Most Recent: 3DS

Square Enix reveals all at 1st Production Department Premier

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

I’m not sure who came up with the name for this event, but Square Enix is delivering the goods on their biggest titles today at their 1st Production Department Premier event. Happening this morning (or night) in Tokyo, the event has come with goodies like an incredible new Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer, and the announcement of, yep, Final Fantasy XIII-2 (which is coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360). Japanese game blog Andriasang liveblogged the event and has all the details on those games as well as Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Final Fantasy Type-0 (the PSP game formerly known as Final Fantasy Agito XIII).

This is going to be a powerhouse news day for fans of JRPGs and Japanese games in general, so be sure to stay tuned.

Posted in 3DS, News, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,

Nintendo’s Miyamoto states “Not all 3DS games in 3D,” blows minds

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Ryan Littlefield

According to a formal, fancy sit-down interview with Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata, and Hiroshi Yamauchi (AKA Iwata Asks), the upcoming 3DS may not feature 3D visuals on every game. Miyamoto states: “New game cards will be specific to Nintendo 3DS, but whether they will be in 3D or not is basically up to the maker, just like how much to use the touchscreen was up to developers for Nintendo DS.”

Understandably so. But Nintendo has promised several release titles with 3D capability, including high-resolution remakes of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. So, why bother even stating this? Well, because of this statement by Miyamoto, one can make the inference that 3DS may have just as much third-party software as the Nintendo DS and Wii have had. Because Nintendo spearheaded the 3D charade within their own handheld, other third-party publishers may take time to effectively follow in their 3D footsteps.

Miyamoto justifies the lack of 3D necessity by noting: “Even now, I don’t think we need to have everything stick out. One thing I’m certain of is that in games today, there are quite a few scenes that would be much better if they stuck out. They’re not interesting simply because they stick out.”

Posted in 3DS, News |

Activision taps Beenox to develop future Spider-Man games

Posted on January 13, 2011 by John Scalzo

As Spider-Man Uncle Ben always said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” So it seems rather fitting that Activision is about to bestow great power and great responsibility on Beenox, the developer of last Fall’s Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.

The megapublisher has announced that Beenox has been named the primary developer on upcoming games starring the superhero. While Activision didn’t go into specifics about the wallcrawler’s next video game adventure, an investor’s call in November revealed a new Spider-Man game is in the works for a 2011 release.

For their part, executives at Beenox and Activision seem excited about the arrangement.

“Beenox’s creative vision reinvigorated the Spider-Man gaming experience among critics and fans in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions,” said Patrick Kelly, Senior Vice President, Activision Studios. “We can’t wait to see where this talented studio will take this franchise in the future.”

“We are thrilled with this opportunity to continue our close, collaborative relationship with Activision, Marvel and everyone’s friendly, neighborhood hero, Spider-Man,” said Dee Brown, Studio Head, Beenox. “Being able to map out Spider-Man’s interactive future gives us the creative freedom to really craft the best gaming experience for the fans.”

Posted in 3DS, DS, Mobile, News, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,