Time once again for yet another spectacular assortment of random video game related nonsense, some old, some new, and all totally worth your time. But first, an announcement!
As of today, there is exactly ONE MONTH LEFT till the deadline of the Persona 4 Fan-Art contest. In the past couple of weeks, the entries have been slowly trickling in, and oh man, there’s been some truly amazing stuff. Yet there’s still plenty of time for those who haven’t had a chance to put pencil to paper. And for those of you that need that extra push, I’m happy to announce yet another awesome incentive, otherwise known as the…
ALTERNATE GRAND PRIZE: A SEALED COPY OF THE PERSONA 4 OFFICIAL DESIGN WORKS FROM JAPAN!!!
For more pics, simply go here. What you see above, as well as from before, is my personal copy, so once again, one very lucky person will be received a brand new, still sealed copy of this flat-out wonderful compendium, which includes over a hundred pages detailing the beautiful artwork that is found in the game. No Persona 4 fan can be without it!
So here’s the deal, and it’s because I’m such an indecisive person: I will choose two winners whose work I deem to be the absolute best, the cream of the crop (which ain’t gonna be easy, I can see that already). And then I will RANDOMLY choose one of the two to ask which prize they would prefer, the Social Link Expansion Pack or the Design Works book. Whatever that’s not chosen will go to the other person. Simple enough?
But don’t forget the still very much awesome runner up prizes! My cache of other, assorted games keeps getting bigger, with even more neat stuff in the pot than ever before. A few companies as of late keep messing up and sending me doubles of stuff, which is great for all of you! And just so everyone is super clear, I’ll say it one more time:
THE DEADLINE IS APRIL 18!!!
Actually, I have yet another announcement, also on the subject of video game fan art: I’m now an official part of the Life Meter Comics crew. Was asked by Dave Roman and Zack to help out on the blog, which needs a little love, and of course I said yes! Though more on that when the time comes. In the meantime, back to business…
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- Next week is the GDC, and once again, I’m not going. And I’m still fairly bummed out, though the more I speak with people, either A) they’re not or simply cannot go either, or B) it’s just as well because people like myself are somewhat the reason why the show, in many people’s eyes. Many are afraid that it’s becoming another E3, which is to say, just another loud and mindless trade event.
And it’s true; in recent years, game companies have began using the platform to make all sorts of announcements (something like this) that would be far better suited for a place like E3, instead of an educational summit, which is what GDC is truly all about. As a result, all sorts of press people, including plenty if dim-witted bloggers (which I guess I am as well, to a certain extent) are responsible for clogged exhibit floors and sessions, much to chagrin of people who are actually there to learn and conduct business. And the very idea of some poor kid, who just spent over $2,000 of his own hard earned money to make it out to San Francisco and to learn the tricks of the trade from professionals, to help full-fill his dream, not being able to attend a vitally important panel because some jerk-off with a blogspot took the very last seat, really depresses and pisses me off.
At least it’s not as if the problem isn’t being addressed. This time around, the organizers are being pretty stingy when it comes to press passes. Perhaps I shouldn’t admit this, but even I couldn’t get one and I’m like best buds with Simon, who is one of the dudes in charge! Basically my blog isn’t on the same level as a major news outlet… and he’s totally right. Again, wanting to hit all the crazy parties shouldn’t be a prime motivation for going to an educational anything. As for all the goodness related to indie gaming, which is the actual real reason for me or anyone else to go, I’m confident that Simon’s band of reporters, along with folks like Brandon Boyer, will help pass along all the best bits.
- Another very neat thing about the Game Developers Conference is hearing from, duh, game developers. Mostly about the creative process, the ups and the downs.
On a related note, the man that built the house of N, Shigeru Miyamoto, recently revealed in Famitsu how he wasn’t a very happy guy during the GameCube era. Oh, and I’m glad that the author of the 1UP write-up, Kevin Gifford, points out Nintendo’s so-called failed attempt at “connectivity” was WAY ahead of its time, something that virtually no one has picked up on.
Maybe Namco should try to remake Pac Man Vs, this time utilizing the Wii and DSs?
- Something else the GDC always manages to shed light upon are things that never came to pass, like on the technological side. Like how last year everyone learned that the Wii Fit balance board was originally supposed to take advantage of all these N64 controllers that Nintendo had just lying around!
So on that related note comes this recently discovered patent that Sony filed some time ago that would have given the PS2 very Wii-like functionality…
… Eh, if I’m not mistaken, Sega also came up with a similar idea, but a few years even further back.
- Sticking with Sony, and back to big companies parlaying the conference, everyone’s expecting a big price drop regarding the PS3, and perhaps even one for the PSP as well. Though now some are thinking they might wait till E3 proper. Well, the sooner the better since it’s not like they’re flying off sore shelves at the moment.
