Mortal Kombat goes back to the old skool by bringing in a fresh face!; Greek god slaying, Titan trashing Kratos joins violent epic!

The Market for fighting games has seriously been watered down in recent years, with developers targeting a younger audience with games for the whole family. Even the iconic violent fatalities of the Mortal Kombat series were softened when midway games teamed up with Warner brothers to produce Mortal Kombat vs Dc Universe. However, now it seems Midway have taken the series back to its bloody beginnings by adding a new character to the game. The ultra violent, aggressive, vengeance seeking, (technically dead) Kratos from the God of War series.

The news brings an air of excitement toward the game, as the addition of a bald Spartan who enjoys nothing more than painting the walls red with blood surely means the game will bring back old Mortal Kombat memories.

This does however seem to be a double edge sword (of Olympus perhaps) as Midway have revealed that Kratos is not a playable character in the story mode. This does not rule him out of the multiplayer or exhibition fight modes either way.
The body breaking fun is set to begin in 2011, a title to definitely look out for!

Ubisoft Reflections To Suffer Job Cuts

Looks like yet another UK development team is about to feel the burn of redundancies courtesy of their loving cooperate masters. This time Ubisoft have decided that a bit of “reorganisation” is required at Newcastle based team Ubisoft Reflections to the tune of 19 or so jobs. It’s not just the entry level workers getting the axe either, reportedly both an art and creative director who have been at the company for well over a decade have both been included in the list of casualties.

Ubisoft cites delays with Reflection’s current project “Driver: San Francisco” as necessitating the cuts in order to be resolved. I’m just trying to think of all the ways in which firring a bunch of key personnel and crushing a development teams moral can possibly solve the delay of a video game, perhaps like Bobby Kotick they work on the theory that a dev team is at its best when scared out of their minds.

Formerly known as Reflections Interactive before being acquired by Ubisoft, the studio can trace its roots all the way back to the BBC Micro days in 1986, making it one of the oldest British development teams still active. Don’t be surprised if that’s all a distant memory before long, it’s not unusual for publishers to strip a studio down to just a name and a set of IP rights that they can barter with should a critical product under perform. Without a doubt the future employment of those still at Reflections rests on the amount of money Driver: San Fransisco can rake in once its eventually released. Of course this all comes as Ubisofts reports that their flagship franchise Assassin’s Creed has now hit 20 million units sold and is in track for another 10 million before the end of 2011.

Pokemon’s Takeshi Shudo passes away [R.I.P]

Over the past few days we were notified online that Takeshi Shudo the lead writer for the Pokemon series collapsed at a train station, he was immediately rushed to hospital after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage and sadly today we was notified from Japan that Mr Takeshi passed away. It is a very sad moment here at Push-Start as we have a huge respect for him as a writer of a beloved series we have all spent countless memorable hours playing. He will always be remembered for the titles he worked on, his life accomplishments are huge and we are sure that he knows this. We are sure that many other gamers out their and fans send all the respects to Mr Takeshi Shudo. His games will forever live on! The Push-Start Staff send all our respects to his family.  Rest in piece, Takeshi-san.

Could Killing Fidel Castro in Black Ops cause more controversy?

In America a show known as GTtv  had an exclusive Call of Duty Black Ops episode revealing details about that the storyline will be beginning in Cuba (Havana). In the video details revealed that you will be on a mission to take out a high Value Target. Dave Anthony one of Treyarch’s members was asked if Fidel Castro would be the target, he wouldn’t say anymore.

Having a look into the achievements and trophies, one of the achievements is

Death to Dictators
Use a single round to bring down Castro
15 Gamer points
Bronze

Even though this is all we can stand by at the moment and believe that this achievement and trophy could be revealing a bit of the story Activison didn’t want us to know yet.

How do you feel about this? Do you think it is right to kill someone in a game who is still alive in the real world? Leave your comments below.

THQ and Nickelodeon continue partnership for more Spongebob!

THQ and Nickelodeon today have announced that they will be entering a new multi-year licensing agreement, THQ will now have the worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on the popular Spongbob Squarepants franchise. Here’s and interesting fact for you. Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants has been the No. 1 animated program among kids ages 2 to 11 for more than seven consecutive years.

