Author: John Scalzo

John Scalzo is Warp Zoned's Editor-In-Chief and resident retro gaming expert. You can email him at john AT warpzoned DOT com.

Resident Evil 4, Code Veronica X getting HD remakes

Posted on March 24, 2011 by John Scalzo

One day after revealing that high definition remakes of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica X are coming to Japan, Capcom has announced that the classic RE adventures will be available in North America as well.

The HD remakes will be released this Fall as downloadable games on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Pricing details weren’t announced and it’s currently unknown if they’ll include any new features beyond the HD graphical overhaul. But if the standard definition-to-high definition comparison screenshots that Capcom has released are any indication, that overhaul will make the games look better than ever. Although I have to say, I don’t remember RE4 looking that ugly on my Wii (or any of the half dozen other platforms these games have appeared on).

Hit the jump for all five comparison screens. (more…)

Posted in News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,

OK Go’s “White Knuckles” goes 3D on 3DS

Posted on March 24, 2011 by John Scalzo

How can anyone not like OK Go? When the band’s not making awesome music videos with treadmills and Rube Goldberg machines, they’re working to save cute little rescue puppies.

Sensing a kindred spirit in the “we love adorable doggies” department, Nintendo has announced that the first 3DS system update (which will be available when the handheld launches on March 27) will include a 3D version of the band’s “White Knuckles” video. According to Nintendo, the recommended update will also “enhance the communication features” of the 3DS.

“We shot the ‘White Knuckles’ video in 2D and 3D at the same time, but until now, there hasn’t been much opportunity for people to see the 3D version,” said Trish Sie, the video’s Grammy-winning director. “I’m fired up for people to watch the video again with Nintendo 3DS and experience it in a whole new way. This opens up all kinds of creative opportunities.”

You can watch the video in plain old 2D above.

Posted in 3DS, Etcetera, News |

Surprise! Duke Nukem Forever delayed again

Posted on March 24, 2011 by John Scalzo

Put away your ice skates for Hell isn’t frozen over yet. Duke Nukem Forever has been delayed again. I know, try to hold back your surprise. But don’t worry, instead of retreating to the wilds of release dates unknown, The Duke has only been delayed a month and will now land in stores on June 14 (internationally on June 10).

2K Games has tried to pass off the new release date as “The Shortest Delay in the History of Duke Nukem Forever” but Gearbox President Randy Pitchford feels your pain, as you can see in the special message from him above.

As an additional “we’re sorry,” 2K has revealed that the game’s official website DukeNukemForever.com, has relaunched with “Duke approved” content. In addition to screenshots, game info and the like, the site also contains “Duke’s Boobtube channel and The Duke Cave, featuring babe and alien surveillance.”

I guess that’s something.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Honky Tonk Man struts into WWE All-Stars as free download

Posted on March 23, 2011 by John Scalzo

The Honky Tonk Man, the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in the WWE’s history, will be added to the WWE All-Stars roster as a free DLC download in April.

And that’s not all. THQ has added a range of WWE All-Stars-inspired Avatar items to the Xbox Live Marketplace including Hulk Hogan’s “Hulkamania” outfit, Jake The Snake’s snake, The Ultimate Warrior’s facepaint and a whole lot more.

Posted in News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

See Kratos in action in latest Mortal Kombat trailer

Posted on March 23, 2011 by John Scalzo

NetherRealm Studios’ upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot has been analyzed and dissected from nearly every angle. But the game’s latest trailer has definitely found a new corner to examine: gameplay footage of Kratos.

Kratos appears to be a natural addition to the Mortal Kombat universe. The God of War wields the Blades of Chaos in such a brutal way that they should be renamed the Blades of Kaos. And check out the awesome quick time event combos towards the end of the video.

Kratos will be available only in the PS3 version of Mortal Kombat when it ships to stores on April 19.

Posted in News, PS3 | Tagged

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime, Swarm on XBLA today

Posted on March 23, 2011 by John Scalzo

It’s Wednesday and two new games have been added to the Xbox Live Arcade. If you’re already familiar with this week’s PlayStation Store update, then neither of these titles should be a surprise to you.

First up is Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime, which is a top-down, twin-stick shooter starring a team of Ghostbuster rookies. It’s available to download for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

Also available this week is Swarm from the developers behind Penny Arcade Adventures, Hothead Games. Swarm is likely the only platformer where you’ll control “50 pudgy blue morons” and it’s available to download for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15).

More information on both titles can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Ghostbusters, PlayStation Move Heroes answer the call on PlayStation Store

Posted on March 23, 2011 by John Scalzo

Welcome to one of the biggest PlayStation Store updates ever!

It’s possible you’re too busy playing the newly released SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy Seals beta to notice, but Sony added seven games to the store yesterday and another two to the PSP store. But first things first, the Spring Fever 2011 sale continues this week with discounts on Tetris (now $4.99, regular price $9.99) and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (now $9.99, regular price $19.99).

As for the new releases, check ’em out:

  • Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime – A top-down twin-stick shooter starring the Ghostbusters and this week’s “spotlight update” to boot.
  • Swarm – An action platformer from HotHead Games.
  • Battle: Los Angeles – A first person shooter based on the hugely popular new movie.
  • Premier Manager – A front office simulation of Europe’s numbe one soccer league.
  • DC Universe Online – The superhero MMO is now downloadable.
  • PlayStation Move Heroes – Everyone’s favorite Sony mascots (except for Kratos) go head-to-head-to-head in this Move-powered crossover.
  • Legend of Mana – It’s not as cool as Secret of Mana, but it’s definitely a PSone Classic.

As I said, the PSP store also received two updates: Hoard, a dragon-powered “action strategy” title; and the increasingly illnamed Dissidia 012 [duodecim]: Final Fantasy.

Hit the jump for more details on all of this week’s releases or visit the PlayStation.Blog for a full rundown of all the new game add-ons. (more…)

Posted in News, PS3, PSP | Tagged , , , ,

New Spider-Man game debuting at WonderCon

Posted on March 22, 2011 by John Scalzo

Marvel, Activision and developer Beenox will be in the neighborhood of next weekend’s WonderCon to show off the latest Spider-Man game.

The WonderCon reveal will include exclusive details, screenshots and videos of the next Spider-Man game. Many of these details will come from Beenox, who plan to talk about Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions and how fan feedback to that game has affected the future of the webslinger’s video game adventures. Marvel’s Vice President of Games Production, TQ Jefferson, writer Peter David and actor Josh Keaton (the voice of Ultimate Spider-Man in Shattered Dimensions) will be on hand as well to offer insight on their roles in the devleopment process.

If you’re going to be at WonderCon and want to attend the panel yourself, it’ll be held on Saturday, April 2 at 4:30 in Room 103.

The next Spider-Man game will be available this Fall.

Posted in News | Tagged