Though once again, here we have another potentially awesome game for just $10 that I’d have to spend $400 to play. In this particular case, it’s called Gomibako, which is more or less Tetris mixed with… garbage? I’ll just wait for the inevitable PSP version, thank you very much.
- Last time I mentioned some of the stuff I’ve been playing. Well one game that I’m not, but can’t wait to get my hands on, is Game Center CX 2! That shipment from Play-Asia can’t come soon enough.
BTW, remember how Simon passed along some infomercial for the game, and I was in it? Well I tried my best to upload the whole thing on YouTube, but it wouldn’t let me. I even chopped it up in different, smaller bits, as well as re-encoding it, and nothing worked. All I can say is that YouTube simply hates me. I’ve actually had plenty of similar problems with it in the past. Anyhow, here instead is a screencap of said appearance…
… Don’t ask me why my backpack strap is all the way up to my neck. And the dude next to me? Kind of a funny story, that’s perhaps best saved for a later point and time!
- Back to the DS, another title I’m aching to play but cannot, simply because it’s not out yet, is the sequel to Picross, 3D Picross! At least, I think that’s what it’s called…
… Hey, apparently this game came out already, earlier in the week. So I already know what I’m using my $5 off Play-Asia coupon for when it finally shows up. Oh, and there’s this other version, which is actually a browser game that’s intended to be played via the Wii. Haven’t checked it out yet, so can’t say if it’s good or not just yet (since it’s not an official Nintendo thing, I doubt it, but you never know).
- Then there’s Dream Club, which just got a homepage! Remember, right? It’s that game where you play some shlep that’s so in love with the girls that work at some cabaret club that you have to work all these menial jobs so you can afford to go there again and again and again, in hopes of wooing one of the chicks eventually. Anyhow, here’s some additional screenshots…
… As also previously noted, a good part of the gameplay is going “yup” and “uh huh” a lot, during conversations that really don’t mean anything because they’re paid to pretend that they like you! And take a look at the background of that last shot; that’s yet another dude trying to get one of the other girls drunk so that he move courtship process along faster. Which once again, is part of the gameplay.
One very subtle thing is how the girls all seem to vaguely resemble characters from various other games, something that Sankaku Complex has also picked up on!
-Here we have something else that’s somewhat along the same lines; it’s called Kira*Kira Rock’n'Roll Show and appears to be a combination of Guitar Hero and Princess Maker. You basically follow along the exploits of a up and coming all girl band, with assorted chances to molest them along the way. I think. This is Japan after all…
… The story according to Nation Console Support goes something like this: a bunch of high school pals decide to form a band and plays at the school festival, which ends up on the internet and thus superstars are instantly born. Talent agents all of a sudden appear to sign them up on a tour, and thus the adventure begins. It’s supposed to be an all girl group, but the bassist is actually a boy in disguise. Again, comical mischief ensues. So yeah, I have no idea if the player himself (dudes are clearly the ones playing this title) initiates the sexual escapades, or if he simply follows along (and masturbates to) the events as they simply unfold.
- Speaking of NCS, today shump fanatics can pre-order the third line of Shooting Game Historica gashapon toys…
… I’ll be honest; they looked much cooler when they were still all grey, in their prototype phase. Still gonna pick them all up, don’t get me wrong. But again, here’s hoping the next run will include the Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga ships!
- Though on a totally coincidental note, I recently stumbled across this: a whole slew of pics taken at last year’s Wonder Festival…
… My God, they are gorgeous. For those that don’t know, Wonder Festival is this once a year event in Japan dedicated to fan-created model kits, usually based on characters and vehicles from games and anime. Because of the insane degree of intricate details, most cannot be mass-produced, so only extremely limited numbers of everything are on-hand.
They’re by 13B/Specter, and here are some slightly better pics of their other ships, via their homepage…
… The first ship is from Silpheed and the second is from Philosoma, both designs I’ve been in love with since forever (and which most people either don’t know or have ignored… mostly because the games they come from are not that great).
You know, all these mind-blowing kits definitely makes me feel not so bad for missing out on this Vic Viper model, from Sky Girls, which looks completely pedestrian in comparison. Though I was already less than interested when I discovered that you have to assemble and then paint them yourself.
- Back to Wonder Festival, if you dig deeper into that person’s visual report, you’ll find two different Chie statues! I like the one of the left the best myself, but both are pretty awesome…
- Moving onto the world of designer, urban vinyl toys, comes these clearly inspired by Metal Gear Solid 3 figures by Michael Lau…
- Yet another oldie from Kotaku Mike, for those that might have missed it the first time around: a brand new way to play Super Mario 64, albeit 13 years later!
