In a bombshell announcement — collaborating with the tenth anniversary — Square Enix announced that it will be releasing an HD version of Final Fantasy X.

However, details are still scarce, as the game is still deep in development. But, Square did reveal that it’s coming exclusively to both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.

Following the PS3′s announcement, developers were quoted stating that development on the console was “too complicated” — one of the many reasons that Valve prevoiusly refused to develop on the platform. Though the complexity has since decreased, Sony’s seeking “input” from developers on the production of “future hardware”.

When speaking to Develop, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida stated that one of the many directives of the company were for them to be directly involved with software developers in the creation of future hardware.

“When Ken Kutaragi moved on and Kaz Harai became the president of SCE, the first thing Kaz said was, ‘Get World Wide Studios in on hardware development,’” Yoshida said. “So he wanted developers in meetings at the very beginning of concepting new hardware, and he demanded SCE people talk to us [developers].”

Yoshida went on to state that this development strategy is being incorporated into the companies “future platforms”. “Yes, we are undergoing many activities that we haven’t yet been talking about in public,” Yoshida stated. “Some future platform related activities.”

Despite a handful of misleading Twitter comments, director David Jaffe made well on his bewildered promise — another installment into his adored car combat franchise. In conclusion to their press conference, Sony revealed that Twisted Metal will be headed exclusively to their platform in 2011.

According to Jaffe, the new Twisted Metal development team at Eat Sleep Play consists of many of the series’ original developers. “Twisted Metal is being created by the same team members who gave birth to the dark humor and fast-action gameplay of the classic Twisted Metal series,” he stated.

However, Jaffe only displayed the multiplayer mode at the event. Eat Sleep Play representatives have confirmed that the development team aren’t ready to address the game’s single-player portion to the public. That said, the new version of Twisted Metal will release exclusively on PS3 on 2011.

Today, Insomniac Games announced their partnership with Electronic Arts giving the developers upcoming title multiplatform status. “We want to reach more players,” CEO Ted Price told GameSpot.

“We’ve always been very excited about our PS3 fanbase, but we’re at the time in our company growth where we would like to also bring the entertainment experiences we’re creating to the Xbox 360 fanbase… Certainly, our interest is in owning what we create. And working with EAP, we can do that and that’s a boon for us.”

However, while this doesn’t mean that Ratchet & Clank or Resistance will be multiplatform, it does mean that their future IPs will be multiplatform. In addition, it also doesn’t mean that the developer will complete forget about the PlayStation 3.

“I want to make it clear that we’re not stopping working with Sony,” continued Price. “We’ve had a long relationship with Sony, and we’ve produced some great franchises together, and our commitment to them and those franchises–Ratchet and Resistance–remain just as strong.”

People, for obvious reasons, stated Microsoft’s platform as the development lead for Bayonetta; we later gained conformation from its developer, sparking a bit of frustration with fans. As a reason of repentance, Platinum Games have announced that their next title, Vanquish will feature Sony’s platform as the development lead.

“We’re leading development on PS3,” said director Shinji Mikami. “Obviously each console has its own unique requirements and limitations, but we feel if we can create a good enough presentation on PS3, we’ll be off to a good start.” Mikami also revealed that development started out on PC, although when asked if it was coming to that platform, Mikami said PS3 and 360 were “the main idea right now”.

Microsoft has done it again, delivering content on its platform before anyone else can receive it. However, unsurprisingly, there are two sides to this pandemic; one supporting Microsoft, and the other against Microsoft dishing out money for exclusives. That said, Microsoft has responded to the “non-supporters”, who are non-supportive of them with their current downloadable content deal.

“I think about it like a sports team, when you sign a star athlete for your team… when you sign that free agent, I think it makes your team better. At the end of the day, we want to turn as many people as possible into Xbox 360 fans,” said Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg when asked about the business of getting exclusive content with ArsTechnica.

“…on top of that, to take the biggest game of last year, and be the exclusive place you can get that downloadable content first, I think that’s a big deal. That’s a big reason you’d want to buy an Xbox 360 instead of another console, “he continued. “So we think from a business standpoint that’s part of the reason more people are buying the Xbox 360, more people are on Xbox Live, it’s part of the reason more people are buying Modern Warfare 2—more than two to one our box vs. the PS3.”

Following its announcement, Capcom polled the fans asking them if they wanted the Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition content in hard-disc form or in a downloadable form. That said, excluding the “Wesker’s Mansion” mission – the first episode – Capcom announced the second episode of downloadable content for Resident Evil 5, “Desperate Escape”.

Desperate Escape, slated to release in March, features series characters Jill Valentine and Josh Stone as they attempt to escape a Tri-cell facility, as well as hordes of zombies. The Desperate Escape downloadable content takes place at the end of Resident Evil 5, as Jill and Josh race to help Chris and Sheva against Albert Wesker.

Desperate Escape will be available on March 3 for Xbox 360 and March 4 for PlayStation 3.

Early access to the demo was just the begging, Visceral Games have announced the Divine Edition of Dante’s Inferno, an exclusive version of Dante’s Inferno for the PlayStation 3. And to make it all better, the Divine Edition comes jam packed with extra content for no additional cost.

When the game releases on February 9th, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to purchase the Divine Edition which includes developer commentaries, a Wayne Barlowe digital art book, the soundtrack to the game and a digital version of the complete Longfellow translation of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno all for the price of $59.99. Mean while, 360 owners will be stuck with the normal and special editions of the game.

“We are thrilled to offer an exclusive game pack for PlayStation 3 gamers. The PlayStation platform has a long history of delivering AAA action/adventure games,” said Jonathan Knight, Executive Producer for Dante’s Inferno. “Adding Dante’s Inferno to that rich catalog is very exciting for the team. And with the demo now available on the PlayStation Network, players can finally get a taste of what awaits them in the full game on Feb 9th.”

A month before the release of God of War III, players will have the chance to enter the “gates of hell” with Dante’s Inferno, the video game adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem. But, until then, players will have the chance to sample the Dante’s Inferno in the form of a demo, set to release this month.

That said, Electronic Arts today announced that PlayStation 3 gamers will be able to pick up the Dante’s Inferno Gates to Hell demo on December 10, with the Xbox Live edition landing on December 24. But, even though there’s a PSP version, EA said that the demo will only be available on consoles.

The demo allows players to “experience fast-paced hack-n-slash combat as they fend off waves of enemies before taking on the ultimate battle against Death.” Upon the defeat of Death, Dante will be armed with Death’s scythe and a powerful holy-cross. Then, he tears open the Gates of Hell – thus the name.

Dante’s Inferno is slated to launch in North America for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PSP on February 9, 2010. However, the demo will only be available for the PS3 and 360.

For years, Rockstar have been keen on reminding its investors of the money-making potential of its Red Dead Revolver franchise. Back in February, the publisher announced Red Dead Redemption, the sequel to its first western shoot ‘em up. However, since the announcement, Redemption has been pushed into 2010; with no announcement of its new release date. But, that’s all about change.

With a lot of heavy hitters, hitting within the first quarter of 2010, Rockstar has announced that Red Dead Redemption will release on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in April, that’s within the exact same time-frame. However, if that wasn’t enough, the publisher also announced that a new trailer will premiere on December 1 for Red Dead Redemption.

“The team at San Diego have massively exceeded our expectations with the sheer depth of experiences in Red Dead Redemption,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “The seamless combination of breathtaking beauty and intense action, all woven together with strong plotlines in a massive vibrant, rural environment is mind-blowing. We think this game helps to push the limits of what an open-world gaming experience can be.”

One the most important selling points of the PlayStation 3 is its no additional charge for online play feature. However, reports have been surfacing about a two-layered subscription model for the PlayStation Network – much like the levels of Xbox Live, but fundamentally different.

During a presentation, emphasizing Sony’s plans to make its video game business profitable, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai confirmed the company’s plans for a “premium level” of subscription for PSN. “We will be building upon our current free [PSN] service offering with premium content and services to start the subscription model,” Hirai told the attendees.

As reassurance against PlayStation 3 owners pay-to-play fears, Hirai reassured owners that the current level of service will remain free of charge.

“SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral, and PlayStation Network,” Hirai said in a statement given to CVG. “Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services.

If you’ve played the original, you’ll known that Kane & Lynch: Dead Men was an entertaining but rough-edged game (it was littered with controversy, most notable the firing of Jeff Gerstman). But, with all the hope in the world, maybe they can address these issues in the sequel, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days.

Square-Enix Europe have announced today that Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will be releasing sometime next year on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The sequel “is a raw and brutal crime shooter designed to take players on an even more intense story experience, following two of gaming’s most disturbed criminals, through the gritty Shanghai underworld.”

However, they aren’t calling Kane and Lynch 2 a sequel. They’re calling it “[a game] inspired by documentary filmmakers and the user-generated era,” meaning that it could be a game played documentary style, or something like that. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will be released under the Eidos games label  in 2010.

