Next Famitsu issue to reveal new FFXIII info; Idolmaster bits

The latest issue of Famitsu is big, and not because Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Brawl made it to the list of a few titles with perfect 40/40 scores. The Japanese magazine featured Idolm@ster's sequel and even Star Ocean 2, but what piqued our interest the most is the promise of Square Enix' Sony PlayStation 3 exclusive Final Fantasy XIII news to appear in the next issue that will reach news stands on January 25.

It's still uncertain whether anything substantial will surface or not, but Square Enix actually shedding light on what has been under tight wraps so far sounds exciting. Last time we heard of the massive PS3 exclusive was when a British magazine stated that the game will have split-screen events, though there were big revelations back in Jump Festa '08.

The latest pages of Famitsu were also filled with details pertaining to Idolm@ster Live 4 U! According to translations of the NeoGAF member who posted scans, Namco Bandai's latest gig will introduce rhythm-based performances, three levels of difficulty,  and even scoring and feedback to let you know how your little girls are doing.

Violent video games, piracy threaten Saudi Arabia's youth

Violence in video games and piracy that allow children to easily afford games with their own money are problems even in Saudi Arabia, said a group of educationists after a study conducted in Saudi's capital, Riyadh. A group of young juveniles were involved in the study, and it ended up with a conclusion that 90 of youngsters were negatively affected by violent video games.

According to the study covered by Asharq Alawsat , many young people were unable to distinguish virtual reality from real life. Cited were "evil scenarios" such as combating security forces, destroying state property or violating people in various ways that juveniles wanted to imitate after extended hours of play.

Piracy was blamed by research, saying the complete absence of official censorship coupled with lower than US 2 price tags (as opposed to US 27- 53 prices for legit copies) allow violent video games to spread among children.

The study also noted the lack of games that develop mental abilities and skills, and the how certain games "do not encourage youths to adopt strong values and noble customs and only time is wasted." It also concluded with the idea that "society is facing a critical issue as the danger lies in the fact that video games are interactive," reports the Asharq Alawsat.

Rock Band to get Oasis, Progressive song packs on PSN, XBL

Getting bored of playing the same old songs in Harmonix's Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)? Here's a little something to look forward to. The game is going to get both an Oasis and Progressive song pack.

The Oasis song pack will feature three hit songs from the band, namely, Don't Look Back in Anger, Live Forever, and Wonderwall. Expect these songs to be available on the Xbox Live Marketplace by next week.

The Progressive pack, on the other hand, features three songs from different artists. It includes Coheed's Working Man, Cambria's Ten Speed (Of God's Blood and Burial), as well as a master track recording of Siva by Smashing Pumpkins. Neo-progressive rock fans can expect these hits to be released during the week of January 29.

Prices for these songs on Xbox Live are standard at 160 MS Points (US 2) per track and 440 MS Points (US 5.50) for each three-song pack. On the PlayStation Network, the songs go for about the same price with tracks going for US 1.99 and song packs at US 5.49 each.

Michael Rosenbaum to voice main character of Dark Sector

When it comes to portraying dark and tormented characters on screen, you have to hand it to Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor from Smallville, anyone?) for a top-notch job of acting. D3Publisher of America, Inc. has decided to call in the award-winning actor to lend his voice for the main character in its upcoming action shooter game Dark Sector.

Rosenbaum will bring to life the character of Hayden Tenno, the hero who is granted inhuman abilities thanks to his mutated right arm. Considering the rather somber attitude of the main character who struggles to control his powers while playing the hero, Rosenbaum is definitely a solid choice to give Hayden a proper voice in the game.

This isn't the first time Rosenbaum has lent his voice to a video game character either. Dark Sector is the third video game title he's voice acted for; his previous roles include Valens from Gladius and Akira Nishiki from Yakuza.

You can catch more of "Lex" once Dark Sector is released this March 25 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms.


Buy: [Dark Sector (PS3)]
Buy: [Dark Sector (Xbox 360)]

Atari going family-oriented gaming, Alone in the Dark this May

After numerous financial cutbacks across the company, Atari boss Patrick Leleu explained in an interview with French newspaper Les Echos about the new strategy they will be implementing to turn Infogrames' and Atari's fortunes around.

In a nutshell, here's what he said:

Our current strategy consists of starting to spend on capital projects again, adopting a consistent publishing policy that takes into account new market trends, and restructuring the company, including by turning around our Atari Inc. subsidiary in the United States.

