Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | 0 comments

Rock Band DLC Update: Megadeth – Rust In Peace

A “classic” metal album comes to Rock Band this week.  Classic.  God I’m old…

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that the entirety of the seminal metal album Rust In Peace from Megadeth, will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for all 3 major platforms to commemorate the kick off of a month-long jaunt with Exodus and Testament that will find Megadeth crossing the nation on the Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour. Rust In Peace was the band’s fourth album, released in 1990.  20 years ago and still kicking people’s asses, making this album now a classic.

Available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Feb. 9) and PlayStation 3 system (Feb. 11):

• “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”
• “Hangar 18”
• “Take No Prisoners”
• “Five Magics”
• “Poison Was the Cure”
• “Lucretia”
• “Tornado of Souls”
• “Dawn Patrol”
• “Rust in Peace… Polaris”

As usual, all tracks named above are original master recordings, and the tracks will be available for purchase of the whole album or individually.

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | 0 comments

Superbowl XLIV Halftime Performance DLC for Rock Band

Love Football?  Love The Who?  Love Rock Band?  Now you can do them all together!

MTV Games and Harmonix have announced that a special recording of the performance The Who plans to play during their Super Bowl performance at halftime will be made available for DLC following the game.

“The Who Super Bowl S-mashup” will be available in the Rock Band Music Store immediately after the game on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Wii console from Nintendo and coming soon to PlayStation®3.  Yay, Sony!  Thanks for making us wait!

It’s not a horrible deal though, since the DLC package will cost $1.99 or 160 Microsoft Points for what will probably be 3-4 songs.

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | 0 comments

Rock Band Network beta opens for artists, publishers, and labels

Rock Band Enthusiasts Encouraged to Join XNA Creators Club Online at the Now-Open Creators.RockBand.com to Test New Music Tracks and Participate in Peer Review Program

Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games today announced that the Rock Band Network beta program is now open to the public, giving emerging and established artists the tools needed to start authoring and submitting their music into Rock Band. The Rock Band Network, announced last July, should become a ground-breaking initiative that gives players access to original recordings by musicians, publishers and record labels all over the world through the soon-to-launch Rock Band Network Music Store (RBN Store).

“We are excited to democratize the Rock Band platform and expand the music discovery experience to the greater music community with the Rock Band Network,” said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and co-founder of Harmonix. “We believe this will be great for fans, music lovers, bands and the music industry as a whole.”

I personally have been waiting for this since the announcement of the original Rock Band when they mentioned that a goal of theirs would be to allow people to record their own tracks, and I look forward to this a lot since much of the “mainstream” music these days isn’t my thing.

Here’s how the whole thing will work:

Artists who submit songs for the RBN Store will be able to choose from various pricing tiers for individual tracks, and will receive a royalty of 30 percent of the retail selling price (excluding tax) for every track purchased. Hell, that’s better than most record companies give some bands.

Before they are approved to be sold, however, songs are submitted to http://Creators.RockBand.com.  The author submits the song to one of two areas: Playtest, where the community delivers feedback on a work in progress track, or Peer Review, where a revised song goes when it is considered a final draft and ready to be posted for sale. Once in Peer Review, songs are tested for playability and checked to check for violations of XNA Creators Club Online community standards (vulgarity, adult content, legal concerns, etc.).

XBox360 owners can join the Playtest and Peer Review processes by purchasing an XNA Creators Club Online Premium membership through http://creators.xna.com/membership.  These fans can help shape the track’s final form, rating how fun and challenging the authoring is, and helping flag issues to make the song the best it can be.

Once tracks are approved, they will be transferred to the RBN Store, an in-game music store where players will be able to both hear and play samples of songs before they purchase.

Songs will debut exclusively on Xbox 360 for 30 days, after that a selection of standout tracks will then be made available on the PS3 and Wii.

How to get started:

• Wondering How to Submit a Song? http://creators.rockband.com/docs/Website Scroll down to “Adding a song to the pipeline.”

• Want to Become a Peer Reviewer? http://creators.rockband.com/docs/Playtest_Process

The Rock Band Network Store will open to consumers in the near future to be announced at a later date.

Now, artists, publishers, and labels, get your asses out there and create us some music dammit.

Posted by SuburbanHell in PSP | 0 comments

Atlus announces Persona 3 Portable coming to North America

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today revealed that Shin Megami Tensei®: Persona®3 Portable™, the handheld adaptation of one of the most fun RPGs of all time, would release in North America for PSP on July 6th of this year.

