Video Game Saga *

Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:55:00 +0000

2012 the year of the dragon and more importantly the 25 year anniversary of Street Fighter. Capcom is going to be celebrating big this year including global tournaments and the limited edition release of Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set for PS3 and Xbox 360.

"A hyper combo-powered milestone, the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary festivities will continue throughout 2012 (“The Year of the Dragon” and will include the Collector’s Set and a series of high stakes global tournaments with over a half million dollars in support, the highest the fighting game community has ever witnessed."

Created as a celebration and tribute to its fans, the limited edition set is individually numbered and jam-packed with Street Fighter games, video, art, music, and exclusive collectibles. The items are housed in a specially created chest complete with a certificate of authenticity.

The limited edition Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector’s Set includes:

-Past and Present Street Fighter Games – Playable on current gen PS3™ and Xbox 360 console systems, the four critically-acclaimed titles selected from the star-studded catalog are: Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter® III 3rd Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition with all costume DLC, and Street Fighter® X Tekken® including all character and Swap Costume DLC.

-Exclusive Video – The two-disc Blu-Ray set includes a documentary that highlights the profound influence the franchise has had on fans - and vice versa - throughout the years. The collection of videos also includes Street Fighter®IV and Super Street Fighter®IV Anime movies as well as all episodes of the Street Fighter animated series and Street Fighter®II: The Animated Movie.

-Light-up Ryu Statue – A specially commissioned and highly-detailed collectable Ryu statue stands prominently at 8” tall and features the iconic character in mid-Shoryuken, with flames lit from below.

-11-Disc Soundtrack – Street Fighter game music spanning the past 25 years, in addition to remixes and fan-created music inspired by past Street Fighter games .

-64-page Hardcover Art Book – A tribute to Street Fighter game fans from all over the world, the art book includes fan pieces submitted by professional and aspiring artists alike.

-Ryu’s Belt – Created to regulation specs, the full-size martial arts black belt is a replica of the one Ryu wears and even includes his classic "Fūrinkazan" in kanji!

-Certificate of Authenticity – Each Collector’s Set comes individually numbered complete with a certificate of authenticity.

You can check out the official site here and in the mean time be sure to head to your local game retailer to pre-order your limited edition collector's set which will retail for $149.99 and will release on September 18, 2012.

New Releases for 05-22-12 (Multi-Platform)

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:05:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Mario Tennis Open
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 05/20/2012
Plateform: 3DS

Serve, volley, and conquer the court in this Mario Tennis Open that offers any type of tennis challenge you can ask for! Choose Touch Screen and gyro controls or classic button-based play in regular matches or mini-games. Play smart as you choose what type of shot to use and when, and keep your eyes open for Chance Areas that activate special powered-up Chance Shots. Connect with up to four friends locally or online to play singles or doubles matches. Find locals and play (with one cartridge) using Street Pass. Or choose an online Open Match and you'll automatically be paired with someone at your skill level.

Title: Men in Black: Alien Crisis
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Fun Labs
Release Date: 05/22/2012
Plateform: PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

The suits: unmistakable. The weapons: the most advanced in the galaxy. The job: protecting the Earth from the scum of the universe, though technically you and the agency you work for don't actually exist. Become one of the Men in Black in this stand-alone MIB storyline. Work to uncover a secret alien plot as part of the intergalactic peacekeeping force, using the technology and tactics the Men in Black are known for. Use scanners to uncover aliens in disguise. Blast enemies with the biggest firepower in the galaxy in over-the-top shooter sequences. Then use your neuralizer to wipe the memory of any witnesses who might've seen something they shouldn't.