Leleu talked about resurrecting some of its traditional titles that made Infogrames and Atari such a big hit back then. Titles such as Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, and Dungeons and Dragons will become the major focus to get gamers back into the fold. He mentions that the new Alone in the Dark (PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, Wii) title is already expected to hit shelves in Europe this May.

He explains that the current market trends that he mentioned refers to mass market of casual gamers who were introduced to gaming on the Nintendo DS and Wii. To reinforce this policy, Atari will be soon creating a portal to keep everyone posted with different games available online or for downloading.

The Infogrames CEO has posted a three to five year estimate in changing the company's image towards a new "family games" oriented one, while keeping with the original brand image for elite gamers.

Burnout Paradise Lost Angeles trailer

If precision-style racing isn't the kind of thing that gets your blood pumping, there's always an alternative. Case and point in Criterion Games' Burnout series which has revived the popularity of aggressive automotive action. It's only a matter of days before its latest iteration, Burnout Paradise (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), invades North America and Europe and we couldn't be more excited.

We know you've seen a lot of trailers and screens, but we're bringing you the latest just in case you're drooling for more. It's called the Lost Angeles trailer, and you'll see why wen you watch the clip below. Burnout Paradise goes out for both the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 consoles.

Buy: [Burnout Paradise (PS3)]
Buy: [Burnout Paradise (Xbox 360)]

David Edery: Tips for making good XBLA demo releases

First impressions are everything. Think about it: how many times have we been turned off on a potentially terrific Xbox Live Arcade title just because its demo on Xbox Live failed to deliver?

David Edery appears to agree on this point as well - the XBL worldwide games portfolio manager updated his blog with an interesting how-to guide for game developers regarding this topic.

Edery detailed that the demo should be more than just a gameplay teaser, that it should also try to whet the player's appetite for the game's full release. As he reiterated on the importance of a good demo:

A downloadable game's trial is everything. It doesn't matter if you licensed the three greatest IP of all time and fused them into the holy trinity of game design itself. If the trial stinks, most people won't bother to lift the curtain on the full experience.

Edery also emphasized on good PR being another force multiplier. As he explained by way of a theoretical scenario you've probably experienced before.

Imagine being faced with two games, both of relatively equal quality. One has been hyped in the press for months. One is unheard of. Your friends are all talking about the first game. You yourself have been looking forward to it. But the other game is just as good. Which are you going to buy?

The man also listed several suggestions for developers who hope to make an impressionable demo of their XBLA release. Edery explains that these pointers work just as well for games on other platforms. We've provided you guys with a short list of the said pointers - you can view their full details via the source link.

Who knows - if our favorite devs decide to take the time to read Edery's hints, it could promise better trial releases for us gamerfolk in the near future.

• Don t confuse or frustrate the player
• Don t make the player wait for the fun
• Don t make the trial too short
• Don t make the trial too long
• Intensify the player s curiosity
• Work that upsell message
• Show off your best features
• Know your audience

Media Create: Japan game sales from January 7 to 13

The results are in for Media Create's Japan software sales for the time period of January 7 through 13. Last week's sales ended on a healthy note for gamers as we see Nintendo's Wii Fit climbing to the top post. Mario Party DS follows in at second with Wii Sports at third.

We've also spotted Monster Hunter Portable 2nd from Capcom for the PSP holding its own at fifth place. If this is the sort if popularity this title's got at the moment, we can't imagine what sort of reception awaits its sequel's March 27 release. We've also managed to pick up a translated list of Media Create's listing, thanks to the guys over at the neoGAF Forums:

• [WII] Wii Fit (Nintendo) - 90,000 / 1,101,000
• [NDS] Mario Party DS (Nintendo) - 43,000 / 1,527,000
• [WII] Wii Sports (Nintendo) - 33,000 / 2,658,000
  