Final Fantasy XIII will be hitting North American stores on March 9th, announced its developer Square Enix today – just so that you guys know, that’s the same exact month that God of War III will be hitting stores, meaning that March is going to be an amazing month for gaming.

Along with this announcement, Square Enix have also released a new video for the game showcasing the new battle system, the Paradigm system; just for fans to get a better understanding for the new system. Final Fantasy XIII will release on both the Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 March of next year, the Japanese will be getting the game on December 17th.

This holiday season is a huge one for video games; with games selling a number of millions within weeks or, even, a day. However, there are a good number of “underdogs” within this holiday season, who sadly have little public awareness – therefore, they’re producers of low sales. But, it seems that these two underdogs (Brutal Legend and DJ Hero) are, actually, doing very will for their first month on the market.

Released on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Brutal Legend sold over 215,000 units in the month of October, compared with DJ Hero‘s 122,300 units on the 360, PS3, Wii, and PlayStation 2 within the same month. Which is, somewhat, a surprise seeing that, one, they’re both holiday underdogs and, two, DJ Hero’s prices range from $100-$200, $200 being the games “Renegade Edition” – the highest edition.

OCTOBER US SALES:

1. Brutal Legend (360) – 150,000 units
2. Brutal Legend (PS3) – 66,000 units
3. DJ Hero (360) – 62,000 units
4. DJ Hero (PS3) – 39,000 units
5. DJ Hero (Wii) – 19,000 units
6. DJ Hero (PS2) – 3,300 units

[Thanks to GameSpot]

Much like what we’ve seen with Dead Space, a survival horror title, Dante’s Inferno, a game based on a “definitive view of the afterlife”, will be getting the animated treatment in the form of a animated feature; this is no new announcement, Electronic Arts announced the animated feature along time ago, however, this is the first trailer.

Tracking Dante’s decent into hell, the upcoming animated feature follows his pursuit to retain the soul of his beloved, Beatrice. In which, Dante encounters “many gruesome forms of evil” that dwell within circles of hell. This animated feature will release in February 2010, the same month that Dante’s Inferno is unleashed upon the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the Sony PSP. Enjoy the very entertaining trailer.

In the few past week, rumors have been speculating at a public beta for Bad Company 2, however, the rumors weren’t clarified. That is until now. Exclusively for the PlayStation 3, starting November 19, PlayStation 3 gamers will be able to experience the unprecedented action, destruction, vehicular warfare, squad play and open sandbox environments that only Bad Company 2 can deliver in the form of a private multiplayer beta.

The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer beta will feature the “Arica Harbor” map, where up to 24 players can compete in one of the game’s four intense multiplayer modes called “Rush”. The new map displays a superb balance of vehicle and infantry combat, as the American assault unit attacks the Russian army base with full force, advancing further through a beautiful desert town and towards the industrial area in a desperate attempt to overtake the Arica Harbor.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for PlayStation gamers to get early access to one of the most action-packed and polished shooters in the marketplace with Battlefield: Bad Company 2,” says Rob Dyer, SVP, Publisher Relations, SCEA. “We’re happy to help DICE achieve their superior level of multiplayer excellence in the game.”

Along with that, early next year, players worldwide will be able experience Bad Company 2 when DICE releases a multiplayer demo on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

With the recent speculation about a third Killzone, a dutch television shows’ commentator made it known that Guerrilla Games is indeed working on another Killzone on PlayStation 3; stating that a “the commentator said something remarkable”, reports dutch gaming site PSFocus.

Along with that, the VideoJug commentator also stated that fans could expect the sequel within the next two years – sometime within 2010-2011. “At this moment in the greatest secrecy worked on the sequel to Killzone 2. The release is expected in 2011, perhaps even in 2010,” said the commentator, translated by Google.

Personally, I would love to see another Killzone. Along with that, I would love to see a Killzone 3 with cooperative play. Sony has yet to comment on the rumors.

Heavy Rain is, undoubtedly, one of our most anticipated games of next year. However, like I stated so many times, fans need something for waiting so long, and for Heavy Rain being delayed so many times.

With that said, Quantic Dream head, David Cage, told G4 that “[they're] currently working on a demo” for Heavy Rain, and that “finding one scene that can convey what we are trying to achieve with Heavy Rain is something really difficult.”

“If we show an action scene, some players will think that this is what Heavy Rain is all about, and it is the same thing if we show an exploration scene,” he continued to tell G4. “The problem is that each scene of the game offers contextual game play, which is something very difficult to explain and convey in a single demo. Demos are often a double-edge thing: if you don’t release one, players may think that you have something to hide.”

As for a release date for the demo, it’s still unknown. But, here’s a question. Why don’t they just use the E3 demo? Heavy Rain is scheduled to launch early in 2010, exclusively for the PS3.

It shouldn’t came as any surprise that Quantic Dream would doing this after Heavy Rain’s nude scene controversy. In order to keep Heavy Rain from getting banned in other regions of the world, Quantic Dream is censoring the game, said the game’s exclusive producer.

In an interview pushing Heavy Rain towards the Japanese market, Guillaume de Fondaumiere told viewers that although Heavy Rain is designed for the mature audience, it may not be expected everywhere, and for that, the developer will be censoring it for those regions.

“We wanted to have pretty much the same game everywhere, be it Europe, in the United States, or in Japan, of course, with slight adaptions,” he said. “But I don’t think the changes we made will make a big difference; those are real modular things. We felt the need to adapt the content to the culture.”

Heavy Rain is scheduled to launch early in 2010, exclusively for the PlayStation 3.

Update: The reports are incorrect. According to a picture taken of the magazine (click to view NSFW), Beyonetta didn’t actually get that “prefect score”. Instead, Beyonetta manage at total of 38 points out of 40 – 40 being the highest that any game can receive from the magazine.

Original: While we’re anticipating its release here in the United States, over in Japan, Famitsu has handed Bayonetta a “perfect score” – which isn’t a honor handed out freely by the magazine.

Until today, only eleven (well, now twelve) games have ever been given that honor by the magazine. So this kind of a big deal. However, within the last two years [2008-2009] three games have been given this honor, which leaves one to question the scoring by Famitsu.

[Famitsu Awards Bayonetta A Perfect Score via Kotaku]

While we’re still wondering when, or if, the PlayStation 3 version of Tales of Vesperia would be making its way stateside, Namco Bandai is, already, considering a Tales of Verperia sequel, reports Andriasang.

At a The First Strike event, questions concerning a possible sequel for the original Vesperia popped up. Answering the questions, Makoto Yoshizumi, Namco Bandai Games general manager, said that during staff meetings, the staff would ask him, “Will you be making Vesperia 2?” to which he would respond, “Don’t talk like a fan!”.

“It appears that [within the company] there’s a desire to make part 2,” he said. “We’re thinking about it.” With that said, it looks like the Vesperia story is far from finished with the Xbox 360 version, and the PS3 version, which is only in Japan.

With a series of them releasing in the UK, Sony today revealed a 250GB PlayStation 3 Slim bundle for North America – basically, toping the PlayStation 3′s holiday competition in terms of hard dive space.

Going on sales on November 3rd, the 250GB model will feature the same “slim look” and feel as the recently released 120GB slim system, which is currently going on sale for $249.99. However, the new 250GB model will come packing at the total price of $349.99 - actually $100 more then the regular Slim.

With this new space, players can now store more of their favorite games, movies/TV shows, music, photos and PlayStation Network downloads.

If you were wondering how much motion control Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition would use, Capcom’s PR (Public Relations) boss Chris Kramer relayed to GameTrailers that Alternative Edition, the motion controlled version of Resident Evil 5 for PlayStation 3, will use motion control “from top to bottom” – meaning for all movement featured in the game.

“They’re going to be using motion controller on PS3 from top to bottom, going in from movement to combat,” Kramer told GT. “I’ll be very interested to see it in practice.” During the interview, Kramer did note that he hasn’t seen Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition fully using motion control, however, he did say that, that’s what they told him.

Kramer then went onto talk about Capcom using Natal in future games. “I haven’t heard anything about Natal right now,” he continued. “The team’s said it’s focusing on motion control support for the PlayStation 3 platform, and they’re thinking very hard about what they can offer to be of an equal level of interest for 360 players.”

[Thanks to VG24/7]

Prepare for the ultimate invasion! The most anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, Infinity Ward‘s Modern Warfare 2 will strike worldwide on November 10, 2009. And, MAN!, November 10th can’t come soon enough.

Although its predecessor, Street Fighter IV, has a very successful arcade version, it seems that the newest expansion Super Street Fighter IV won’t be getting an arcade release, after all – its producer Yoshinoro Ono told GamesReactor in a reveal interview about Super Street Fighter IV.

“So, unfortunately, I’m sorry to say to arcade fans out there: there won’t be an arcade version of this. I think a lot of people were kind of requesting an arcade update .I know that, in some parts of the world, it doesn’t really matter if there’s an arcade version or not,” he told GamesReactor.

