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.

Nights Into Dreams HD coming to PC, PSN, XBLA this Fall

Posted on July 5, 2012 by John Scalzo

Nights Into Dreams made its debut on the Sega Saturn in 1996. Since then, the androgynous jester has made multiple cameo appearances across a wide variety of games as well as starred in a full-fledged sequel, Nights: Journey of Dreams.

Today, Sega announced that Nights Into Dreams would be returning this Fall in a high definition remake for the PC, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live Arcade. This shiny new version of Nights will also include a Saturn Mode that uses the game’s original graphics.

“The Sega Saturn offered many unique gaming experiences, and Nights Into Dreams stands out as one of the most recognizable titles that found a home on the system,” said Chris Olson, Vice President of Digital Business at Sega. “We’ve gotten a lot of requests about this game over the years, and are very happy to be able to give both former Saturn owners and new players a chance to play it in its most beautiful form to date this Fall.”

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

THQ returns Devil’s Third publishing rights to Itagaki’s Valhalla Studios

Posted on July 5, 2012 by John Scalzo

It looks like THQ was unable to find a buyer for Devil’s Third, the first game developed by Tomonobu Itagaki since he left Team Ninja.

But the troubled publisher has still parted ways with the troubled game by handing the publishing rights to Devil’s Third back to Itagaki’s Valhalla Game Studios.

A spokesman for the company told Eurogamer: “THQ confirms that the company will not be publishing Devil’s Third. All of the game’s IP rights have been returned to Itagaki-san and the Valhalla team.”

Devil’s Third was previously scheduled to be released for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in early 2013, but without a publisher, it’s unlikely it’ll make that date.

Posted in News, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360 | Tagged

New trailer reveals August 21 release date for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Posted on July 5, 2012 by John Scalzo

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron hasn’t even been released yet, and it’s already done the impossible. Originally slated for a “Fall 2012” release, the High Moon Studios-developed game has now been pushed forward a second time. Tagged at the end of the truly epic trailer above (which stars Metroplex!) is the game’s new release date: August 21, 2012.

It’s only a week ahead of its previous August 28 release date, but with so many games getting pushed into 2013, I’ll take it.

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

Nintendo’s 8-Bit Summer kicks off with The Legend of Zelda, NES Open Golf

Posted on July 5, 2012 by John Scalzo

Nintendo’s “8-Bit Summer” promotion on the 3DS eShop begins today with the release of The Legend of Zelda and NES Open Tournament Golf.

3DS gamers will also have a chance to download Family Tennis 3D from Arc System Works, puzzle game Akari by Nikoli, and a Heroes of Ruin demo this week. Nintendo has also selected the second Game of the Weekend, Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword, which will be available at a discounted price ($4.99) all this weekend.

If you’re looking for more games from a bygone era, Nintendo has also added the NeoGeo game 2020 Super Baseball to the Wii’s Virtual Console.

The DSiWare and WiiWare Shops also received a ton of new titles this week, you can check them out after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, DS, News, Wii | Tagged

Square Enix confirms PC re-release for Final Fantasy VII

Posted on July 4, 2012 by John Scalzo

It’s not a high definition remake, but Square Enix has announced they’ll be re-releasing the PC version of Final Fantasy VII soon “exclusively on the Square Enix Store.”

The game will include a few tweaks and additions since the last time it was available for the PC including Achievements, cloud saving (heh), a Character Booster for when you’re stuck and don’t feel like grinding, and hardware optimization for the current generation of PCs.

You can catch up on all your favorite Final Fantasy VII moments by watching the re-release’s trailer above or taking a gander at the game’s official website.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Activision, High Moon to announce next-gen Marvel game at Comic-Con 2012

Posted on July 4, 2012 by John Scalzo

High Moon Studios, an Activision internal development team, will announce their next game at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con during the “Marvel Video Games” panel on Saturday, July 14.

The panel’s description is woefully short on details, but several LinkedIn profiles have offered up a few more details about the unannounced game. According to Senior Game Designer J.R. Vosovic, the game is in development for “next-gen” systems. We also know that the project is being headed up by Game Director Sean Miller, who was previously in charge of the team that created Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

In addition to the recently released Amazing Spider-Man game, Activision has published multiple titles based on Marvel Comics characters this generation including the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance series, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and X-Men: Destiny.

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

“Amazing new features” planned for next Minecraft XBLA update; Skin Pack 1 announced

Posted on July 4, 2012 by John Scalzo

Microsoft and developer 4J Studios are moving forward with the next major Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition update. There’s still word on when the 1.7.3 update will be released, but the company’s PlayXBLA blog has promised it’ll contain some “amazing new features.” The PC version’s 1.7.3 update included more clay, shears for shearing sheep, and pistons. Who knows what XBLA-specific surprises Microsoft might have up their sleeves?

Speaking of surprises, Microsoft also announced that Skin Pack 1 (yes, they’re already planning multiple Skin Packs) will be released alongside the 1.7.3 update. Players who purchase Skin Pack 1 will gain access to 40 fancy new skins and none of them will be variations of “Steve!” Instead, Skin Pack 1 will include original skins such as a Creeper Man, ‘Splosion Man, Trials Man, Covenant Grunt, and the King.

The 1.7.3 update will be free to download, but the price of Skin Pack 1 has yet to be determined.

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

XBLA Today: Spelunky, Bellator MMA Onslaught

Posted on July 4, 2012 by John Scalzo

Happy 4th of July everyone! Microsoft is getting patriotic with a double dose of Xbox Live Arcade updates including a game where a cartoon man explores a system of caves and a game where grizzled fighters beat the stuffing out of each other. See, both are totally patriotic!

The cave explorer Spelunky. The indie darling is now available to download from the XBLA for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15):

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a new and challenging experience each time you play! Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with monsters, traps, and treasure. Fully-destructible environments open up lots of strategies and make it a blast to master the game’s many secrets.

Also available today is Bellator: MMA Onslaught, which is definitely a game where players are encouraged to beat the snot out of each other. And you too can enter the octagon for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15):

This game is based on Bellator Fighting Championships, a single elimination Mixed Martial Arts tournament. It is a first of its kind, a fast paced arcade style MMA fighting game with easy to understand controls that enable players to quickly master the clinch and ground game. Design your own fighter and compete both online or locally against other players’ creations and the best fighters Bellator has to offer to level your fighter, master MMA techniques, unlock moves, earn belts and climb to the top of the world rankings.

Posted in News, Xbox 360 |