Title: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Paris
Release Date: 05/22/12
Plateform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Join an ultra-elite four-man strike team and tip the global balance of power without anyone knowing you entered the battlefield in this Ghost Recon experience shaped by real-life military events. Whether you're slipping into enemy strongholds to extract hostages or carrying out impossible strikes against high-value targets, precision, strategy, and teamwork are key each mission. Use beyond-cutting-edge technology that allows you to gain a critical advantage. See through walls with thermal cameras and X-ray scopes. Cloak yourself in optical camouflage and move unseen in broad daylight. Gather intel, mark targets, synchronize strikes, and more. The new Gunsmith feature lets you select each mission's perfect weapon from 20 million(!) possible configurations.

Title: Dragon's Dogma
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Release Date: 05/22/12
Plateform: PS3, Xbox 360

Embark on an epic quest to destroy a powerful dragon in this RPG that offers no shortage of mighty beasts to slay to no shortage of ways to slay them. Explore an open world and battle against menacing mythological creatures using any quick-thinking strategy you can cook up: grab and use nearby objects, climb on your giant enemies, and more. Small details can have big impact: when and where you strike, how much your weapon weighs, even how tall your character is can determine the success of your attacks. Add different members to your party as you move through the story, customizing their behavior to produce better teamwork during battle.

Title: Sorcery
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: The Workshop
Release Date: 05/22/12
Plateform: PS3

If you've ever wanted to wield the wand of a wizard, Sorcery and PlayStation Move are about to give you that chance! Use motion-controlled magic to battle a Nightmare Queen who threatens to cover the realm forever in darkness. Use your Move controller like a wand and hurl magical attacks. Target enemies by smartly aiming your wand and deliver more punishing blows by combining spells into even bigger attacks. Find hidden items that can help in your fight, use alchemy to create potions, use your wits to solve puzzles, and more. Your journey will take you through five realms, each with distinct enemies waiting to test your growing magical powers.

E3 2012: Wii U Tablet Controller Design Change

Sun, 20 May 2012 07:15:00 +0000

According to a Traveller's Tale QA tester, a picture was posted on his twitter account featuring a newly designed Wii U Tablet controller which could very well represent the final version of the controller and also confirm the name "Wii U" since the logo is embedded on the controller.

The newly designed tablet controller features actual analog sticks instead of the sliders as shown on the first model. Also, the + and - buttons have been relocated to the right side of the tablet and in the center now is the microphone. Check out the controllers side by side below for comparisons.

Since this is a dev. kit unit, the final design could change slightly so until E3 we'll have to hang tight to find out for sure.

Sega Genesis Speakers DXBB (Sega Genesis)

Sat, 19 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000

One of the many joys of being a collector is when you discover items that you never knew existed. Case in point these awesome Sega Genesis speakers. I really wish I had a pair of these back in the day to blast Sonic the Hedgehog with. Sega ran a promotion from December 26, 1990 to February 28, 1991 where gamers could call Sega to receive a mail-in certificate containing a list of qualifying Sega Genesis titles.

From the qualifying list of games, you bought three of them and sent in the UPC bar codes along with the mail-in certificate and bingo you where blasting your favorite Sega Genesis games through these matching official Sega speakers. Recently there was a set selling for $150 on ebay, however, the seller has yet to sell them at the $150 asking price. That being said I would say these are worth at least $70 to $100.

Speaker features:

-DX Bass Boost

-Treble Boost

-Individual volume control

-Runs on four C batteries or 6V AC adapter

GameStop Mobile

Sat, 19 May 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Either GameStop is financially hurting behind the scenes or they are seeking creative ways to make more money. Either way GameStop has been making the headline lately, first with it's plans to sell refurbished Mac Books and now they have plans to sell their own branded mobile cell phone service. According to a secure web page on GameStop's website, they plan to piggyback on AT&T's GSM network. The gaming retail giant looks to sell just SIM cards allowing gamers to use what ever GSM device they want to use or buy outside of GameStop.

Plans start at $20 a month for a pay-as-you-go set up that costs 10 cents per minute or text. Unlimited talk and text plans will start at $35. $45 will add 100MB of data while $55 will add 500MB of data. There will also be a 1GB data-only plan. No contracts are required.