“But certainly in Japan and the rest of Asia and some parts of the Oceania, there’s still a lot of people playing in arcades. So, I’m sorry to disappoint them but this time its going to be Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 only affair.” Super Street Fighter IV is slated to ship in spring of 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

[Thanks to the Examiner]

Now that Street Fighter IV has done series justice, Capcom is looking to expand the series with a new title called Super Street Fighter IV, reports GameSpot. In which Capcom plans on improving everything about the original, meaning more playable characters, new ultra combos, improved online features, and rebalanced characters.

However, this isn’t a downloadable add-on for Street Fighter IV. You see, when Street Fighter IV was in development, certain aspects of code weren’t laid out in a way to support the features being added to Super Street Fighter IV. As a result, SSFIV will be released as a standalone disc that won’t be sold at full price.

But, don’t get rid your copy of Street Fighter IV just yet. According to its producer, Yoshinori Ono, SSFIV offers SFIV owners a bonus content that Capcom hasn’t revealed yet. As far as what to expect from the new game, Super Street Fighter IV will be a mix of feedback by Street Fighter IV fans, and a mixture of new content that the team had originally planned to add to Street Fighter IV.

As a result, the game’s original roster of 25 characters is being bumped up by roughly eight new playable characters, including T. Hawk and Juri, as Capcom is looking to add both new and retro characters to the mix. Super Street Fighter IV is slated to ship in spring of 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

There’s no doubt in our mines that Heavy Rain is totally going to kick butt when it releases next year; its developers Quantic Dream are very primed on delivering an adult story with an adult narrative. And what wouldn’t be a better way of doing so; then to do so.

As you can tell by the title, this article is obviously about a “nude scene” that takes place during one of the levels in Heavy Rain – in where the player controls a female character who has a gun pointed at her by a mysterious character who is telling her to take off her undergarments (link is not available).

Just to note: Heavy Rain is a game made for the adult gamer. However, this is most likely to draw attention from many “active parents” who are likely going to try and get the games rating reinforced to an “A” – instead of “M” – or they’re going to try and halt the games release, altogether. Anyway, don’t let me ruin your day with this nonsense that’s mostly promoted by FOX, just kidding.

You ever wonder how Ezio looks like as a man? Well, in the latest Assassin’s Creed II trailer from the Tokyo Game Show it features Ezio as a man, not as a assassin.

In Assassin’s Creed II, Ezio Auditore da Firenze is a young Italian noble who will learn the ways of the assassins after his family was betrayed and he looks to seek vengeance. He is a lady’s man, a free soul with panache yet has a very human side to his personality. Through him, you become a master assassin.

Sony has dropped a massive bombshell for PlayStation Portable owners today. During their TGS press conference, Sony announced a miniature version of PlayStation Home called Room – the two “o”s are actually an infinity symbol (“R∞M”).

“PlayStation Room” (shown above) features avatars, live blogs, photo albums and social networking. Along with, Chat, mini-games, and real-time communication. Room is being tested in Japan right now because Room is more inline to what Japanese gamers want, however, we’re fairly certain that it will come to North America, sometime in the future.

Today, 2K Games announced that BioShock 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2007 Game of the Year, will be available worldwide on February 9, 2010. The good news being that BioShock 2 stayed within the first half of 2010 time frame – as stated when they delayed the game. The bad news, we’ll still have to wait a bit longer.

Currently in development for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, “BioShock 2 will deliver two unique, yet intertwined experiences that form the perfect blend of explosive first-person shooter combat, compelling storytelling and intense multiplayer action” – reads the press release. Once again, BioShock 2 will be available worldwide on February 9, 2010.

In an interview with 1UP, Jun Takeuchi, Resident Evil 5 producer, stated that other developers are happy about Sony’s wand motion controller technology because it’s now possible for Wii games to be ported onto the PlayStation 3.

“Speaking to other developers in Japan, I’ve heard a few of them say they were delighted by the Sony motion controller because they can just port over their Wii titles to the PS3,” Takeuchi told 1UP. However, this doesn’t confirmed that Capcom’s working on a Wii-to-PS3 port, but this opens the room for a No More Heroes port on PlayStation 3.

In the shadow of the recent announcement of Star Ocean on PlayStation 3, Square Enix confirmed that its upcoming action-RPG NieR will release in two versions; NieR Gesthalt for the Xbox 360, and NieR Replicant for the PlayStation 3. However, during the past couple of weeks, the names recently made an appearance, but no clarifications were made, at that time.

Details are incredibly light at the moment on the two versions. But, what we do know is that both versions have their NieR character attempting to find a cure for a character who has a mysterious illness. Hopefully, all will be cleared up at next week’s Tokyo Game Show, where the Xbox 360 version will be playable.

The upcoming month of October is loaded with potentially excellent titles, one of those titles, absolutely, being Codemasters‘ Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. However, little is known about the games Multiplayer component, until know.

In a report posted by The Lost Gamer, it revealed that the entire campaign can be played cooperatively; you can enlist “up to three other online Marines and take on the opposition.” Each mission can be played with a different fire team so don’t worry about leading one team through the entire campaign, which is a plus – if there’s quitters.

Dragon Rising is home also to a PVP (Player Vs Player) system. In this mode, you can set yourself up with three AI controlled Marines and go head to head against a friend or foe. The game also features two other modes of play called Annihilation and Infiltration, which will see you and your merry band of soldiers engage in the ultimate wargame across Skira Island.

Annihilation will see both teams start at either end of the battlefield with the ultimate arsenal of weaponry at their disposal and then its a fight to the death with the winning team being the last man standing. Infiltration on the other hand will see one team holding a location on the map whilst the other team will take on the role of a covert Special Forces squad and its their job to take over the location. Dragon Rising releases on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on October 6th.

Team Ico‘s Project Trico recently – I mean that in no sense of the word - received a name face lift, and here’s the reasons as to why. According to Kotaku, Yasuhide Kobayashi, SCEE senior vice president, stated that The Last Guardian (Project Trico) was given a English title so that it would appeal more to the US and European markets.

“There are so many issues we have to solve, and the biggest challenge is that the market in Japan is shrinking — they key is gaining success in the US and Europe,” stated the exec. “At the time of the original PlayStation the Japanese market was one third of the global market, and production costs weren’t that high — so we were able to generate profit from that market alone.”

“But now we’re in the era of the PlayStation 3, and the Japanese market is only one fifth of the global market — when it comes to production costs, those are swelling, so it means that unless we gain success in the overseas market our studio will go bankrupt,” said Kobayashi. “It’s a crisis we recognize.”

I thought that Electronic Arts wasn’t going to do this, but it looks like the “Skate” series is turning into a yearly thing, which isn’t a move that I condole – I’ll talk more about that later. Anyway, Electronic Arts announced the third installment into their “Skate” franchise, Skate 3. And, unlike the first two games, Skate 3 centers more around forming a skate crew and taking on rival crews.

Scheduled to release in May 2010, “players can now team up with one an other to build the ultimate skate crew in the definitive skateboarding co-op experience” – reads the press release. In a move to depart from the past Skate titles, Skate 3 lets players leave their mark on the all-new skater’s paradise, Port Carverton. “We’re giving gamers a very unique experience by providing them with the tools they need to build their ultimate team or to create a team comprised entirely of their online friends. From there, it’s all about proving yourself – teaming up, and throwing down,” added Senior Producer, Jason DeLong.

Featuring an all-new co-op mode in where teammates can complete challenges together while advancing each other’s careers, the game will retain some of the classic features the rewarding epic bails and fails with a beefed up Hall of Meat mode to honing your craft with the all-new skate.School, in were players of all skill levels have multiple ways to “kill it” in the game. The franchise also continues to raise the bar for user created content with the skate.Create feature suite, an innovative toolset that empowers gamers to truly express their skate style by creating their own graphics, videos, and skate parks. Being developed by Black Box, an Electronic Arts studio, Skate 3 will be released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in May 2010.

Sony has announced that stereoscopic 3D technology will be headed the PlayStation 3 in 2010. The technology will be placed in a future firmware update for the system – which Sony is planning to release sometime next year – and you won’t need a special 3D television to utilize it. Instead, you’ll only need the stereoscopic glasses with a normal, or High Definition television.

Along with that, they’ve also revealed that the improvements will be capable with “all” of their existing titles. “3D is clearly on its way to the mass market through technology, distribution and content,” Sir Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, at the IFA Consumer Electronics show. “As with high definition a few years back, there are a variety of issues yet to be addressed. But the 3D train is on the track, and we at Sony are ready to drive it home.”

[Thanks to Kotaku]

If you can’t remember, some time during this year Sony released a survey asking the fans what they would like to see in a God of War III collectors edition, and, in the survey, an overwhelming amount of the community members wished for the previous God of War titles to be available on the PlayStation 3.

With that said, Sony has announced that the critically acclaimed God of War franchise will be headed to the PlayStation 3 in a collaboration of all the previous God of War titles. The collaboration is entitled God of War Collection.

