New Pokemon Game?

Another game? Apparently, Nintendo is never gonna stop milking that cash cow. Who can blame them? Pokemon is as addictive as smoking a Pikachu bong.

TV Tokyo's Pokemon Game Arena has stated there will be an announcement on May 10th regarding the franhise. It is supposedly to be the next major Pokemon title. There's plenty of speculation but nothing is confirmed for now. Be sure to check back on Sunday.

Hmm...
Those gold and silver balls look awfully familiar...

[Edit: According to a very reliable source, the cat was let out of the bag. There are two new DS games announced; Pokemon Heart Gold and Pokemon Soul Silver. More details to be announced on the tenth.]

Fate Unlimited/Codes localized in the U.S.

I never thought that it would make it over to our shores but its true; Fate Unlimited/Codes is making its way to the U.S. for both PS2 and PSP.

For those of you wonder what is Fate/Unlimited Codes, let me explain. Fate began as an eroge in Japan that had multiple scenarios depending on how you played your game. Those scenarios involved the same characters but what happens in the story and the outcome vary greatly. The PC game was a success that it spawned a prequel, light novels, manga, an anime series and a number of games. This is the first of the games to be localized in other countries.

The main character is Shiro Emiya, a boy who gets involved in the Holy Grail War in modern day Japan. Magus (something like a wizard) compete by summoning servants to do battle against each other; the last one standing will be able to obtain the Holy Grail which can grant any one wish. The catch is that the servants they summon are not typical monsters but epic heroes from history's past of future. Shiro becomes unwillingly involved in the tournament when he summons the strongest servant; Saber.
Before I begin let me say one thing: HOLY S**T!! I never thought this game would make it to our side of the world. I have played this game, my friend imported the Japanese version and I think I enjoy it more than he does.

This is a game for all the hardcore fighting fans and anime fans out there; its extremely technical and it punishes players for mistakes with endless combo potential. It can be extremely frustrating yet fun; with the attention it received in Japan, this game became an instant tournament hit. Oh, did I mention it was published by Capcom.

The release date is unknown for now; if you like anime, check out the series (anime or manga, it's worth the money!) Check out what the fuss is about here.

Chris if anything is incorrect, please don't hit me. T_T

[Edit: There has been some changes to the release of Fate Unlimited/Codes. It will be released in the U.S. but only as a downloadable game for the PSP. It will be priced at $29.99. Once again, Capcom makes me cry myself to sleep.]

Punch Out!! Website Opens

The glory days of the NES are being revived with the brand new Punch Out!! for the Wii. The official website has opened yesterday and the music brings me back to the days when I still wet my pants.
Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! is a classic in every sense. It was a simple game that took time to master and the game ranks as one of the best games of all time. The last time the franchise was visited was back on the Super Nintendo with Super Punch Out!! back in 1996. It has been thirteen years and its finally making its comeback.

Punch Out!! puts players in the shoes of Little Mac; an up and coming boxer who who takes on the boxing world with the help of his trainer, Doc Louis. With an arsenal of jabs, body blows and a ferocious upper-cut; players will be taking on diverse opponents around the globe. You can check out the site here.

Doesn't this guy look like Carlton or Cisco? Either way he looks fun to hit. :)

If only they could bring Mario back as the ref...

King of Fighters takes to the skies

SNK will be soon releasing a new King of Fighter's game on Xbox live. But wait, it's not a fighter?

It's actually an arcade style shooter where you would control planes while the screen floods with enemy projectiles. But instead of planes, you get the KOF characters to control. As of now, Kyo and Athena are playable but imagine the possibilities. Here's hoping Nakoruru makes the cut. :)

However, another game did this already. Castle Shikigami, a franchise that few are aware of, is played in the exact fashion. You control people instead of planes and each character differs to a degree. In fact, you can probably pick it up cheap at the local bargain bin at Gamestop for the Wii or 360. While its not a long game, (what kind of arcade shooter is?) it's plenty of fun for a very good price.
As of now, it is scheduled to be released in Japan only but I don't have any doubts that one day it should find its way to the States.

Muramasa is done for...and then saved?