- And I have to admit: that’s some impressive Metroid cosplay…
- As mentioned last time, Space Giraffe has been getting some play once again as late. Too bad I flat out suck at it; there’s a certain point where there’s just too much going on to figure out what the hell is what. Though as Braid creator Jonathan Blow mentioned, at last year’s experimental gameplay session at the GDC (one major thing I’m going to sorely miss), later on, you basically have to give up on what’s happening on screen and rely on the visuals. Huh. Anyhow, here’s a music video for Tiga, created by Llamasoft, makers of Space Giraffe and Tempest 2000/3000.
- And as also noted, I’m currently playing through MadWorld, which besides being hella fun, looks GREAT on my standard definition set! lol. But as for how it sounds…. eh, not as much. I can only take goofy j-rapping so much. Though I was thrilled as could be when I found out that the insanely catching music from Let’s Tap would be coming over, totally intact!
- Unfortunately, Sega has also seen it fit that the world apparently needs more of Sonic the Werehog. Christ.
- Plus, as everyone knows by now, Virtual On is coming back, headed towards Xbox Live to be exact (though I’m a tad bit more excited for OutRun Online to be completely honest), so to mark occasion, how about some new Virtual On figures?
I guess the reason why I grew so cold towards VO was the Dreamcast version, which was an uncontrollable mess. Whereas the Saturn version, despite looking so horrific in comparison to its arcade cousin, controlled like a dream with the stock controller… if you gave it some time. And no, I never got a Twin Stick controller because my dorm room at the time was small as it was. I’m guessing the two analogue sticks of the 360 controller should help things out quite a bit, yet I figured the same was true for the PS2 edition, Marz, which I heard is complete b.s.
Hence this possible solution from some random dude in Japan, who is apparently expecting the worse!
- It’s Mega Man crossed with Paper Mario! And I’m guessing it’s some kind of proof of concept? I’ll be emailing the creator shortly (he’s from Sweden), though I’d have to imagine by this point, his inbox has to be blowin’ up.
- Attn: Katie. I know how much you love Guile’s theme from Street Fighter 2. I also know that you’re going to be DJ-ing your friend’s wedding later this summer. Well I would suggest picking up this.
- Hey, the homepage for Persona PSP has been updated with even more remixed and revamped tunes from Shoji Meguro!
- Some might recall that Shadow of the Colossus-esque title for the Wii called Kizuna that I talked about a while. Well, here’s a trailer. Looks okay I guess. I was a bit more impressed with the still images to be honest. Then we have this pair of two television spots. Just hang in there for the second one.
- We’re all familiar with i am 8-bit. Well, get ready for ich bin 8-bit. Basically the same that as before, but this time everyone’s doing their stuff on Post-It Notes, which is being refereed to as “the ultimate pixelated canvas.” Hey, at least it’s something different. Not be a hater, especially since I now represent Life Meter, but honestly, it’s kind of been the same thing, year after year with that group. Perhaps this’ll be the shot in the arm that everyone needs.
- Gotta say, there’s nothing I love more than fake, classic game covers. Especially when they adore real game cartridges!
- Moving onto video game fashion, as most people already knows, at least those who would care about such things, the first wave up UNIQLO’s game oriented clothing line was recently revealed. My two cents? What a letdown. Most look straight out of any Hot Topic in the US! I expected better from such a source.
Hopefully the next wave will be better, but I’ll laugh my ass off if their Phoenix Wright shirt ends up being no different than all the fan made stuff I’ve seen for years now at assorted comic and anime conventions. I still have my fingers crossed for the ones based on Tekken and Ridge Racer.
- Now HERE is how you do retro gaming shirt, courtesy of Cospa…
… Unfortunately, still haven’t been able to figure out how to order one myself, let alone find out if they deliver to America. If anyone reading this is in Japan, and wouldn’t mind ordering one for me, to then send to the US, I’d greatly appreciate it (and totally make it worth your time of course).
- Meanwhile, over at Way Of The Rodent, which never disappoints, comes this splendid Asteroids shirt…
- I can’t believe that Dreamcast stuffed into an iMac only managed to fetch a measly $217.50! WTF…
- I hate Gamestop with a burning passion, as do quite a few people out there. Yet there’s no denying that this is pretty hilarious, which I found over at NeoGAF…
… Here’s some more examples. And yes, they’re not wacky Photoshops, each one of them is true!
- Yet another wacky pic from NeoGAF, though I forget which thread it’s from. I believe the one on wacky mods that I highlighted a few posts back…
- Sticking with Gaming Age Forums for a moment, one of the more interesting topics is where people attempt to create better game ads. It’s true; most of what’s out there really is piss poor and does nothing but disservice what it’s trying to sell. As for what your average Gaming Age member produces… well, some of it is quite nice, and some not so much, but that’s to be expected on any major message board. Though this one completely hits it on the nail, simply because of how TOTALLY accurate the entire thing is…
- Naturally, I like to stop by the long-ass Persona 4 discussion hotspot from time to time, where tons of strategies and insight are tossed back and forth, by people who make me feel positively weaksauce for only beating the game once. Some people appear to be on their 8th or 9th play-throughs… yikes. It’s also where you’re going to find something like this: fan-art merging Persona and Ouendan…
- Yet another favorite destination of mine is simply a place to check out box art from Japan. Man, I kinda want to play this one…
… And yes, I fully realize that there’s been way too much animu girls in this update, even for me.