Scheduled for release this holiday season, God of War Collection will feature reworked versions of both God of War and God of War II on a single Blu-ray Disc at full 1280 x 720 resolution. Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring PlayStation Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the first time (included for both games).

“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”

The game will go on sale this holiday for $39.99.

I know that we’re a little slow on the outtake of this information, but it’s news none the less. Anyway, during Sony‘s GamesCom press conference, Sony announced the 3.0 firmware update for PlayStation 3.

The update will change the way you navigate the system such as adding animated themes, a redesigned friends list, premium avatars, new Trophy features, and a new status indicator at the top-right hand corner of the screen – that will now show how many friends you have online, and how unread many manages you have.

Firmware 3.0 will also include a “What’s New” section, and TV services such as BBC iPlayer. These features will release on September 1.

When speaking to Kotaku, Hiromuchi Tanaka, producer on FFXIV, told them that there’s an important issue  keeping them from bringing the title on to the Xbox 360. The “rockblock” that he speaks of is, Microsoft‘s “network policy”.

Since the PlayStation 3 and Windows PC versions allow for cross communication and cross platform play, this is an important issue that Square Enix can not over look. Because it can effect the longevity of the tite on that paffic system, “system” being the Xbox 360. However, Tanaka says that Square Enix is trying to reach an agreement with Microsoft allowing Xbox 360 players to enjoy the game, saying the developer is still “considering” the platform.

Anyway, with that said. It’s no wonder as to why Square Enix hasn’t announced a Xbox 360 version of the game yet. However, we hope that Microsoft can over look this and bring Final Fantasy XIV on to the 360.

Amadeus Arkham, celebrated doctor or demented murderer? You be the judge! With a new video vignette, Eidos Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today reveal the “History of Arkham Asylum” as featured in the upcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum videogame, coming out August 2, 2009 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

With the overwhelming power it will take to run Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix producer Yoshinori Kitase confirmed that the 360 version of Final Fantasy XIII will ship on multiple discs, as previously thought.

“This is not the final count as we’re still working on it, but we’re aiming for about three discs for the Xbox 360 version,” he stated when talking about the number of discs. After that, he then when on to assure that the two versions of the game will be practically identical, although he did concede that there will be “subtle differences” between the two.

“The 360 version and the PS3 version should be pretty much equal, both in terms of content and the visuals as well,” he continued. ”Since the hardware is different, there might be some subtle differences if you compare screenshots side by side, but the team’s being very careful about the compression of the data and the visuals, so that it’s exactly the same on both.”

Fans have been demanding a reason as to why Konami and Kojima Productions would release the next installment of the Metal Gear Solid saga on to the PSP, instead of releasing  it on the Playstation 3. During the latest episode of the Kojima Productions podcast, Sean Eyestone explained the teams decision to develop Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP.

“We want people to go out and socialize with other people. You know physically take your PSP with you, go to your friend’s house and hang out together,” said Eyestone. ”Of course, we could have done co-op, maybe, on PS3 or something like that. But, whenever you do online co-op, that actually, in a way, kind of discourages people from playing together.”

He later stated that, “So not just going home to your respective houses playing online but actually physically coming together, enjoying yourself and kind of recapturing that old-school feel of playing together, enjoying a game together.”

When you put it that way, I’m actualy very happy they did this. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will release exclusively on the PSP sometime in 2010.

[Konami explains why Peace Walker is only for PSP via Examiner]

Update: The PlayStation 3 Slim doesn’t play PS2 games. “Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games,” reads the release.

Original: Kaz Hirai, head of all things PlayStation, announced today, during GamesCon, that the long rumored and awaited PlayStation 3 Slim will be available in the first week of September. Hirai detailed the system stating that the system will feature a 120 GB drive. Along with that, he said that it will be 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter then the current PlayStation 3.

The PlayStation 3 Slim will be priced at $299 in the U.S., 299 euros, 29980 yen. Sony also announced at their GamesCom conference that it will add e-reader technology to its PSP handheld devices, introducing digital comics from Marvel and other publishers. The e-reader technology PSPs will release in December.

I don’t know that much about fighting games, mainly because I grow up in household filled with shooter enthusiasts, but I know for a fact that The King of Fighters series has been around for along time. So long that, if I recall, KOF series played key part as the counter to the popular Street Fighter series. However, over the recent years, The King of Fighters series has lost some of its momentum, make that all of its momentum. Fortunately, The King of Fighters XII doesn’t disappoint.

Boasting a total of 22 fighters, this King of Fighters title is a radical departure from past titles. If you played previous KOF titles, you’ll know that there’s a large amount of fighters normally featured in a game of its kind, but this installment doesn’t have a large group of fighters. The main reason being, for such a low fighter count, is the amount of time the developers spent making a fighter – because all the fighters have been drawn by hand. But, SNK, the developers, have already stated that they’ll be working on more characters as DLC. However, compared with some of the other fighting titles out there, this isn’t a bad turn out.

This hand-drawn style took a lot of man power to create. So much, in fact. That SNK had to set aside a complete team to do the visuals. By doing this, SNK insured very detailed environments and characters. But, as you can tell, this style has a questionable side to it. One, obviously, being the time it takes to create one character. However, as I stated, this is a very good turn out for any fighting game today. Another thing about the characters in the game, KOFXII features a list with character that were in the early titles in the series, this was done with the plan to please fans of the series. And it works.

Speaking of visuals, The King of Fighters XII is absolutely gorgeous – thanks in collaboration to hand-drawn visuals – the game is smooth and stunning. Basically, making up for the series’ lowest franchise count, which, for a fighting title these days, isn’t a bad turn out. However, the key issue with the characters is pixilation. As you can tell, this hand-drawn style is meant for modern day arcades, and it doesn’t play out so will on consoles. Luckily, SNK realized this and added three selectable levels of character filtering options. These filters blur the still-pixilated models making them easier to look at in high-res. But, one can only wonder why KOFXII’s sprites weren’t featured in HD. But, The King of Fighter XII finds all of its triumphs in its combat.

Losing Tactical Shift, the game introduces a Critical Counter and Clash mechanic. Critical Counter mechanics is activated when one player counters an attack with a heavy punch or kick, giving the player that activated it a small window to preform a damaging combo. Along with that, the Clash system works like this, when both fighters strike simultaneously with the same attack, the game breaks the characters up. Anyway, the reactions made by both systems are very enjoyable and entertaining. These aspects are what make the game entertaining and, like I stated, this is were The King of Fighters XII finds its triumph. That and its control scheme.

Closing Statement:

The King of Fighters XII is a mixture of both pain and pleasure. The pain being some of the very poor presentation chooses, like the repetitive menu music, boring menu screens, and a barely functional online component. The pleasure being the awesome gameplay, which is the core of the game making put for almost everything. However, when you put aside all the pains, in which I didn’t list all, you’ll find a true to the heart fighting title. But, because you have to put aside so many mistakes, this game is bitter sweet but it doesn’t disappoint at its core.

Score: B-

Speaking at a Press Conference in Tokyo last week, Square Enix’s Yoichi Wada stated that a release date for long-awaited Final Fantasy XIII could be revealed in a matter of weeks.

Anyway, Wada told the Japanese press that he would make “an announcement in a few weeks”. However, if you look at the stated time, this could mean that Square Enix is announcing the game’s release at the Tokyo Game Show – scheduled for late September.

The title is due out in Japan this winter, with its Western debut, on PS3 and Xbox 360, expected sometime in 2010. However, we’re hoping to see more on the title at Tokyo because Square has confirmed that the tile will certainly be in attendance.

EA CEO John Riccitiello is known for his opinions, which are often controversial, and in his latest outburst, it’s no different. During EA’s Q1 conference call, Riccitiello stated that a price cut will move more hardware, and that they’ll like to see a cut later this year.

“We think pricing will move hardware,” he said. “We anticipate price cuts at some point and we’d like to see them later in the year.” However, so far, the Xbox 360 is the only system to see major price cuts. But, Nintendo hasn’t hinted at a price drop since the sales of its consoles have been going strong, and, recently, Sony has been in the spotlight about thier comments of a price drop for the PlayStation 3. We cant help, but think the comment may have been a clue to Sony to drop the price of its console soon.

Anyway, EA is a big player in the gaming industry and are convinicing enough to change minds of a console manufacturer like Sony. However, if you don’t remember. A few months back, Activision threatened Sony about the price of the PS3, and the lack of a price cut.

Arriving on September 15 is WET, a third-person shooter from Bethesda Softworks for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Even though few details about the game have been revealed, we know that in WET players take the role of Rubi Malone, a woman who is on a mission to hunt down the man that left her for dead.

“We are extremely excited to bring WET to gamers on September 18th,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “A2M has created an explosive gaming experience and the action is non-stop from start to finish.”

“We’ve worked really hard to make WET different from any other action game available”, said Patrick Fortier, Creative Director at A2M. “When players experience the game’s unique blend of gunplay, sword combat and acrobatics, they won’t want to put the controller down.”