• [NDS] Final Fantasy IV (Square-Enix) - 32,000 / 537,000
• [PSP] Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (Capcom) - 26,000 / 1,511,000
• [NDS] Prof. Layton and Pandora's Box (Level 5) - 25,000 / 708,000
• [NDS] Dragon Quest IV (Square-Enix) - 25,000 / 1,143,000
• [WII] Wii Play (Nintendo) - 25,000 / 2,155,000
• [WII] Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo) - 22,000 / 468,000
• [NDS] Mario Kart DS (Nintendo) - 17,000 / 2,908,000
• [WII] Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo)
• [WII] Mario Party 8 (Nintendo)
• [NDS] Rune Factory 2 (Marvelous Entertainment)
• [PS3] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
• [PSP] Star Ocean 1: First Departure (Square-Enix)
• [NDS] New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
• [NDS] Prof. Layton and the Curious Village (Level 5)
• [NDS] Kanji Brain Test 2.5M (IE Institute)
• [PS2] Super Robot Wars OG Gaiden (Banpresto)
• [NDS] Animal Crossing Wild World (Nintendo)
• [PS2] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (Konami)
• [360] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
• [NDS] My Housekeeping Diary (Nintendo)
• [WII] Mario Strikers Charged (Nintendo)
• [NDS] Tales of Innocence (Bandai-Namco)
• [NDS] More Brain Age (Nintendo)
• [PS3] Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (Sony)
• [NDS] Nep League DS (Jaleco)
• [PS3] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (Konami)
• [WII] Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (Capcom)
•  

More Iron Man screenshots: does this suit make me look fat?

 

Who wouldn't look good wearing a multi-million dollar iron suit strapped with the latest top-of-the-line technological armaments? This is exactly the fashion trend Tony Stark wants to show off to everyone as Sega releases new screenshots of the upcoming Iron Man (PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, DS) video game.

Aside from the usual high-flying screenshots Marvel's iron-clad warrior has, you can also take a look at what seems like one of the older versions of the Iron Man suit. Talk about old-school! Still, that isn't any reason to keep good old Tony Stark down considering the numerous gadgets he's got hot wired into that suit to battle his foes.

The release date for Iron Man hasn't quite been pinned down just yet, so make sure to come back to this spot for more updates on this game as we get them. In any case, you can check out the rest of the screenshots we have from the game below.

   
 

Nintendo to banner Wii Fit, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Wii Menu at GDC 2008

In the latest Game Developers Conference (GDC) news, we've received word that today's industry hotshot Nintendo will field in some of its top creative minds to speak at the event.

Wii Fit project head Takao Sawano, Super Smash Bros. series developer Masahiro Sakurai and Wii Menu chief Takashi Aoyama will all be flying to San Francisco to share what they've done to create the latest gaming juggernauts.

Aoyama will tee off with how his team created the now famous interface of the Nintendo Wii game console characterized by channels and non-gaming online extras. Their approach, which has proven friendly to users of all ages, is credited as a big factor in the Wii's success.

In a talk titled "Wii Fit Creating a Brand New Interface for the Home Console", Sawano will let the public in on what went on behind the scenes of Nintendo's latest hit. The Wii Fit software works in tandem with the Balance Board peripheral to simulate yoga and pilates workouts. The combination has taken Japan by storm, selling more than a million units in less than a month.

Lastly, there's Sakurai who will talk about his experience in developing a game series with an all-star cast and how he and his team were successful in blending all the big elements for a cohesive and addictive fighting game. Super Smash Bros. Brawl may be a little late, but that doesn't make this talk any less appealing.

It's certainly going to be another big ball over at the Moscone Center next month as star game makers descend in one venue to talk about the state of their craft. Watch out for our GDC coverage because we'll follow it every step of the way.

Nitrobike video: Dangerous Ride Gameplay

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. And just because your bike's got a rocket doesn't mean you can just glue your finger to its corresponding button, as we've discovered in this newly released Nitrobike teaser video.

The video's aptly titled "Dangerous Ride Gameplay," and shows what happens when rockets aren't given time to cool: they explode in a lovely display of orange flame and metal debris. Sure, you lose the race, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fireworks.

The video also gives us a preview of the winding tracks and crazy jumps you can expect to encounter when Ubisoft's Nitrobike launches on February 8. Happy viewing!

Nintendo releases Q1, Q2 line-up of games for Wii, DS

Just like its strong 2007 showing, Nintendo is not backing down this year with a slew of upcoming titles for the Wii and DS. The gaming giant just announced its line-ups for both its console and handheld, and revealed that we're looking at great stuff set for release up to Q2.

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin and Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles headline the list of games that will appear on Nintendo's handheld, and that's for the first couple of months alone. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Final Fantasy Chronicles: Rings of Fate, and Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword are among the expected top-sellers.

Of course, the Wii is led by highly anticipated gems such as No More Heroes and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Atlus is making its grim contribution in the form of Baroque to break the mold of games for kids, while the much praised Okami is also coming with its inspiring art and improved controls.