With this new agreement, THQ now has the right to develop and publish interactive games based on SpongeBob Squarepants for the PS3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, DS and the Sony PSP, also not forgetting the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PSN Network or the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console. A new Spongebob title will be releasing in 2011 and it will be the first game to be published under this agreement, this will also give THQ the opportunity to show of there 3DS abilities and the upcoming uDraw GameTablet for the Wii and Kinect.

“Over the last eight years, THQ has been creating quality gaming experiences based on everyone’s favourite animated character who lives in a pineapple under the sea,” said Martin Good, THQ Executive Vice President, Kids, Family, Casual and Global Online Services. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon and excited to deliver more SpongeBob SquarePants video game offerings for the multitude of fans worldwide.”

“THQ has consistently demonstrated the ability to seamlessly bring the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life in the interactive space with quality titles that are memorable and engaging for gamers of all ages,” said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Video Games & Consumer Electronics, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “We look forward to introducing the next SpongeBob game adventure via THQ’s innovative new platform, the “uDraw GameTablet” for Wii, which will bring the gaming experience to another exciting level.”

Dance Central full track list revealed

MTV Games and Harmonix have decided to spill the beans on Dance Central, in what I feel is the Kinect’s first killer app, but more on that later. First let’s focus on Dance Central and what it offers, as well as the entire track listing.

If your just getting up to speed on Kinect, one of the most standing out games for the motion sensor is Dance Central. Unveiled at E3, it initially looked like just a gimmicky dance game…and in reality it is. But compared to Just Dance it looked more fully fleshed out and rewarding. Critics must have felt the same because months later, it has won awards such as “E3 Game Critics Best Original Game and Best Motion Simulation Game, as well as more than 30 additional awards and nomination.”

The aim of the game is to pick a song and follow the routines. Dance Central is a tad lenient and you don’t have to be 100 per cent accurate, as long as you get into the position roughly. You can choose songs that cover pop, funk, hip-hop, Latin and R&B artists, including Cascada, Kool & The Gang, Kylie Minogue, No Doubt, Salt-N-Pepa, Nelly Furtado, Christina Milian Lady Gaga, Audio Push, Dirty Vegas, Pitbull, M.I.A., Beastie Boys and more.

But for those that do know all this and want to know what tracks are available. Well without further ado, here it is:

Audio Push – “Teach Me How To Jerk”
Lady Gaga – “Just Dance”
Basement Jaxx – “Rendez-vu”
Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”
Beastie Boys – “Body Movin’ (Fatboy Slim Remix)”
Lipps Inc – “Funky Town”
Beenie Man – “King Of The Dancehall”
M.I.A. – “Galang ‘05”
Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison”
Nelly Furtado – “Maneater”
Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction
Nina Sky – “Move Ya Body”
Cascada – “Evacuate the Dancefloor”
No Doubt – “Hella Good”
Christina Milian – “Dip It Low”
Pitbull – “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”
The Commodores – “Brick House”
Quad City DJ’s – “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)”
Craig Mack – “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)”
Rihanna – “Pon de Replay”
Dirty Vegas – “Days Go By”
Salt-N-Pepa – “Push It”
Eric B. & Rakim – “Don’t Sweat the Technique”
Snoop Dogg/Pharrell – “Drop It Like It’s Hot”
Fannypack – “Hey Mami”
Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”
Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne – “Down”
Technotronic – “Pump Up the Jam”
Kool & The Gang – “Jungle Boogie”
Wreckx-n-Effect – “Rump Shaker”
Kylie Minogue – “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”
Young MC – “Bust A Move”

Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of

Music, Electronic Games and Programming for MTV Networks commented on the song selection:

“We felt it was very important to launch Dance Central with a balanced selection of the latest, greatest and all-time classic tracks.

“The set list on the disc really achieves that goal, offering everything from “jerking” to disco, from Rihanna to Young MC. Whatever your jam, we think you’ll find something to get you moving in this contagiously fun soundtrack.”