Personally, I hate the fact that I have to install my games onto my PlayStation 3′s hard dive to play them. But, we have been informed by one of the developers at Naughty Dog that Uncharted 2 does not require an installation on to your PS3, which is exciting news for all the installation haters out there.

Anyway, Christophe Balestra has informed people on his twitter, which is somehow the news hub for all the latest gaming related information, that, “Uncharted 2 does not require any install.” Basically, meaning that you can get right into the action.

Along with this announcement, Balestra also revealed that Naughty Dog will be feature that the upcoming GamesCon event. “Naughty Dog will be at GamesCon. One of our artists, who’s German, will make the trip.”

Information revealed by Rocksteady’s Sefton Hill confirms that the Batman: Arkham Asylum The Joker dowloadable content is a Sony exclusive. Meaning that The Joker will not be available as a playable character for the Xbox 360 version of the game anytime soon, or in the future.

However, he did have some good news for 360 fans, Hill stated that more downloadable content is in the works for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game.

[JOKER EXCLUSIVE TO PS3 FOR GOOD via Wonder Wall Web]

Codemasters today announced that Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, the tactical shooter that’s set to take players as close to war as they’ll ever want to get, will be shipping on October 6th in North America and releasing on October 8th through EPAC territories with a October 9th street date in the UK.

“Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising will take players closer to war then they’ve ever come before,” said Brant Nicholas, Senior Producer, Codemasters Studios. “To achieve that end, we turned to Image Metrics’ facial animation solutions because of their unique ability to perfectly capture the range of emotions that soldiers experience in combat.”

Dragon Rising will set the new standard for sandbox shooters when it arrives in October everywhere for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

On the Japanese version PSN a game entitled Gomibako, also know as Trash Panic, re-released today. The title is free to download, however, you have to pay 100 yen, or one dollar, for every three lives. You die three times, you have to pay another dollar. The cycle viciously continues until you either decide to stop spending money or stop playing.

Luckily, Trash Panic allows you to gain rewards that are featured in Playstation Home. However, this wasn’t a feature in the original Trash Panic. In the traditional game, you brought the game and played as much as wanted.

Anyway, this is a test run for future games that will run on this pay as you play model. However, is it an alternative for people who play games less and thus do not have to spend as much money as someone who plays regularly? Who knows, but I prefer a to pay for my games up front,  not having to worry about spending another dime.

UFC 2009 Undisputed producer Neven Dravinski has posted new details on Undisputed’s upcoming patch, stating that it has been a long time in development because the team wants to ensure it gets it right.

Patch details:

1. We recognize premature match quitting as the biggest online issue and have taken steps to fix it. The Patch will have integrated code that detects who pulls the cable and will assign a Loss as well as a Did Not Finish to that player. The DNF is only counted for the player who executes the disconnection. The DNF rate will be displayed on the fighter selection screen of the Online Ranked Match. When disconnected the Winning Streak is also reset to 0.
2. We’ve adjusted Ranked Matches to match up players with better connections, which will improve lag issues we’ve seen to date.
3. We’ve adjusted the difficulty of performing submissions against AI opponents to improve the balance of subs vs. striking when playing against the AI.
4. We’ve adjusted the Flash KO rate so that they are less frequent.
5. We’ve increased maximum number of points awarded in online play from 99,999 to 999,999 and we’ve increased the Max Level from 100 to 200.
6. We’ve lowered the Winning Streak Bonus Max from 5 to 3.
7. We’ve removed the decimal places on the Leaderboard Winning Percentage so we only show whole percentages.
8. We’ve addressed the CAF cheat so the skill levels in CAF cannot be cheated and increased. Also any CAF with unfair point values will no longer be able to be used Online.
9. For PS3 users we’ve also fixed a bug that causes a freeze during auto-save; whichever controller was used to Press Start on the Title Screen will be identified as the main controller.

[UFC 2009 patch detailed via Video Gamer]

Namco Bandai has announced that its secured exclusive North American rights to publish all future Dragon Ball titles “across all major consoles and handhelds” for the next five years, beginning in January 2010.

Along with this, Namco Bandai has secured the right to initially publish three Dragon Ball titles in 2009, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo exclusively for Wii, and Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans exclusively for Nintendo DS.

“We are very excited to have signed this long term agreement with Toei Animation Co., Ltd and FUNimation Entertainment, which grants Namco Bandai Games North American multi-platform rights to the testosterone-driven, action-packed world of Dragon Ball,”said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Namco Bandai Games America Inc..

“This move reunites Namco Bandai Games with the Dragon Ball series in North America which will considerably increase our ability to develop titles that perfectly capture every nuance of what makes the Dragon Ball world exciting to the consumer.”

The combatants fight for various reasons, but have their sights set on the same goal, to become the next King of Fighters.

“Our development slogan for KOFXII is “KOF Re-Birth” and we’ve aimed to create an entirely new King of Fighters game. To make this a truly unique fighting game, we’ve revolutionized the graphics by creating state of the art visuals – and made no compromises in that process whatsoever,” said Masaaki Kukino, SNK Playmore.

Agent was announced at the Sony’s Press Conference during E3 earlier this month, but we only received some “base-line” information about the title. However, in a recent Eurogamer interview, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder spilled the goods on the “spiritual successor” to the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

“It’s a completely different storyline, there is completely different character development. It’s a game about espionage, set in the 1970s. GTA is obviously more about an urban experience, a typically rags to riches experience,” Feder says. ”Very, very different storylines, very different character development. It’s going to be very fresh for gamers.”

Feder then went on the reveal the reason as to why its an exclusive title; he stated that, “it’s important when you’re launching a new franchise to make sure you have the right support.” As you can see, the PlayStation 3 apparently provides such support. I’m not going to continue beyond that point.

Activision’s head of state, Bobby Kotick has been on a recent high, saying that Activision may need to “stop supporting Sony” come 2010 or 2011 because “the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and [that doesn't] make it easy for [them] to support the platform.” But, that hasn’t seem to faze Sony’s solid stature.

“PlayStation has tremendous momentum coming out of E3, and we are seeing positive growth with more than 350 titles slated to hit across all our platforms, including many anticipated games from our publishing partners,” said Playstation spokesman Patrick Seybold when speaking with Kotaku.

“We enjoy healthy business relationships with and greatly value our publishing partners and are working closely with them to deliver the best entertainment experience.”

Now, the statements made by both sides are very understandable, but like Seybold stated, coming out of E3 Sony has a solid line-up excluding Activision’s upcoming titles. Anyway, lets just hope that Activision doesn’t go ahead with their remark.

Question: what about Splinter Cell: Conviction making its on to the PlayStation 3? UbiSoft spoke about that on its forums yesterday.

“Splinter Cell: Conviction is a true Microsoft exclusive title and there are no plans to have Splinter Cell: Conviction on other platforms,” said UbiSoft. ”There are several reasons behind this choice. First of all, Splinter Cell games are historically linked with Microsoft platforms. The first Splinter Cell on the original Xbox was one of the first games to fully exploit the console’s technical possibilities. At that time, Microsoft really believed in the game potential and provided strong support to promote it. So, there is a “link of heart” between the franchise and the platform. Some games are like this (think of Final Fantasy for instance).”

They then went on the give another reason.

“The second reason behind this choice is purely linked to production. Having a single target platform means that we can optimize the game even further, because we only have one type of – console – hardware to support.”

The addicting team squad based role playing game Fat Princess was originally slated for a June release, which happens to be this month. However, sadly, it turns out that, that isn’t going to be happening. But, they haven’t left us hanging in the rain.

Instead, it will be out “at some point [during the] summer” – I know, that does sound like an exact date [/sarcasm]. Along with this, they stated that its release will be a worldwide one.

[Mike Kebby via Euro PS Blog]

Max Payne developer Remedy Entertainment has licensed Umbra Software’s rendering optimization middleware for its upcoming title Alan Wake, which was announced all the way back at E3 ’05 and was recently shown at E3 ’09.

Umbra Software is the expert in 3D rendering optimization middleware for PC, Xbox360 and PS3. Umbra Software’s flagship product, Umbra, increases rendering performance in 3D games and allows game developers to create rich, complex and highly dynamic game worlds previously impossible.

“Umbra gave a significant boost in rendering performance on the Xbox360, and at the same time made our content creation faster. With Umbra’s culling technology, Remedy’s team can add more details to Alan Wake’s world and concentrate on the cool visuals while minimizing tedious work such as adding portals,” said Remedy Entertainment’s Development Director Markus Mäki.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Remedy on Alan Wake,” said Marko Nurro, Umbra Software’s CEO. “Remedy is one of the most innovative and technically competent studios in the world. Their games just rock, simple as that.”

Something is only “absolutely critical” if it’s needed to help the sales of a game in the gaming intdustry, or if it’s needed to make the experience more entertaining for players online, or off.

However, Activision’s producer for Singularity, Kekoa Lee-Creel, in an interview with Develop, said that the sci-fi oriented FPS is facing a number of challenges.