Yes, Nintendo Wii and DS owners are in for a great 2008. Here's the entire line-up Ninty released for the kicks:

Wii

• Jan. 7: Kidz Sports Ice Hockey from Destineer
• Jan. 8: Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law from Capcom
• Jan. 15: Samurai Warriors: Katana from KOEI Corporation
• Jan. 15: Furu Furu Park from Majesco Entertainment
• Jan. 21: Endless Ocean from Nintendo
• Jan. 22: One Piece: Unlimited Adventure from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
• Jan. 29: Bomberman Land from Hudson
• January: No More Heroes from Ubisoft
• January: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Hard Evidence from Ubisoft
• Feb. 8: Kawasaki Jet Ski from Destineer
• Feb. 11: Go Diego Go!: Safari Rescue from 2K Play
• Feb. 12: WWII Aces from Destineer
• Feb. 12: Dream Pinball 3D from SouthPeak Games
• Feb. 18: MX vs. ATV Untamed from THQ
• Feb. 25: Agatha Christie And Then There Were None from DreamCatcher Games
• Feb. 26: Baroque from Atlus USA
• Feb. 26: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors from Square Enix
• Feb. 27: Kidz Sports Soccer from Destineer
• Feb. 27: London Taxi: Rush Hour from Destineer
• February: Garfield Gets Real from DSI Games
• February: Yamaha Supercross from DSI Games
• February: Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore from Konami
• February: Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 from Ubisoft
• February: Balloon Pop from UFO Interactive Games
  
• March 3: Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed from THQ
• March 9: Super Smash Bros. Brawl from Nintendo
• March 10: Worms: A Space Oddity from THQ
• March 25: Okami from Capcom
• March 25: OPOONA from KOEI Corporation
• March: MiniCopter: Adventure Flight from Aksys Games
• March: Alone in the Dark from Atari
• March: Ninja Reflex from Electronic Arts
• March: Obscure: The Aftermath from Ignition Entertainment
• March: Target: Terror from Konami
• March: Nitro Bike from Ubisoft
• March: Emergency Heroes from Ubisoft
• March: Heavenly Guardian from UFO INTERACTIVE GAMES
• March: Rebel Raiders from XS Games
• April 15: Castle of Shikigami III from Aksys Games
• April: Pro Evolution Soccer from Konami
• April: Wild Earth: African Safari from Majesco Entertainment
• April: The Monkey King-The Legend Begins from UFO Interactive Games
• April: Super Pick Ups from XS Games
• May 6: Speed Racer from Warner Bros. Games
• May 13: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian from Disney Interactive Studios
• May: BlastWorks: Build, Trade, Destroy from Majesco Entertainment
• May: King of Fighters: The Orochi Saga from SNK Playmore
• May: The Dog Island from Ubisoft
• June 8: Wonderworld Amusement Park from Majesco Entertainment
• June: Catch of the Day from Electronic Arts
• June: Ford Racing Off Road from Empire Interactive
• June: Cooking Mama Cook Off 2 from Majesco Entertainment
• June: Rygar: The Battle of Argus from Tecmo, Inc.
• June: DeBlob from THQ
• June: Wall-E from THQ
• Spring: Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel from Nintendo
• Spring: Major League Baseball 2K8 from 2K Sports
• Spring: Don King Presents: Prizefighter from 2K Sports
• Spring: Top Spin 3 from 2K Sports
• Spring: Kung Fu Panda from Activision
• Spring: LEGO: Indiana Jones from LucasArts
• Summer: Deca Sports from Hudson
• Summer: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed from LucasArts
• Summer: Active Life: Outdoor Challenge from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
• Q2: Wii Fit from Nintendo

