with an estimated 3.5 million copies sold within the first 24 hours of launch. Add in the 1.2 million people playing copies that came free with the World of Warcraft Annual Pass, and all the sales since then, and it comes out to around 6.7 million games.
"We're definitely thrilled that so many people around the world were excited to pick up their copy of Diablo 3 and jump in the moment it went live," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We recognize that setting a new launch record is a big achievement," Morhaime continued. "However, we're especially proud of the gameplay feedback we've received from players worldwide. We're pleased that Diablo 3 has lived up to players' high expectations, and we're looking forward to welcoming more players into Sanctuary in the days ahead."
And that doesn't even take into account the Korean Internet game rooms where Diablo 3 has earned an estimated 39% of play. Ignore the subtle stereotype that official stat implies about Korean lifestyles and sit in awe at Bizzard's power.
Of course, the state we're all really wondering about is how many left clicks 6.3 million games can generate. I'm guessing trillions.
Boys and girls, it's time to get serious about America. Our fair nation finds itself in divisive times: one half of the country bemoans gay rights, reproductive rights, preaches the necessity of a return to our country's religious roots (I guess), and harbors a deep-seated fear that the President may, in fact, be the physical incarnation of Satan himself. The other half has been in the midst of a four year-long sigh.
Yet there is one thing thing that brings us all together - regardless of race, religion, sexuality or the propensity to spend seven hours per day screaming at one's feet looking at you Bachmann - a sure-fire way to bridge our differences in this turbulent epoch. I speak, naturally, of giant robots with lasers.
Thus, we have Mechwarrior Online, a free-to-play multiplayer extravaganza, which began a closed beta this week. While the rest of us "nuclear-powered, bipedal death machine" enthusiasts stew in angst, unlucky enough to be woefully beta-less, the MWO creators have announced two packages that grant early access to the game, as well as some additional goodies. The respective perks of said packages are as follows:
$60 ELITE Founder's Package:
Exclusive custom "Founder's BattleMech." This 'Mech includes a lifetime, per-match C-Bill booster.
$80 value of in-game currency* for in-game item purchases.
Two-month premium account to MechWarrior Online at launch: Earn XP & C-Bills faster.
Founder's Tag - sets your status apart from the crowd & get noticed in-game and on the forums.
Early access to the game along with Founder's assets availability starts July 17
$30 VETERAN Founder's Package:
$40 value of in-game currency* for in-game item purchases.
One-month premium account to MechWarrior Online at launch: Earn XP & C-Bills faster.
Founder's Tag - sets your status apart from the crowd & get noticed in-game and on the forums.
Early access to the game along with Founder's assets availability starts July 17
Actually, it's January 15, 2013, which Capcom has specifically slated as the release date for DmC Devil May Cry, the newest installment in the franchise starring the much hotter NuDante (YMMV, of course, but how anyone could watch that trailer where he was all nekkid and not think it was an improvement is beyond me...).
That's the release date for North America and Europe on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A Windows PC version is also in development, and is scheduled for release later in 2013. Also, DmC Devil May Cry is being fully localized with voice talent in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. And Polish, Dutch, Russian and Brazilian Portuguese languages are being supported with subtitles!
This week's Rock Band Music Store update is definitely epic, as long as you're a fan of heavy metal. Because today Harmonix released as DLC the six song pack they're calling "Maiden Epics," and it's a selection of Iron Maiden's most epic tracks from the '80s. In fact, the band is embarking on their "Maiden England" North American tour this June, which ties in nicely to this pack because they'll be singing almost exclusively the classics from that decade.
You'll get "Phantom of the Opera," "The Prisoner," "The Flight of Icarus," "Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "Infinite Dreams," and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son." The tracks will all be available separately for the usual two bucks a pop, but the six-pack will run you only $9.99. "Icarus" and "Ancient Mariner" are the tunes with the optional $.99 Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrades, and only "Infitine Dreams" and "Seventh Son" have keyboard parts. (If that matters to you at all!)
If you've been reading the site for a while then you're probably already somewhat familiar with Hideo: A Theatrical Concert of Music from Japanese Animation and Video Games, also known simply as Hideo.
This one of a kind show, described by NPR as 'A video game symphony on steroids' is the brainchild of creator Blair Baker who sought to create the ultimate experience for fans. After attending many video games concerts Blair decided that there was a lot more that these shows could be doing, and so she created Four Lights Productions to do just that.
Hideo combines an original play with live music from anime and video games the likes of Final Fantasy, Megaman, Noir, Wolf's Rain, Chrono Cross and many more. Each song is accompanied by animated projections courtesy of artist Dan Howard.
The world of Hideo is one that is ever expanding via smaller performances known as Overtures (that feature new storylines, characters, and music) as well as original graphic novels. By bringing together live music with theatre, art, stage combat, audience participation, and more Hideo becomes more than just a concert: it becomes an experience unlike any other.
What's more the entire show is entirely by fans for fans. Every single person working on the show is a fan themselves, whether of anime, video games, or the music they feature.
Here's a small taste of what Hideo has to offer:
Hideo began in 2010 and has had two major performances, one in Berkeley and one in San Luis Obispo. Beyond the main stage shows Team Hideo has made its way around the anime convention circuit, even performing as the opening act for Fanime's Masquerade in 2011.