“The shooter market is saturated, it’s tough to break in right now when there’s a lot of great, well-established franchises,” said Lee-Creel. “We’re definitely on track to release a demo. That’s absolutely critical.”

“It’s so hard to convey how a game feels, but I have confidence that once we can cross that threshold I think we’re good.”

The game, developed by Raven Software, is set for its PS3, Xbox 360 and PC release in 2009

Midway Newcastle may be on the verge of closing its doors, but that hasn’t stopped it from announcing its development on its newest IP, Necessary Force. However, its announcement isn’t a lost cause, the studio hopes that it can end its seek for a buyer with it.

Develop even had the chance of meeting up with studio head Craig Duncan to talk about the game, which after three months of work is playable, and says the team is not giving up just yet.

“The idea of a detective who sets his own rules is the sort of story that’s been around in movies for a while, but we don’t think anyone’s managed to capture the essence of those choices and consequences in games,” said Duncan. “That unprecedented level of open world influence and troubled morality is something we’re really keen to explore.”

“It’s really important that people know that this is a team that wants to stick together – sometimes when you look at buying a studio you can worry that the real talent, the people, will just flee the ship, leaving you with some IP, kit and an empty building; the pieces of the puzzle that aren’t really worth anything,” he added.

“But everyone here as worked together for at least two years, with the original core team still together after about ten years. We’ve been through the ups and downs and all want to stay working together.”

“Despite all that’s been going on, we’ve only had three people leave this year – it just goes to show that everyone wants to stay together, how galvanized they are as a team. They don’t know if they’re going to have a job in a month’s time, but they’re still putting in a huge amount of effort now; staying until nine in the evening working on this – and that’s because they’re all so motivated by the great project we’re working on.”

Recently revealed that its 360′s development began in April, its developer, Square Enix, have stated that the 360 version of Final Fantasy XIII has “no chance” of compromising with the PlayStation 3 version of the title.

When speaking to VideoGamer, XIII producer Yoshinori Kitase had this to say about the compromises between the two versions of Final Fantasy XIII.

“The team is targeting to create an equal experience on both the 360 and the PS3, so there are no limitations. For example, right now we’re working on the PS3 version first, and once we’ve completed that we’ll really know how much game there will be to fit onto the Xbox 360 discs,” said Kitase.

“So we don’t know how many discs it’ll be housed on for 360, but there won’t be a chance that we’ll compromise anything because, oh it didn’t fit in the 360 discs so we’ll have to take it out of the PS3 version, or vice versa.”

Updated: Beside the reports that it was shown on 360, we have learned that it was show on the PC.

Original: The PlayStation 3 has some of the most beautiful games on its system, one of these just happen to be Killzone 2. Now, when this game was announced, back at E3 ’05, it was one of the most hyped, and most discussed titles because of its visual representation.

Four years later, over 2 million copies sold, Killzone 2 has lived up to its hype, to add, its visuals were dead on to what was shown at E3 ’05. But, during this years E3, Bethesda Software’s Brink was shown behind closed door and everyone that witness it was blown away by the way it looked. Most importantly, because it was running on 360. Why? Because it had the same graphical quality as Killzone 2.

Anyway, Bethesda Software is a very incredible company with some very unique development tricks up its sleeve. One trick they used to achieve this level of quality, was the way they used their textures.

[Bethesda Software Brings Killzone 2 Quality For Xbox360 With Brink. via HipHopGamerShow]

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is, undoubtedly, one of the best looking games of this console generation, however, it seems that the upcoming Metal Gear title, Metal Gear Solid: Rising, won’t be utilizing that engine.

Instead, its developers Kojima Productions are building an engine that can be used for multiplatform proposes. They also promise that Metal Gear Solid: Rising will end up looking better than Guns of the Patriots - revealed in their latest podcast.

“We’re redoing the engine from scratch, and it’s going to look amazing,” says podcast host Sean Eyestone. “It’s going to be a big project like Metal Gear Solid 4. The entire team is serious about making it look as good as possible on every platform.”

The sales reports are in, making it clear that UFC 2009 Undisputed is May’s undisputed champion selling a total of 1,014,000 within May alone.

The title moved in 679,600 copies on the Xbox 360, 334,400 on the PlayStation 3, meaning that it overcame Nintendo’s donating Wii Fit by almost tripling its score putting it in second place. It also pwned EA’s, EA Sports Active putting it in third place.

Hardware

• PlayStation 2 117K
• PlayStation 3 131K
• PSP 100.4K
• Xbox 360 175K
• Wii 289.5K
• Nintendo DS 633.5K

Software

• 01. UFC 2009 Undisputed (Xbox 360) – 679,600
• 02. Wii Fit (Wii) – 352,800
• 03. EA Sports Active (Wii) – 345,800
• 04. UFC 2009 Undisputed (PS3) – 334,400
• 05. inFamous (PS3) – 175,900
• 06. Pokemon Platinum (DS) – 168,900
• 07. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) – 158,300
• 08. Punch-Out!! (Wii) – 156,900
• 09. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Xbox 360) – 120,700
• 10. Wii Play (Wii) – 109,800

In May hardware sales, revenue came in at $302.5 million, a 30 percent decline while software was off 17 percent at $448.9 million. “This is the first month that industry sales have dipped below $1 billion since August 2007,” NPD analyst Anita Frazier said in an email.

“May is typically one of the lowest revenue-generating months in any given year for the industry in general,” she added.

The developer behind such games as Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt, Rockstar North has announced its work, during the Sony keynote via Sony’s Jack Tretton, on upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive “Agent“.

Agent takes players on a paranoid journey into the world of counter-intelligence, espionage and political assassinations during the height of the Cold War at the end of the 1970s.

“We have always enjoyed making action games, and with Agent we are making what we believe will be the ultimate action game,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games.

“Agent is a game we have wanted to make for a long time. The team in Edinburgh is doing an amazing job combining intense action, atmosphere and story in a great period setting to create something that feels quite unique. We cannot wait for people to experience this game.”

During the Sony Keynote in Los Angeles, Jack Tretton of Sony confirmed the development of Final Fantasy XIV: Online, which he revealed will be coming “exclusively” to the PlayStation 3 from the developers over at Square Enix.

Along with that, he also revealed that the game will be releasing in 2010.

If you didn’t know, Square Enix is still developing Final Fantasy XIII - also when at the event.

Holy Molly! Crysis, the beloved and beauty PC game from German developer Crytek Frankfurt, will be getting a sequel and, get this, its an Xbox 360 and a PS3 game also. Crysis 2 is the second entry in the planned Crysis triology and will be published by EA.

“The development of Crysis 2 marks a major stepping stone for our studio,” said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. “This is not only the next game in the Crysis franchise, it’s the first title we are developing for consoles and the first title being built on CryENGINE 3.”

Dante’s Inferno will take gamers to the western world’s most definitive view of the afterlife as created in the 13th century by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri in part one of his epic classic, “The Divine Comedy.” The game is shipping in 2010 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the PSP.

Key Features:

• An Epic Adaptation of a Classic – Based on part one of Dante Alighieri’s classic poem “The Divine Comedy,” Dante’s Inferno is a 3rd person action adventure game that takes Dante on an epic journey through Hell as he seeks to rescue the soul of his beloved Beatrice.

• The Nine Circles of Hell – Just like the poem, players will descend through Dante’s unique nine circles of Hell: limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. Each circle features distinct environments, enemies and story elements befitting the sins committed by their inhabitants.

• Control the Beasts of Hell – Dante’s Inferno features large scale beasts and bosses, some of which Dante will be able to fully tame, utilizing them to throw back Hell’s wrath to its minions.

• Fast, Addictive, Responsive Combat – Dante fights through the nine circles armed with Death’s Scythe and Beatrice’s Holy Cross, with magic powers and a deep, customizable upgrade system helping the player take full advantage of a fast and fluid gameplay experience that will never run at lower than 60 frames per second.

• Bring Hell With You Wherever You Go – Dante’s Inferno gives PSP owners the same level of fast, responsive gameplay through all nine detailed and unique circles of hell the team is aiming to achieve on the consoles.

• Visceral Games Stamp of Approval - From the award-winning studio that created the critically-acclaimed Dead Space, Dante’s Inferno will receive the same relentless focus on quality and polish Visceral Games has become known for.

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The funny thing is when you take a mad man into the Asylum its like your taking him coming home, and home is the place that he knows best. Revealed as only playable on the PlayStation 3 via this trailer, help the Joker rain supreme throughout Arkham Asylum as a playable character.

Batman: Arkham Asylum exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum – Gotham’s psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City’s most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum.

You know what’s amazing? A one hundred percent hand drawn proof video game (you know like alcohol?) such as King of Fighters XII and the way its online features work.

King of Fighters XII’s online play is run through a lobby system. Two players will fight it out while up to six other players wait in line for their turn. While they’re waiting, they can chat via voice or text. Depending on the lobby’s settings, the winner or loser of the match will continue playing. You can also randomize the match-ups if you wish.