So, I have been incredibly busy with work that I haven't had a chance to blog for a while. Now that I have a free moment, it's time to go over some depressing news.

An upcoming game on the Nintendo Wii known as Muramasa: The Demon Blade is not going to be released to the United States. This gorgeous game is from the creators of the PS2 eye-candy Odin Sphere; the game was fun and a visual treat. The company that was to bring the game over, XSEED, has dropped the title and has not provided a reason for doing so. But now it's spiritual sequel will never see American soil.

Or that was the news as of three days ago...

The game was picked up by Ignition Entertainment which will be releasing the game. It was originally supposed to be released in July but now that date has been pushed back to September. Well, at least it's coming here.

Final Fantasy XIII Demo

If you live in the land of the rising sun, you are one lucky dog. Recently released with FFVII: Advent Children is the playable demo of the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII.

The game follows the tale of a woman named Lightning who pretty much looks like a sexy version of Cloud. She is chosen against her will to be a l'Cie, which leads her to be hunted for her powers. It's a nice change to see a strong female lead.
The game looks stunning and absolutely drool worthy. The battle system still retains the ATB system from the previous games but nearly everything else is brand new. When it is your characters turn to act, he/she is allowed to input a number of commands and then carry them out all at once.

For example, if Lightning can do three actions and you choose, "ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK" then she will carry out a three hit combo. This allows the game to pull off battle that would be on par with Tarantino films.

Will we see the demo here on American soil someday? Most definitely. Soon? Well, the demo will be included in our Blu-ray version of FFVII: Advent Children. Will the game meet expectations? Only SQUARE-ENIX holds the answers.

As of now, the release date is sometime in 2010. Hopefully it lives up to the hype and beyond. Check out the game play video here.

Aww, I want a baby chocobo now...

[Edit: There will not be a demo of the game included with Advent Children in the U.S. The demo may possibly be released as a download for the Xbox and PS3. No further news yet.]

End of Eternity

So Tri-Ace is releasing a new RPG in the near future; a game that has a hint of sci-fi and a modern setting. The End of Eternity is a game which I know little to nothing about but what I do know is that the game is being published by SEGA and not SQUARE-ENIX, the long time patron of Tri-Ace. Square is not publishing a RPG? Shocker.

End of Eternity stars Zephyr, a teenager with raging hormones who strangely reminds me of Final Fantasy XIII. Heck, he even has a odd name like Lightning of FFXIII. He and a coworker of his, Vashyron, are both mercenaries who free a girl from a laboratory who is named Experiment 20. She is 19 years old and she is destined to die before she hits 20. Adventure and mayhem probably soon follow.


End of Eternity is scheduled to be released by Winter of 2009 in Japan for PS3 and XBOX360. There has not been a release date set for U.S. yet. Click here to check the trailer.

How do RPG heroes get their hair like that? It's always so perfect...

No interest in future Star Fox

Recently G4 interviewed Dylan Cuthbert, the president of Q Games who was responsible for developing Star Fox and Star Fox: Command. He was also involved in the process of developing the unreleased Star Fox 2 though many of the elements in that game would later be seen in Star Fox 64.

When asked if Q Games would be interested in creating a Star Fox title for the Wii, Cuthbert stated that the company would not be involved with the development of the next installment. He had this to say:

Cuthbert: "(Laughter) After Command? Uhh, not yet. Maybe in another 10 years. I’ve made three."

Cuthbert: "The problem with that is that it’d be a big project, like 100 people on the staff. It’s just not something we really want to do. I’m sure someone will make it. Maybe they’ll go back to Namco."

I love Namco but I really don't want to see another Star Fox: Assault.

I respect the fact that Nintendo doesn't want make games just for fans but to develop games on their own terms. A game that is released just to please fanboys and a game that is released based on innovation has a huge difference in quality. And I'll gladly take quality over mainstream games any day.

Read the full article here: http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/694530/Original-Star-Fox-Creator-Not-Interested-In-Making-Star-Fox-For-Wii.html

If you're disappointed, blame Slippy. (Damn toad)
Now, I'm gonna go play a children's card game while riding a motorcycle. See you next time.