- Hey, remember Bob’s Game? Believe it or not, that trainwreck is still going strong! For those who have completely lost track, here’s a handy little recap:
Summary:
Robert Pelloni (“Bob”) announces Bob’s game, a homemade game by a single person developed over 5 years and 15,000 hours. He releases a couple trailers. He is interviewed in various magazines. He claims to be contacted by various publishers. The final trailer ends with Bob himself convening the “interdimensional bob’s game championship.” Inside “bob’s game” there is a game called “bob’s game” which has not yet been revealed. At the end of the game, you will face Bob himself in a match of “bob’s game” as the final boss fight.
Nintendo refuses his application to purchase the DS software development kit. He starts a “100 day protest” against Nintendo on “live webcam” in which he will not leave his room.
Bob’s posts become more and more insane, and he rants about destroying Nintendo.
On day 30 of the protest, he flips out and smashes his entire room, destroying his computer, desk, etc.
On day 31 he claims he faked his death, the police showed up, and so on.
On day 32 he is in a “new room,” with red lighting instead of green, which is obviously the same room, which he obviously never really destroyed. Without spelling it out for us, he pretty much reveals here that the whole thing was a joke.
On day 50 he vandalizes the Nintendo world store on video, putting his game on the shelf, littering, etc.
On day 90 he reveals a new video, “The Legend of Bob.” It basically retells the story of the past 90 days of a developer named Bob who was rejected by Nintendo due to a vast conspiracy, was driven insane, and became a super villain. The entire blog was apparently viral marketing to set up the character “Bob” in the game as an insane super villain, who you will fight as the end boss. He reveals that the game involves collecting various game cartridges [that] you will play inside the game, essentially mini-games within the game. The “Bob’s Game” within “Bob’s Game” is the final mini-game.
On day 93 [a new video shows up, on Something Awful, which is now marked private] revealing that he didn’t really do a lot of that stuff at the Nintendo world store, a lot of it was staged.
It is now day 93. On day 100, Bob will appear at GDC for some new reveals. Bob says he will be releasing the game on DS, even if he has to manufacture the carts himself. I assume this is illegal.
… That was actually two days ago, so today makes it day 95. Which translates to “stage 95″ and yet another video.
Looking back, perhaps I should feel like an idiot for alerting both Kotaku and NeoGAF of both the existence of ?Bob? and his ?game.? Well, if I hadn?t, surely someone else would have. All I ca say is… ilovebees.com it most certainly is not. But my biggest beef at this point is how the game simply looks boring as hell. All this effort over nothing.
- I keep meaning to post highlights from my own neck of the internet woods, but I’m lucky if even one person has managed to hang in there for this long. Still, I can’t help myself and pass just this one last thing along…
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One final thing: I’ve been playing the new Metal Gear Solid Touch for the iPhone since last night! That’s when press “copies” were distributed, and was also told that the official launch wasn’t till tomorrow, which was also when reviews would be allowed. So the plan was to have mine ready in time for day one, which I?ve never managed to make happen. Though for whatever reason, it came out earlier this afternoon, and because I?ve yet to beat it (gee, I wonder why), plus won?t be posting for at least a couple of days, to give folks enough time to digest all the info I’ve just put forward (that is, if anyone actually chooses to go through all of it), I’ll simply state the followed, based upon the first five or so missions…
I like it! A lot! Much more than expected. Like many others, I somewhat pointed and laughed when the game was first revealed to the world, but I must admit, it’s actually fun to play and even a bit challenging. Though whether it actually has leg is yet to be determined; since I’m still in the middle of my first play-through, so I really can’t speak of replay value, which is pretty vital for any iPhone game, especially one that costs eight bucks.
Controls work well enough but they’re rather tricky. Most iPhone games allow for a certain degree of sloppiness and imprecision, but not so much here. The story is basically MG4′s but supremely stripped down. I wonder how much better if it had been for them to simply draft an original tale, but whatever.
The unlockable wallpapers are neat, though speaking as a person whose made 100 himself, and how I believe you have to play quite a bit to build them up, they’re somewhat negligible. There’s also a few annoying bugs, but I’m sure those will be fixed after a couple of updates.
It’s definitely something that you just have to play. The physical act of zooming in and out with one’s weapon, weighing all the positives and negatives in the heat of the moment, in addition to choosing either laying low or sticking one’s neck out for the kill, is actually quite enthralling. All of which is completely lost in this video which makes it look like the lamest of lame Flash games. Oh well.