Including: Winner Stays: Winner fights the next opponent in line; Loser Stays: Loser stays and gets to fight the next opponent in line; Sparring – The players that are to fight are randomized after each match.

The game also features a online ranking system and leaderboard system, which grades each player’s performances and keeps track of their best Time Attack times. Along with a public leaderboard. Due out this July for Xbox360 and PlayStation3, KOFXII offers exclusive online features for each system;

PS3: Exclusive Clan Mode that allows players to create clans, recruit clan members, blacklist players and compete against other clans. Xbox 360: Exclusive Truskill online ranking lets players record, replay and share matches.

The latest addition into downloadable content infantry that is Burnout Paradise, Big Surf Island, will arrive on Xbox Live and PSN on June 11th – revealed in a spiffy new trailer for the game.

“Big Surf is the culmination of everything we learned creating Paradise City, and we want it to bring you a truly spectacular new experience – the highlight of a year of incredible premium content. Burnout already delivers incredible value for money – literally hundreds of hours of gameplay with your original disk or PSN purchase, plus more with the free Cagney Pack and free Burnout Paradise Bikes,” - Criterion Games.

“Burnout Paradise is a complete reinvention of the series, built from the ground up for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360,” said Alex Ward, director of game design at Criterion Games when announcing the game. “To create truly next-generation gameplay, we needed to create a truly next-generation game, from top to bottom.”

In the shadow of being brutally teased earlier on today, it seems that even the developers at Infinity Ward just can’t let it end – but this time it was worth the wait.

As promised by Geoff Keighley, in this weeks episode of the much anticipated GameTrailers TV, it featured a teaser for Infinity Wards upcoming title Modern Warfare 2, the sequel to ’07′s Call of Duty 4. However, once again, the teaser doesn’t fill your gut because during the Easter Conference Final on May 24 we’d be able to witness the “World Premier” of the title.

The 360 already had its turn and now it looks like its the PS3s turn. Bethesda announced today that the previously exclusive downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version of Fallout 3 will be coming to the PlayStation 3. Bethesda has been working on implementing it for a while and are looking forward to bringing it to PS3 gamers via the PlayStation Network.

Operation: Anchorage will be released for PS3 in late June, followed by the release of The Pitt and Broken Steel 4-6 weeks apart. Release dates will be forthcoming. In addition, a new update will be released for PS3 that will allow users to download and play the new DLC. The release date for that update will be announced at a later date. There are also two new DLCs planned for all three platforms:

Point Lookout – Explore a massive new swampland area filled with new quests and it will be available in late June for Xbox 360 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Point Lookout will be available on PS3 after the first three DLCs have been released.

Mothership Zeta – The aliens have returned, and they’re pissed. Experience an alien abduction first hand and find out if you’re tough enough to survive. And is scheduled for release in late July for Xbox 36 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Mothership Zeta will be available on PS3 after Point Lookout.

A few weeks ago, SEGA announced a highly anticipated title for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 entitle End of Eternity. However, it now seems that it’s the same trailer for Resonance of Fate, which is the North American version of the same game.

SEGA is teaming up with Tokyo based developer tri-Ace to bring the title to market in Spring 2010.

“Partnering up with a respected developer like tri-Ace adds to SEGA’s already great line-up,” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. “With titles like Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile, the team at tri-Ace has proven themselves as masters of real-time combat and great storytelling.”

Despite former Team Ninja boss Tomonobu Itagaki having previously stated that Ninja Gaiden II would be the final entry in the series, in an interview published today on Kikizo, the new leader of Tecmo’s elite Team Ninja development studio, Yosuke Hayashi, revealed that they do have plans to add another title.

“What the gamers are looking for is going to be the next chapter – the future of an outstanding series. We feel that we’re in a position of being able to make that call… That calling is already there – we feel it,” Hayashi stated.

In addition, he revealed that they are thinking of shipping the sequel, or whatever, for as a dual-platform, meaning for both the 360 and PlayStation 3.

Hayashi stated that after Sigma 2, rather than do a 360 version of it, “we’re going to have to push ourselves to the next level, and we are better off giving both audiences an entirely new game. ”

A first look at Home Run Pinball and other mini-games featured within The Bigs 2. Get ready for some dimonds madness on July 7 on the Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, PS3 and Xbox 360.

“Fans have been clamoring for a follow-up to The Bigs since it launched two years ago, so we’re excited to now deliver The Bigs 2,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of development, 2K Sports. “In the spirit of celebrating the most epic moments in Major League Baseball, The Bigs 2 offers a refreshingly fun and unique experience of dramatic walk-off homeruns, miraculous wall catches, acrobatic diving grabs, and many more incredible plays you’d usually see only in a highlight reel.”

In collaboration of the recent announcement of the North American version of the game, the newest White Knight Chronicles trailer reveals a forgotten secret, which really isn’t a secert thanks to the games title.

White Knight Chronicles begins in the kingdom of Balandor, where a princess’s coming-of-age banquet is raided by an evil Corporation called “Wizard”. A boy called Leonard grabs the princess’s hand and leads her to safety in the castle cellars, where he finds a strange suit of armour that transforms him into the White Knight – an ancient warrior with the strength to defeat the Wizard corporation forces.

For a man that is going to hell, he sure isn’t picky. According to VG24/7, producer Jonathan Knight told them that Dante’s Inferno is being developed equally across - PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PSP -  meaning that the title doesn’t have a “lead platform” to speak of.

“We’re developing for Xbox 360, PSP and PS3 simultaneously, and the two consoles versions should have parity with each other. We don’t have a lead platform, per se,” said the developer, speaking at EA’s spring showcase in London.

Knight said differences between the platforms, such as PS3 coming with a Blu-ray drive, presented little challenge to the studio.

“[Visceral's] in pretty good shape as regards to that,” he said. “We’ve shipped a number of titles simultaneously on the major consoles platforms as well as handhelds and Wii and so forth, but just specifically talking about PS3 and Xbox, our tech is pretty well suited to shipping simultaneously.”

“Obviously, you’ve got differences with the [terms and conditions] and the different rules and menus and stuff that you have to follow… but generally every day I get a build of both versions and both work equally well every day. It’s not really a problem for us.”

Don’t you just hate Digital Rights Management software? Well, lucky, EA is aware of your problem so they have announced that Dragon Age: Origins will feature the simplest DRM, no SecuROM whatsoever.

EA has announced that the retail PC version of Dragon Age: Origins will use only a basic disk check and it will not require online authentication. In other words, the retail PC version of the game won’t require you to go online to authenticate the game for offline play.

They go on to state that they have chosen not to use SecuROM in any version of Dragon Age that is distributed by EA or BioWare.

Dragon Age: Origins is releasing this fall on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, so keep an eye out for more news.

For sometime now Japanese gamers have been enjoying the delights of playing White Knight Chronicles, but they haven’t had the ability of talking to one another. However, it seems that voice chat may be added by the time the game hits our shores in the US this winter.

In a chat with the PlayStation.Blog, Tsubasa Inaba, producer of the US version of the game, admits that he knows that the inclusion of voice chat is important.

“We realize the necessity of voice chat,” Inaba says. “We’re trying to get this in before the release on the US market. We’re working on it.”

In addition, he talked about worldwide mutliplayer possiblitys.

“That’s one area where I can’t commit to yet,” Inaba says. “We’re looking into it. We’re doing online testing domestically and also overseas. It is in our mindset — we’re just trying to make it happen.”

[White Knight Chronicles Could Be Getting Voice Chat via Kotaku]

We all know that John Connor has to save us from the “rise of the machines”, but, sadly, he can’t do it all by himself.  That’s why the President at Halcyon Games, Cos Lazouras, gave us a look at the upcoming Terminator: Salvation video game. 

Expect an in-depth look at the title’s take on a “3D” cover system, teammate cooperation, rail-shooting levels and more.

Terminator: Salvation launches May 19 on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 right before the feature film hits theaters on the 21st.

There isn’t a gamer out there that didn’t express a bit of concern when it was announced that BioShock 2 would have a Multiplayer mode. But, luckily, it seems that 2K Games doesn’t want you to worry about it.

When speaking to Gameplayer, BioShock 2’s lead level designer Hogarth de la Plante had this to say about the Multiplayer situation.

“We recognise that people might be cynical about a multiplayer mode,” he stated. “A lot of us are big single player fans also so in no way does it compromise the single-player experience.”

Producer Mellisa Miller added that the decision to include online play had not been taken “lightly,” but refused to detail the new mode.