Some of the prices and details seem a little off and with GameStop staying tight lipped on their mobile concept, time will tell how or if GameStop mobile will launch.

Tron: Uprising Episode 1 Online Now

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:45:00 +0000

For fans of the first two Tron films, we have been left in dark recently in regards to updates on the third Tron movie. Lucky for us, Disney XD will premier the 10 part animated mini series Tron: Uprising on June 7th. The show takes place before the events of Tron: Legacy and centers around Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood), who's trained by Tron to take down Clu. As a nice little treat, Disney XD has released the first episode early on Youtube and can be viewed below. Be sure to let us know what you think.

GameStop to Sell Refurbished MacBooks

Sat, 12 May 2012 17:35:00 +0000

I remember 10 years ago when I first worked for GameStop, they where still carrying classic video games and accepting them for trade in credit. Shortly after they phased out the classics and focused on next gen gaming systems. GameStop merged with EB games which during the merger was a bad time for both customers and employees but still the focus was next gen gaming. Still today that focus is true for GameStop, however, GameStop's focus on video games could be changing soon.

GameStop CEO J. Paul Raines told The Verge that his company could become a high-tech pawn shop one day, refurbishing all kinds of used gadgets, instead of just stocking games and the occasional phone or tablet. According to a leak from Kotaku, GameStop will start carrying refurbished Apple MacBooks. The leak comes in the form of a snapshot showing what Apple MacBooks might retail for with prices starting as low as $459.99 for a MacBook 13" 2.0GHz. Check out the snap shot below:

Update (05/17/12, VGSTONYB):

Looks like that's not all their selling! Gamestop looks to be changing the game this year, possibly in anticipation of the death of the used-games market. Rather than push their own digital download service, they are finially trying to get some revenue off of Steam. Starting this week, Gamestop will be selling Steam cards!

New Releases for 05-15-12 (Multi-Platform)

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:10:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Diablo III
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: 05/15/2012
Plateform: PC

Diablo III picks up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both Heaven and Hell, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen.

Title: Max Payne 3
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: 05/15/2012
Plateform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Max Payne has left New York City behind in hopes of starting a new life as a private security guard for a wealthy family in Brazil. Still haunted by a past he cannot shake, Max soon becomes a one-man wrecking crew when a gang sets its sights on the family he's been hired to protect. Gameplay is built on a powerful and incredibly realistic physics engine/animation system. The gritty result scraps the smooth Hollywood landings and makes sure you, Max, and his enemies feel the sting of every bullet and the impact of every blow. You'll also find expanded maps and enhanced character level progression in the franchise's first-ever multiplayer modes.

Title: Game of Thrones
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Cyanide
Release Date: 05/15/2012
Plateform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Are you ready to serve the realm? Shape the fate of the Seven Kingdoms in this original Game of Thrones RPG story developed in conjunction with series author George R.R. Martin. Join the struggle to control the Iron Throne and play as two game-exclusive characters, each of whom helped win the crown for Robert Baratheon. Walk the streets of King's Landing, look over the world from atop The Wall, and more as you visit locations across Westeros. Intense combat is built on a tactical engine that lets you slow the action and strike strategically. Interact with pivotal characters as you experience the world of the mega-popular saga like never before.

Title: Battleship
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Double Helix
Release Date: 05/15/2012
Plateform: 3DS, DS, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

The battle for Earth begins at sea. Where it ends is in your hands! Battleship sets up a stand-alone story that puts you on the front lines of the fight for our planet's survival. Lead the charge against an alien force in Nintendo-exclusive gameplay where you'll strategically command the U.S. Navy fleet. Deploy your ships in turn-based play that builds on the classic game with a Story Mode and action inspired by real-life battles. Choose your character and defend the planet with destroyers, subs, frigates, patrol boats, and battleships. You'll unlock maps and characters to use in a Skirmish Mode that lets you customize the action.