Nintendo DS

• Jan. 21: Advance Wars: Days of Ruin from Nintendo/Intelligent Systems
• Jan. 21: Mazes of Fate DS from Graffiti Entertainment, LLC
• Jan. 22: Mega Brain Boost from Majesco Entertainment
• Jan. 24: Aquarium by DS from Bold Games
• Jan. 24: Fantasy Aquarium by DS from Bold Games
• Jan. 29: Pet Pals: Animal Doctor from Majesco Entertainment
• January: N from Atari
• January: Barnyard Blast from DSI Games
• January: Command & Destroy from DSI Games
• January: Miami Nights: Singles in the City from Ubisoft
• January: Brain Challenge from Ubisoft
• Feb. 4: Paws & Claws: Pet Resort from THQ
• Feb. 5: Homie Rollerz from Destineer
• Feb. 5: Nanostray 2 from Majesco Entertainment
• Feb. 10 (street date): Professor Layton and the Curious Village from Nintendo/LEVEL-5
• Feb. 12: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney from Capcom
• Feb. 12: New Zealand Story Revolution from Ignition Entertainment
• Feb. 12: Dream Pinball 3D from SouthPeak Games
• Feb. 19: Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the RAF from Destineer
• Feb. 19: Zoo Tycoon II from THQ
• Feb. 25: Bratz: Super Babyz from THQ
• Feb. 26: Bubble Bobble Double Shot from Ignition Entertainment
• February: My Horse and Me from Atari
• February: M&M'S Kart Racing from DSI Games
• February: Garfield Gets Real from DSI Games
• February: Yamaha Supercross from DSI Games
• February: Insecticide from Gamecock Media Group
• February: Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery from Ubisoft
• February: Assassin's Creed Altair's Chronicles from Ubisoft
• February: Petz Wild Animals: Tigerz from Ubisoft
• February: Puppy Palace from Ubisoft
• February: Real Soccer 2008 from Ubisoft
• March 1: Project Exile from Graffiti Entertainment, LLC
• March 3: Let's Ride: Friends Forever from THQ
• March 4: Diary Girl from Konami
• March 4: Go Pets from Konami
• March 4: Disney Friends from Disney Interactive Studios
• March 4: Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest from Majesco Entertainment
• March 8: Plushees from Destineer
• March 8: River King: Mystic Valley from Natsume Inc.
• March 8: Harvest Moon DS Cute from Natsume Inc.
• March 11: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate from Square Enix
• March 11: Lost in Blue 3 from Konami
• March 11: Pro Evolution Soccer from Konami
• March 25: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword from Tecmo, Inc.
• March: Alone in the Dark from Atari
• March: Drone Tactics from Atlus USA
• March: Double SequeAAnce from DSI Games
• March: Ninja Reflex from Electronic Arts
• March: Myst from Empire Interactive
• March: Naruto: Ninja Destiny from Tomy Corporation
• March: Petz Bunnyz from Ubisoft
• March: Imagine Figure Skater from Ubisoft
• March: Commando from XS Games
• April 15: Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys from Ignition Entertainment
• April: Super Dodgeball Brawlers from Aksys Games
• April: Rondo of Swords from Atlus USA
• April: Quick Yoga Training from Ubisoft
• May 5: Crosswords DS from Nintendo
• May 6: Speed Racer from Warner Bros. Games
• May 8: Organize It from Summitsoft Corporation
• May 13: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian from Disney Interactive Studios
• May: Winx Club: Mission Enchantix from Konami
• May: Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles from Aksys Games
• May: Garfield Fun Fest from DSI Games
• May: 1 vs. 100 from DSI Games
• June 8: Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness from Natsume Inc.
• June: Shining Stars from DSI Games
• June: Catch of the Day from Electronic Arts
• June: PipeMania from Empire Interactive
• June: Wall-E from THQ
• Spring: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution from 2K Games
• Spring: Don King Presents: Prizefighter from 2K Sports
• Spring: Top Spin 3 from 2K Sports
• Spring: Kung Fu Panda from Activision
• Spring: LEGO: Indiana Jones from LucasArts
• Spring: The World Ends with You from Square Enix
• Summer: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed from LucasArts
• Summer: Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3 from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
• Q2: Bangai-O Spirits from D3 Publisher of America
• Q2: PREY THE STARS from KOEI CORPORATION
• Q2: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time from Nintendo
• Q2: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness from Nintendo

Violent video games, piracy threaten Saudi Arabia's youth

Violence in video games and piracy that allow children to easily afford games with their own money are problems even in Saudi Arabia, said a group of educationists after a study conducted in Saudi's capital, Riyadh. A group of young juveniles were involved in the study, and it ended up with a conclusion that 90 of youngsters were negatively affected by violent video games.

According to the study covered by Asharq Alawsat , many young people were unable to distinguish virtual reality from real life. Cited were "evil scenarios" such as combating security forces, destroying state property or violating people in various ways that juveniles wanted to imitate after extended hours of play.

Piracy was blamed by research, saying the complete absence of official censorship coupled with lower than US 2 price tags (as opposed to US 27- 53 prices for legit copies) allow violent video games to spread among children.

The study also noted the lack of games that develop mental abilities and skills, and the how certain games "do not encourage youths to adopt strong values and noble customs and only time is wasted." It also concluded with the idea that "society is facing a critical issue as the danger lies in the fact that video games are interactive," reports the Asharq Alawsat.