Sean Devlin was an Irish racing mechanic before the war took away everything he loved. His friends, his car and his women – all gone. The war, for him, isn’t a matter of choosing sides – it’s something much more personal. In “The Saboteur,” Devlin is out for revenge in this open-world action game set in Nazi occupied Europe. With the help of the French Resistance, British intelligence and his own two hands, those who aimed to destroy his life are definitely going to pay. Blow up zeppelins, derail trains, implode bridges, destroy armored tanks and level enemy facilities in the name of vengeance. They won’t even see it coming…

Welcome to the seedy underground of 1940s Paris. You’ll have to fight, climb and race your way through a uniquely stylized version of Nazi-occupied France in order to hunt down those who’ve taken everything from you. You’ll be living the resistance in this open-world from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the banks of the Seine River. Using a vast arsenal of weapons and explosives, you’ll be practicing your deadly skill of sabotage to single-handedly dismantle and destroy the Nazis from the inside out. Sneak your way into the enemy strongholds, infiltrate their most secure areas and blow your target to pieces as you exact your full measure of revenge. But just because this game relies heavily on stealth doesn’t necessarily mean you always have to avoid the direct approach. Even when you get caught and all Hell breaks loose, take advantage of the cover-based combat system and the full range of weaponry to fight your way out. This is an action game that gives you the freedom to play it like you see it – go in with guns blazing or tip-toe through the back door. You have brawn as well as brains; use them both as best you can.

One of the more interesting aspects of “The Saboteur” will be the stylized graphics that render areas of total Nazi oppression in black and white with slight hints of red to symbolize the crushed spirits of the people. Be prepared to see some pretty heavy stuff – the Nazi soldiers will be treating the people as ruthlessly as possible and it won’t be easy to simply stand by, minding your own business while evil men do evil deeds. As Sean Devlin, your acts of sabotage against the Nazi regime will undermine their authority and show the people that all is not lost, that they can fight back. As you do, you’ll notice the color returning to the world as the Nazis plunge into chaos. You won’t be the lone hero who wins the war against the fascists, but you will play a key role in their failure. By the time they even notice you, it’s already too late.

Brought to you by developer Pandemic Studios and publisher Electronic Arts, “The Saboteur” will be available for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A release date has yet to be announced.

In the words of the famous Robin – who isn’t in this game, apparently. “Golly Gee Willickers BATMAN!” Today, Eidos revealed that “FreeFlow Combat” trailer for the upcoming title, Batman: Arkham Asylum. The trailer showcases the Dark Knight utilizing the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker’s henchmen in brutal melee brawls. Batman even takes on the immense Bane character in this action packed trailer.

Besides Capcom recently revealing heavy hitter such as Dead Rising 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Lost Planet 2, it seems that Capcom is planning two more power hitters to announce at this years E3. 

“You think we have great titles now? Wait ’til we announce two more at E3!,” Capcom revealed via its Twitter accout.

Two titles?!?!? Wow they really do have this generation down to the tea, but what titles do they plan to reveal?

However, GameZine.co.uk has been told that one of the titles will surprise you, and the other we’ll all see coming. Let the speculation begin. 

It looks like inFamous is about to sell a boat load of copies. According to the PlayStation Blog, after keeping this secret for a long time, Naughty Dog is tackling the task of creating a fully-realized multiplayer and co-op mode(s) for their upcoming title, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

And, as rumored, there will be beta of the game in inFamous, which will be of the multi-player mode and it will be releasing on June 3rd – inFamous releasing May 26.

However, the games’ full co-operative mode will be playable with up to 3 players: Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer along with a third character. In addition, the co-operative story will be different from the single-player campaign and there are mini-bosses to top the levels off.

Also the game will have a five versus five death-match in its Multiplayer as well as a Capture The Flag mode called Plunder.

“Adding a multiplayer aspect to the Uncharted franchise is a significant step in the replayability of the game,” said Christophe Balestra, co president Naughty Dog. “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be the most impressive and ambitious game that Naughty Dog has done and we are thrilled to let our fans experience it this fall.”

You don’t have to be crazy to get into Arkham Asylum, but it probably helps – especially when The Joker is in charge. It would seem that Gotham’s worst have set a trap for the Caped Crusader and he’ll have to fight his way out from deep within the facility. Using your wits, your fists and a handy assortment of gadgets, you’ll be taking on the role of Batman on your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC.

Using Unreal Engine 3, the graphics look amazing – even if Batman does seem to be wearing a thick coat of Vaseline. The Joker appears to be sufficiently psychotic while the areas you’ll be fighting through are notably dark and foreboding, full of bad guys and puzzles to be solved as you make your way out. Details on the villains you’ll be fighting have been rather light, although we’ve seen evidence of Harley Quinn making an appearance in an updated, very revealing costume. Bane will also be in the game, along with Zsasz and a 15-foot-high Killer Croc to give you all the trouble they can while screenshots and videos have hinted at a certain villain who’s quite fond of scribbling green question marks on the walls. Then, of course, you have the endless, unnamed bad guys you’ll have to punch and kick your way through if you hope to survive.

The combat system is going to be somewhat unique. Your health meter only applies in individual fights and refreshes after combat with a particular enemy ends. Also, as you fight, performing certain maneuvers will earn you health and experience points. You’ll be able to take on many enemies at once, this way – just enough to keep things challenging but without the fun-killing frustration of being overwhelmed by too many enemies at once. Depending on how you interact with some of the characters – not everyone needs to be dealt with by punching them in the face – you can build up your experience points to buy new combos and attacks which give you the choice to play the game the way you want, unlocking new combat possibilities.

This game isn’t just about fighting, though. The developers were careful not to overlook Batman’s wonderful toys, such as x-ray specs, goggles that give you special information about your environment and the classic Batarang. Then you have the grappling hook and the cape you can use to glide through the air as you navigate the twisted asylum and its various dangers by searching for alternative routes and hidden passageways.

“Batman: Arkham Asylum” is looking to be a pretty big hit. We’ve seen some terrible Batman games in the past and it would be easy to simply rehash the recent movies into some rather mediocre gaming experiences, but, so far, it would appear that Rocksteady Studios are flexing their creative muscles to give us something other than a knockoff game. Look for “Batman: Arkham Asylum” this summer.

Just when you though this game couldn’t be anymore amazing. In a press alarm today, it was revealed by both Eidos and Warner Bros. that The Joker will  be playable in the PlayStation 3 version Batman: Arkham Asylum, which was orginally revealed by scoures in Home – a PlayStation 3D open world program.

The character will be made available upon release as a free downloadable character through the PlayStation Network and can be played in the Challenge Maps within the game. Fans can get additional information in the June issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine. (Click on image to view Joker)

Expected later on by adventure eager players, it now seems that Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be releasing this September in Europe.

According to an update on the European PlayStation site, the game’s release date is scheduled for this September. However, the game was originally schedule for an Quarter 4 release, which was stated when the game was announced late last year.

In addition, the official site also confirms that the game doesn’t feature an mutli-player mode. But, sadly, this isn’t a official confirm so we’d have to wait for an officially announcement if there’s really any release date change.

[Uncharted 2 em Setembro? via Eurogamer.pt]

With games such as Need of Speed slowly reaching its breaking point. Developer Black Rock Studios, the developers behind over the top ATV racer PURE, feels that its upcoming racer Split/Second will help mark a turnaround for the genre.

When speaking to Develop in an in-depth feature looking at the creation, production, and technology of Split/Second, studio head Tony Beckwith and the game’s director Nick Baynes both asserted their view that the racing genre is in an unhealthy state.

“If you look at the sales figures, the racing genre is in many respects dying out – take Mario Kart out of the equation and the category is in a dire way. I think this genre is ripe for something new and inventive to give it a kick start,” said Beckwith.

“We’re all fans of street racing here, but as a genre it is relatively stale – the evolution is only coming from how you customise cars, which can only serve to remove you from the action – I think Split/Second will do the opposite,” added Baynes.

The new 360, PS3 and PC game, Split/Second, pits players as a race car driver starring in a TV show in were you trigger explosive special effects to eliminate racing competitors. If that’s not innovation I don’t know what is.

There’s a god in heaven. Earlier on today during a Bethesda press conference in London, it was revealed that they are currently hard at work on the newest fallout title, Fallout New Vegas.

The new game was revealed by Bethesda’s Pete Hines who said that the publisher is working with Obsidian Entertainment, known from games like Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II, on the title.

“It is not a sequel to Fallout 3,” Hines said. “It’s simply another Fallout game in that universe.” 

It will be the same sort of role-playing game experience seen in Fallout 3, he said. The game’s official reveal, with more details and a look at the game down the line. Hines added that this title will have no impact on what Todd Howard and his team are working on. Fallout New Vagas will release next year for the PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

[New Fallout Announced via Kotaku]

Electronic Arts revealed a June 30 ship date for EA Canada’s Fight Night Round 4 (PS3, X360) in this new trailer, which hypes the sequel by punching Round 3 in the face.

 ”What we’re really trying to deliver is the most realistic simulation of the sport of boxing ever in a video game….Fight Night Round 4, you see a much more fluid, natural game.”

“[In Fight Night Round 3], you often found that the gameplay degraded into two guys standing in front of each other and trading blows,” says producer Brian Hayes. “You saw a very scripted, very repetitive experience where people stood in front of each other.”

Fight Night Round 4 will feature over 40 licensed fighters. There will be several new modes – such as the Legacy Mode.  The game’s cover will feature Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.