Title: Akai Katana
Publisher: Rising Star Games
Developer: Cave
Release Date: 05/15/2012
Plateform: Xbox 360

When the true power of a sword is only unlocked through human sacrifice, you know you're in for over-the-top action. The shoot-em-up masters at Cave set their sights on swordplay in this epic set in a world that parallels early 20th century Japan. The empire has conquered nearby countries using Blood Swords, blades that require a human sacrifice to unlock their full power. Now, the warriors who wield them have questioned the bloody grab for power. Rise up and use swords and fighter planes to battle the very empire you helped build. Choose from three modes: Arcade Mode, Slash Mode, and Climax Mode in arcade-style play geared for action overload.

Snatcher (Sega CD)

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:05:00 +0000

Snatcher for the Sega CD is a port of the Japanese PC Engine version. Several tweaks where made to the Sega CD version when it released in 1994; mostly in the censorship department. Their are some added goodies though in the Sega CD version including: Light gun support, extended opening intro, Act 3 revised for more player interaction and an extended ending. The game was published and developed by Konami and designed by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima-San.

The game's rarity is largely due to poor sales and the phasing out of the Sega CD. Supervisor of localization, Jeremy Blaustein, has noted that Snatcher only sold a "couple of thousand units" in North America and Sega's lack of support for the Sega CD did not help with the sales or marketing. When the game didn't sell well, production seized. Snatcher sells for $200 and up complete in box. The disc and case minus instructions sells for $130 and up.

Rovio Announces New Game

Sat, 12 May 2012 02:25:00 +0000

Angry Birds fanatics will be excited to know that creator, Rovio is developing a new game called Amazing Alex releasing in two months. Rovio CEO Mikael Hed stated the game is based on the Rube Goldberg-like Casey's Contraptions IP, acquired recently by the company. In the game you play as Alex, a curious boy with an interest to build things. The gameplay will involve educational elements.

"The quality pressure is high," Hed went on to say. "We want to maintain the high standard Angry Birds fans have come to enjoy."

Gamasutra received confirmation from Rovio that they purchased the rights to Casey's Contraptions IP.

"The gameplay is a perfect fit in our arsenal with its approachable, fun and highly addictive take on the physics puzzler genre. We are currently reworking the title to enhance it, and getting ready to re-introduce it in a true 'expect the unexpected' Rovio style launch to an even larger audience."

The Punisher (Sega Genesis)

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:45:00 +0000

While not the rarest Sega Genesis game, The Punisher is going up in rarity and price! The game was originally released in arcades and later ported to the Sega Genesis in 1994. The arcade version was developed and published by Capcom while the Genesis version was published by Capcom and developed by Sculptured Software. For collectors looking for a fun challenge, see if you can find a complete in box copy with the original pack in tattoo as seen above. In the game you play as either The Punisher or Nick Fury or play Co-op with a friend. A complete in box copy sold recently for $100.00 on ebay. A loose copy sells between $20 and $30.

Stadium Events (NES)

Sun, 06 May 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Stadium Events is a Holy Grail of NES and Video Game collecting. Originally a Bandai game licensed by Nintendo, Stadium Events was released in 1987 as a test market item in limited amounts of stores including Woolworths. However, Nintendo decided they wanted to release the game on their own so they had Bandai seize production and they renamed the game World Class Track Meet. Both games are identical in gameplay aside from the name change. Bandai had their Family Fun Fitness brand that select fitness games where labled under. These games used a Family Fun Fitness mat. Two Bandai games in this line where in a series. Series 1 was Athletic World and Series 2 was Stadium Events.

Not only did Nintendo purchase the rights in 1988 to the Family Fun Fitness mat in the US, changing the name to the NES Power Pad but they also replaced the verbiage on Athletic World to say Power Pad instead of Family Fun Fitness and they removed the Series 1 label. Labels and packaging all changed when Nintendo renamed Stadium Events to World Class Track Meet. Once Nintendo purchased the rights to the FFF mat, Bandai pulled their mats which where supposedly destroyed with copies of Stadium Events.