For those of you who played through the game on the PS2, there will be dozens of hours of new content featuring the unprecedented addition of a new player-controlled female player who offers gamers a host of new social links and opportunities.  There are a number of additional gameplay improvements and enhancements to streamline the experience for the handheld version.

While this isn’t the announcement I’ve been hoping for of Persona 5, this will at least help pass the time until then, with over 100 hours of gameplay.

SMT: Persona 3 Portable is currently scheduled for release on July 6, 2010.

Posted by SuburbanHell in Xbox 360 | 0 comments

Mass Effect 2 reveals an in-game pipeline for DLC

BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc., today revealed ‘The Cerberus Network’, an in-game portal in Mass Effect 2 that will keep fans engaged with the rich and dynamic Mass Effect universe through downloadable content (DLC) and news. ‘The Cerberus Network’ is activated exclusively by original purchasers of Mass Effect 2 through a single-use unlock code that comes included in retail and digital versions of the game worldwide. ‘The Cerberus Network’ is a conduit for players to receive bonus content as well as daily messages and news on upcoming releases for Mass Effect 2 for no extra charge. For players who do not buy the game new, ‘The Cerberus Network’ can be unlocked through a one-time, in-game purchase of a new activation code*.

Mass Effect 2 is the first blockbuster video game release of 2010, having recently been named as one of the “Most Anticipated Games of the Year” by the New York Times, IGN and Wired.

“The Cerberus Network augments and extends the rich universe of Mass Effect 2,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. “We’re thrilled to be able to reward loyal BioWare and Mass Effect fans with ongoing, high quality content and provide a direct channel for our players to dive deeper into the intriguing lore of Mass Effect.”

Players who access ‘The Cerberus Network’ will receive the first DLC pack on January 26th (launch day in North America) featuring new missions and in-game items. Included in this pack is a mission that introduces Zaeed, a rugged and deadly gun-for-hire who is recruited to join Commander Shepard’s mission to save mankind.

After launch, BioWare will release another DLC pack for Mass Effect 2 that introduces the Hammerhead, a new vehicle in the Mass Effect universe. This agile hover tank features improved handling on rough terrain and maneuvers deftly in combat — a necessity for players traveling across harsh planetary environments throughout the galaxy. In addition to this new vehicle, BioWare will release new missions and unique in-game items, including Cerberus Assault Armor which boost shields, health and heavy weapon ammo and the M-22 Eviscerator Shotgun.

The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding a crew of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, stunning space exploration and emotionally engaging characters, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe and has been rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI.

For more news from the development team, please follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect2 or visit the game’s official website at http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

• Activation is tied to a specific EA Online account and is non-transferable.

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3 | 0 comments

Atlus releases first localized screens from 3D Dot Game Heroes

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today sent out the first English screenshots from the upcoming North American release of 3D Dot Game Heroes, the ultimate retro action-adventure game for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The publisher challenged members of the gaming press and public to put their gamer credentials on the line and figure out the games alluded to in this and future batches of screens from the game.
“All the talk so far seems to be about 3D Dot Game Heroes’ lush visuals. While the game is indeed a looker, we’re very excited to be able to release the first localized screens of the game, which give the game’s hilarious, tongue-in-cheek script a chance to shine,” commented Crystal Murray, PR Specialist at Atlus. “While players are drowning in a sea of nostalgia thanks to the game’s euphoric old-school gameplay and retro sexy art, they’ll be treated to an endless stream of parodies and witty references to past gaming classics. Of course, as if these weren’t reason enough to give the game a chance when it releases on May 11th, have we mentioned it’s only $39.99?

Dripping with old school charm, classic gaming pizzazz, and pure retro sexy, 3D Dot Game Heroes is the ultimate homage to the industry’s golden era.

3D Dot Game Heroes is scheduled to release on May 11, 2010 with an MSRP of $39.99, just in case, you know, you missed it the other times we mentioned it.

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | 0 comments

Mega Man 10 – Meet The Villains

Capcom has released sprites of the signature villain robots you’ll be fighting when Mega Man 10 comes out this spring on the PSN, XBLA, and WiiWare stores.  Here are the new illustrious eight.