While Hideo won't be an official Fanime event this year, the show will be taking place right across the street from the San Jose convention at the Montgomery Theater so whether you're a con attendee or not you'll get a chance to see it.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, will be attending Fanime, or are just a huge fan of live music and theatre then this is one event you won't want to miss. There are four chances to see the show, 2pm and 8pm on both Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th.
In the past week, while battling demons in Sanctuary, I've flitted in and out of groups with Bauske and EccentricTomboy (hoping to catch Dryden at some point or another), and am still working on a review. In fact, much like the Sonic 4: Episode 2 review yesterday, I am thinking of asking our other writers to proffer some opinions as well, so we get a range for you to select.
We don't do scores here at GayGamer anymore. Partly because we're not aggregated by any sources, so it doesn't matter if we do. Partly because we do still offer a conclusion paragraph that tends to tell you what you want to know if you want to quickly ascertain whether a game is for you or not. It also means we can theoretically have more fun with what we post about games.
Now, about that always-online thing for Diablo 3. Beyond the first day, I haven't had much problem with it, to be honest. A few lag hiccups here and there that make me nervous to ever run a hardcore character, but otherwise it's been fairly smooth sailing. My first day in the game was actually in a four-person group with EccentricTomboy, Bauske, and one other. We didn't get much of the plot: a four-person brawl on screen tends to mean lots of colors, bashing, and fun, but doesn't give much time to actually stay awhile and listen. That may be okay, though.
I've also tried public games, to have people join, sit there, and not respond to me, nor actually play the game. It's worrisome. Anyone who has played has surely heard all the rumors and speculation about hacking through achievements? Or replicating your login session so that they can get into your account without needing your password (thereby ignoring authenticators as well)? Blizzard has released a statement about what to do, but hasn't actually detailed anything.
Which makes sense: why give potential griefers more ammunition?
I'm just not joining public games again until something is cleared up (and maybe not even then--I'm a fan of exchanging Battletags and talking with people I know). So, what about you?
Has your Diablo experience been wrought with lag, disconnects, or being hacked? Is this pretty firmly cementing all the reasons an always-online experience for a game which can still theoretically be played single-player is a disaster? Vent! Let us know.
So if you're reading this site, you already know about the review I talk about in the beginning. But then I move on to talk about a bargain bin-ish purchase that I sort of kind of regret (though it's okay, because the game was purchased with a GameStop gift card I got for filling out online surveys, so it was technically free). And I conclude with initial impressions of a brand new action RPG that I got a review copy of and some complaining about how publishers always seem to send review copies with only a day or two before the embargo lifts like you can play a massive RPG in that kind of time without having an actual life! Enjoy this week's ramblings!
You know, if anyone was wondering what to get me for a present, SEGA and Gearbox Software announced today that Aliens: Colonial Marines now has an official release date of my birthday. And Abe Lincoln's. That's February 12, in case you didn't know your (allegedly gay) presidents!
"I am thrilled to announce the definitive launch date for Aliens: Colonial Marines," said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. "Aliens: Colonial Marines is the culmination of a life-time of inspiration from the films and relentless passion and drive from the exceptionally talented development team behind the scenes."
This also reminded me that I somehow never wrote up what I saw of the new Aliens game at PAX East! An odd game to let fall through the cracks, for sure! Basically, Aliens: Colonial Marines is positioned as a cannonical sequel to the movie, Aliens. I was told that if they do their job right, the game will somehow make the much-maligned Alien 3 a better movie. (Personally, I have a soft spot for the relentlessly grim third chapter in the Alien series... it was with four that it went off the rails for me) Heck, they even got master designer Syd Mead involved in the game's production to design new locations. They also used designs from the Sulaco that he'd created for Aliens that weren't used in the film.
What I saw of the FPS in the video presentation looked spectacular. The graphics were gorgeous. The action was tense, frenetic and non-stop. About the only thing I didn't really like was the voice actor for the main character. He was a little weak... and if he's the main character, that could be a problem.
But enjoy this brand new trailer as you wait until February 12, 2013 to play Aliens: Colonial Marines on your Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. (There's a Wii U version in the works as well, but its release date has yet to be determined.)
Over on Joystiq this past Friday, Rowan Kaiser wrote up what makes the Quest for Glory franchise so amazing. Which led me to further thinking on the game series, and how it has influenced other games. Which is to say, in my opinion, I can see influences in a lot of places (particularly in BioWare titles). That is the topic for another post, however, as today I am more interested in figuring out what games have come closest to this particular RPG and adventure hybrid.
Recently I have been trying my hand at writing using ChoiceScript, which is used to make those lovely Choice Of games (Dragons, Vampires, and Zombies, oh my!). In reading up on how they handled choice and advancement, I came across this page, which describes their use of stats.
While the Choice of Games folk want you to make meaningful decisions, they came up with a method that seeks not to have them creating a labyrinthine novel with which you interact. Which is very similar to the QFG style: use stats to deterine a pass/fail option. What that means is your decisions matter in that they determine how your stats will increase, which in turn affects what you will succeed or fail at in future endeavors.
• Briker Ed on The Devil May Cry In January Of 2013: Never cared for the old Dante, but I'm really digging the looks of the new one. This one feels more...
• Randy "Dr Randle" Marr on Capcom Causes Street Fighter Fangasms: Now that's how you do a 25th year anniversary. I'll hand it to Capcom, if they know anything, it's collector's...
• Tyler on Teens: Interesting article! I just wanted to add some information. I teach theater to kids age 6-13. This age bracket is...
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