There where only 2000 copies of Stadium Events produced before Bandai had to bow out. It is believed that roughly 200 copies where purchased before the game was pulled and supposedly destroyed. There are talks of only two factory sealed Stadium Events left in existence one of which sold on January 22, 2011 for a whopping $22,800.00 on ebay. A Complete in Box Copy sells for over $10,000. A loose copy can fetch upwards of $2,000. The instructions and box alone sell for thousands as well. Collectors beware the PAL version looks nearly identical so be sure you're purchasing a NTSC version.

New Releases for 05-08-12 (Multi-Platform)

Sat, 05 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Starhawk
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: LightBox Interactive
Release Date: 05/08/2012
Plateform: PS3

Enter a battle between men and mutants in this third-person shooter that combines furious on-the-ground action and overhead tactical strategy. On the lawless edge of deep space, groups of humans clash over Rift Energy. Those who have it control a resource beyond value. Those exposed to it mutate into hideous creatures. Part mutation, part human, gunslinger Emmett Graves is stranded somewhere in-between, and he might be the only one who can save mankind. Simultaneously shape the battle as both general and foot soldier in an innovative take on combat. Issue commands from a drop ship in orbit while you unleash a storm of fury at your enemy on the ground.

Crysis 2 Nano Edition (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Sat, 05 May 2012 06:55:00 +0000

When Crysis 2 launched back in March of 2011, there was three versions to choose from: Standard, Limited and Nano. For collectors the Nano Edition is the definitive version since it includes the Limited Edition version of the game as well as some very cool extra goodies mentioned below... oh and did I forget to mention it is extremely rare! The Nano Edition was a pre-order only for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 offered exclusively through EA's website for $149.95 in ultra low quantities.

Pre-orders began September 26, 2010 and quickly sold out before the March 22, 2011 release date. After the game launched, some gamers who pre-ordered the Nano Edition had there shipment delayed and to compensate EA sent them a 75% off coupon and a free digital copy of the Limited Edition version of Crysis 2. While I have not confirmed an exact number of Nano Editions, quantities are low enough to warrent a $500 and up price tag on ebay and they very rarely show up.

Crysis 2 Nano Edition:

-Limited Edition copy of the game in a Steelbook case

-11" statue of Alcatraz posed on top of a New York City taxi

-art book

-Nanosuit backpack "modeled after the in-game super suit." Large enough to fit a 17" laptop.

Microsoft in Production on Xbox 720???

Fri, 04 May 2012 05:25:00 +0000

Nothing like some good ol speculation and rumor mill. If this rumor proves true then Microsoft has begun assembly on the Xbox 720 A.K.A. Durango at Flextronics in Austin, Texas. Flextronics is currently manufacturing the Xbox 360 and manufactured the original Xbox as well. A source told IGN that Flextronics created a separate group that was strictly responsible for planning the marketing and testing the software and hardware for the Xbox 720. This group has finished their work and have now moved onto beginning the assembly of Durango.

With Microsoft remaining tight lipped on Durango and having announced that they will not be revealing the Durango at E3, it is speculated that the assembly will be that of development kits to send out to developers which makes perfect sense this early in the game. On an end note, I ask this question; with the recent announcement of the $99 Xbox 360 where gamers opt into a fixed-contract to pay off there system over a set period of time, could this be testing grounds for cheaper system launch prices in the future that would could see implemented with Durango?

Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Master System)

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:20:00 +0000

Sonic the Hedgehog is a fun and challenging rarity to collect for the Sega Master System and here is why. The NTSC version of Sonic the Hedgehog is identical in every way to the PAL version, however, there is one very important piece that differentiates a NTSC version from a PAL version and that is a UPC sticker. On the back of all NTSC versions you will find a UPC sticker. Now if the sticker is peeled off on the NTSC version, there is no way to tell if it is the NTSC version or the PAL. So there is the challenge collectors, finding the NTSC version with a UPC sticker on it. Sonic the Hedgehog was the last US game released for the Master System adding to its rarity. The NTSC version with UPC sticker sells for around $100.00 complete in box. While a PAL version can be picked up for as cheap as $5.00.