Strike Man: 

Pump Man: 

Sheep Man: 

Chill Man: 

Nitro Man: 

Blade Man: 

Solar Man: 

Commando Man: 

Wait a minute.  SHEEP MAN?  Maybe it’s time to retire the series afterall…

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3 | 0 comments

PS3 DVR? Here’s “Torne”

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced today that it is possible to digitally record terrestrial broadcasts with a new peripheral called “Torne”.

Torne is a new digital TV tuner that connects to the PS3 via USB cable. Torne offers players an easy and colorful interface that lists programs. It’s possible to look up programs and search the menu by genre or keyword. The Sony Torne is due out in Japan in March 2010, and offers a way to watch digital terrestrial TV broadcasts on a PS3, together with PVR functionality that allows for recording content (either to the PS3’s HDD or a connected USB 2.0 drive) even while the PS3 is being used for gaming, Blu-ray playback or just in standby mode.

Once you’ve recorded a show – using the on-screen GUI which shows all the available channels – you can then load it onto a Memory Stick Micro M2 or Memory Stick Pro Duo and slot that into your PSP for watching on the move.  Footage will automatically be optimized for the PSP’s display; alternatively, if you have WiFi access while out, you can use remote play to control the Torne and watch streaming content on your PSP.

Priced at ¥9,980 (US$109), torne will go on sale this March in Japan. The peripheral will also be bundled with the 250GB PlayStation 3 and available for ¥42,800 (US$467).

Posted by SuburbanHell in PS3 | 0 comments

3D Dot Game Heroes due out May 11th

SouthPeak Games has climbed inside its videogame time machine – alongside Atlus U.S.A., Inc. – to bring the highly anticipated 80s retro revival 3D Dot Game Heroes™ to European PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment systems in May 2010, in line with the North American release.

Oozing with 8-bit goodness, 3D Dot Game Heroes sees players transported back to the golden age of gaming, a glorious era before gruff balding space marines and harrowing shoot outs in airports. Instead 3D Dot Game Heroes sees you questing through the lush kingdom of Dotnia, slaying monsters with your trusty blade, seeking treasure in dungeons and bopping your head to catchy retro-inspired chip tunes.

“I am delighted to be working with Atlus to publish 3D Dot Game Heroes and we have very high expectations for this exciting and unique title,” said Jonathan Hales, managing director EMEAA, SouthPeak Games. “We’ve been following the progress of the game since it was announced in Japan and are thrilled to have secured the title for Europe.”

“SouthPeak Games is the perfect publisher for 3D Dot Game Heroes in Europe,” stated Tim Pivnicny, vice president of sales and marketing at Atlus. “They share our enthusiasm for 3D Dot’s unique charm and retro appeal, and will work hard to get the game into as many eager gamers’ hands as possible. They also recognise the frustration of many European gamers to not get exciting releases until months after other regions, which is why we’re working closely together to deliver a simultaneous launch for North America and Europe.”

For more information about 3D Dot Game Heroes and other SouthPeak Games products, please visit www.southpeakgames.eu

About 3D Dot Game Heroes
A long, long time ago, the Dark King Onyx brought an age of darkness upon Dotnia Kingdom. Only by the bravery of a hero with a legendary sword was Onyx sealed in an orb, restoring peace to the world. But Fuelle, a powerful Dark Bishop, has stolen the orb, and with it, peace. Dotnia requires a hero once more! Can you live up to the legend?

Key Features
• Ultimate retro love letter – Seamlessly fusing new and old, the golden era of gaming is felt in every detail of this lovingly-crafted adventure. Eye-popping visuals capture the nostalgic charm of pixel graphics in cutting edge 3D. Simple, but deep action-adventure gameplay is a throwback to the 8-bit era. Veterans will find references and jokes that pay homage to the great games of yore.
• Awe and adventure live again – Embark on the next generation of classic exploration and discovery in a grand story-based quest. A hero sets out to gain the power of the six sages and the six orbs that protected the kingdom of Dotnia, which now stands on the verge of destruction.
• Customise your hero – When pixels are your building blocks, the possibilities are unlimited. Freely edit the look of your character, or design one completely from scratch, and then trade designs with friends via a compatible USB storage device. Your hero’s blade is also upgradeable, letting you add length and width to create a sword that fills the whole screen!