Nintendo's Future in Digital Downloads

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Back in 70's, 80's and 90's we never dreamed that digital video games would replace it's cartridge or CD counter part. Even though Sega attempted a very similar concept with Sega Channel back in 1994 where Sega Genesis owners could go to their local supporting cable company and purchase the Sega Channel adapter that delivered hundreds of Genesis games right through a cable to your television. It was never a means to replace cartridges like it has become now days.

Xbox Live and PlayStation Network has been home to many of the hottest games on the retail market available in a full game digital download as well. I understand the times have changed since the old school days of gaming as well as the gamers themselves. It comes down to two groups of gamers in my opinion. The first group of gamers are those who grew up on the NES and Sega Genesis so they have a special place for cartridges and CD's. These gamers still hold onto the memory of classic gaming and find it hard to replace even a physical copy of a next gen. game. There will always be that magic of owning a physical copy of a game with the case, instructions and all. To these gamers there is no substitute for a physical copy.

The second group and the majority are gamers who are all for the digital revolution. It is easier to simply purchase a game right through their system's online account and continue to add to their gameplay experience through DLC. Many companies are on board to stop the selling of used video games in favor of buying brand new copies of their games and or the digital download counter part. Even going as far as to only offer online features/Multiplayer to those who purchase a brand new copy or pay to enable the online features. Now you may be asking; Jim why are you bringing all this up? You haven't even talked about the Headline of this article.

Well my fellow my gamers, good question! The reason I mention the state of the industry is because now Nintendo is jumping on board with digital downloadable games which completes the circle (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo.) I'm not just talking about DL games that are created for WiiWare and the eShop or classic games re-released for DL. I'm talking about signature Nintendo franchises receiving a day 1 digital download of it's physical copy counterpart in the near future. Nintendo announced recently that New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the 3DS, read our News Byte New Super Mario Bros. 2 Also Available to Download, will be the first title to support Nintendo's expansion in the digital revolution.

Not only will Nintendo be supporting their own babies in digital download format but they will also be allowing third party developers to make their retail games available on the Wii U shop and eShop in digital form. There is still details that need to be ironed out and we know very little at this time but judging off Xbox Live and PSN we should have a pretty good idea of how digital downloads will work for Wii U and 3DS in the future. It's also interesting to note that Nintendo will be selling 16 digit game codes that gamers can purchase at retail stores and go home to download the digital version of Nintendo's games.

Will we see this becoming more main stream from all the industries biggest developers? Will the ability to buy a physical copy of a game vanquish? Only the future holds the answer but with profitability in the digital download realm, it is certainly looking like it will be a reality, even as early as PS4 and Xbox 720 when those come to market.

E3 2012: Wii U to Appear in Final Form

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Nintendo has confirmed that the Wii U will be shown in final form at the show. It is still unclear as to whether or not the name Wii U will be the final name for Nintendo's HD next gen console, however, we'll know for sure at Nintendo's Press Conference.

E3 2012: Valve Announces No New Projects Will Be Shown

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:20:00 +0000

Even though Valve will be present at this years E3, they have confirmed that they do not have any plans to announce new projects at the show. We can expect to see upcoming titles such as: Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Half-Life 3.

E3 2012: No Plans for a Wii U Price or Launch Reveal

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:10:00 +0000

On April 26, 2012 Nintendo's Global President Satoru Iwata-San announced that Nintendo has No Plans for a Wii U price or launch reveal at E3. He mentioned that we can still expect the Wii U to launch in several countries this year including the US. The same decision was made with the 3DS two years back.