Posted by SuburbanHell in Nintendo DS | 0 comments

Production Diary – Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

Lead Editor of  Atlus’ upcoming Nintendo DS title Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Nich Maragos has written a production diary titled “Use Your Allusion”.  For more details you can check out the Atlus U.S.A. forums, but here is the info in its entirety:

Quick language lesson time, everyone: the Japanese written language has not one but three character sets. (If you’re nodding impatiently here, you can just skip to the next paragraph.) Kanji are used as the building blocks of words, while hiragana are used to conjugate or clarify, as well as for the connective tissue in sentences. Think of kanji as a vocabulary and hiragana as an alphabet and you’re not far off. The third character set, katakana, mirrors hiragana in every way except its function: it’s used to denote loan words from other languages. Japanese has a lot of these, not all of them from English: “anime,” for instance, is a loan word that’s been shortened from “animation,” but it’s also common to refer to a part-time job as an “arubaito” from the German word arbeit, or work.

So when we at Atlus are translating a game and the translators see kanji and hiragana, they know what it means, because it’s part of their everyday vocabulary. But when katakana pops up, things get slightly trickier, because that means the word is a reference to something outside of Japanese, and figuring out just what that is isn’t always as easy as you think.

As a game that takes place in a near-future “real world,” Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey provided plenty of these situations. To start with, the premise of the game calls for a sizable crew hailing from a multitude of nations who have banded together to investigate the Schwarzwelt. All of these crewmen’s names were written in katakana, which meant it was up to us to figure out which nations they were meant to be representing and how their names would be rendered in their native orthography. This is complicated by the fact that the katakana alphabet doesn’t map perfectly with any other; you have to be familiar with both Japanese and Spanish to make the connection that what’s literally translated as “Himenesu” (and in fact was thus translated, briefly, on the official Japanese website) is meant to be read as the Spanish surname Jimenez.

This process was repeated for every member of the crew. Some of them were easy, like translating “Uiliamuzu” as “Williams.” (If that doesn’t look easy to you, you’ll have to take my word for it that it practically suggests itself as an interpretation. Try saying it out loud quickly.) Some of them were more ambiguous. Due to certain well-known idiosyncracies of Japanese, “Terii” could have been either Terry or Telly, which are both common names, and “Makurein” could have been McClain, MacClane, MacLaine, or any of several other Scottish surnames. And some of them were just baffling: “Kiima” didn’t readily suggest itself as a name of any nationality we were familiar with, and the character was so minor that there were no other identifying traits to provide a clue.

In Keema’s case, we simply made a judgement call as to how to render it in English and moved on. But in other cases, some detective work and knowledge of things outside the game came in handy. For instance, keenly aware of director Eiji Ishida’s enthusiasm for Western media, we went with McClane in the above case of “Makurein.” And when it came time to figure out what “Verunu” was meant to represent, our initial guess was a Germanic Werne—until we realized that the other AI in the game, Arthur, was an allusion to Arthur C. Clarke, father of HAL… which meant that this AI was probably an homage to Jules Verne, author of Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Another major source of katakana shenanigans in the game was, as is typical of Shin Megami Tensei games, the demonary. With over 300 demons in the game, there were an ample number who have never before appeared in an American release. For a lot of these, we used J.A. Coleman’s The Dictionary of Mythology, an excellent volume for its sheer breadth and inclusiveness of world myth. Here’s how the process went, using the demon “Sukuugusuroo” as an example. It’s commonly referred to by SMT import devotees online as “Skeugslou,” but neither Internet searches nor Coleman’s book turned up any real-world results by that name, so we went digging.

We would first sound out the katakana for a likely-sounding beginning; “sc” or “sk” seemed likely. (The “u” in the Japanese “su” is almost silent.) This meant only about five pages of Coleman’s book to pore through, which is less than it seems, especially since most of the entries couldn’t possibly fit the Japanese pronunciation. There were other handy clues as well: we had a visual depiction of the demon to match against Coleman’s description, and we also had the demon’s Compendium description to give us a country of origin. This narrowed down the search by quite a bit, and it only took a few minutes before we hit upon the Swedish wood spirit Skogsra.

Wrestling with katakana loan words and references is a process that can last throughout production as a series of small epiphanies hits the translators and editors. It wasn’t until a week or so into the project, for instance, that it dawned on us that all the sectors of the Schwarzwelt were named after constellations—and the above-mentioned realization about “Werne” vs. “Verne” didn’t come until the second-to-last day that it was possible to change anything! (Depending on how many files need to be altered to accommodate these little breakthroughs, they can be accompanied by either a “Eureka!” or a “Dammit!”)

Hopefully, knowing all this will bring you greater enjoyment of your “televi game” once it’s released in March.