Pretty much there is something for everyone; from modern to old skool, slow to grind shakingly fast. And Harmonix will be providing more songs via DLC after it;s release

In addition to these songs, you will also “be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines created by professional choreographers,” when rehearsing in Break It Down or owning the dance floor in Perform It! You can also “earn achievements, unlock new character outfits and venues and progress through the dance ranks. In Dance Battle, players can challenge friends to an epic living room showdown.”

Dance Central will be available from Nov. 10 in the UK, exclusively for Kinect for Xbox 360 for £39.99.

My opinion

As mentioned earlier, I believe Dance Central is THE reason to own Kinect. Sure it’s initially bewilding to play, since your getting to mirroring actions and some will be self-conscious that their playing will suffer. But after a few goes you get the hang of it and it becomes fun. It’s also the best showcase of the Kinect so far. The music selection is awesome (anything with Lady Gaga and Beastie Boys is win in my book) and it’s a very colouful game with excellent use of colours and decent graphics that straddle the line between realistic and cartoony, which suits Dance Central. It’s also good in that it works up a sweat, so it’s good for those who want an excuse to exercise or for those who go to the gym.  Whenever Dance Central will hold up as a complete game remains to be seen. But the potential is there.

Sir Arthur and Nathan “Rad” Spencer join Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Well this is a pleasant surprise. Sir Arthur, last seen in the PSP Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins doing what he does best and that’s dodging and eliminating ghosts, ghouls, demons and other manners of horror within an inch of his life to to save a princess and Nathan ‘Rad’ Spencer, who went through one hell of a transformation in the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC’s Bionic Commando, have joined the likes of Wesker, Tron Bonne, Viewtiful Joe, Amaterasu, Dante, Ryu, Morrigan, Chris Redfield, Felicia, Trish and Chun-Li in Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Sir Arthur has had two vs. Series cameos, one in the Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and the other first Marvel vs. Capcom, where in the latter he was an ‘Assist’ character that, when a command was entered, would jump out and preform an attack; it could only be used a limited amount of times. However, as with Nathan ‘Rad’ Spencer, this will be his first proper debut.

Enjoy the videos and screen shots below of the two in action. I can’t wait to see who Capcom announce next. Marvel vs. Capcom 3‘s anticipation is growing with each announcement.

Nathan ‘Rad’ Spencer

Sir Arthur

Note: Click on the pictures and than right click them when they show up to see the full picture

Full Nintendo 3DS Specs

Not content with announcing the price and release details, Nintendo have also released the details of what you will get with the Nintendo 3DS (that might change when it is released in Europe and America) and what the handheld wonder can actually do, as well as how it is powered.

Here’s the details

Price:
25,000 yen (Including tax) [£188 in the UK, $300 in the US]

Launch date:
February 26, 2011 [March 2011 in the UK and US]

Included in the hardware package are:
Nintendo 3DS hardware unit, Nintendo 3DS recharging cradle, Nintendo 3DS AC adapter, Nintendo 3DS stylus, 2GB SD memory card, 6 AR Cards (used for games with AR technologies), Quick-Start Guide, Operations Manual, Warrantee card

Upper screen can show 3D images without the need for special glasses.
3D effect is adjustable with 3D Depth Slider. Possible to make the image 2D.

Stereo Camera to take 3D photos:
With the two lenses outside, 3D pictures can be taken and seen on the spot.

New Control Interface:
Circle Pad, Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor

SpotPass:
While Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode, it automatically detects Nitendo Zone and certain wireless access points to receive information, game data, free software, pictures, etc from the Internet without input from consumers.

StreetPass:
While Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode, it automatically exchanges data with other Nintendo 3DS units. It is possible to transmit data for multiple game simultaneously.

User built-in functions that can be used without turning off the gameplay include:
HOME Menu, Web Browser, Notifications, etc.

Preinstalled software:
Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Studio, StreetPass Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log etc.

Download service to purchase game software and additional content:
In adition to the purchase of software, it is possible to view sample software videos and software sales rankings.

Software Data Transfer:
Possible to transfer download software to the new Nintendo 3DS system. It is also possible to transfer Nintendo DSiWare from Ninendo DSi/DSi XL to Nintendo 3DS.

Compatibility:
In addition to new Nintendo 3DS-dedicated software, it also can run Nintendo DS software and Nintendo DSi software.

Parental Controls:
So that children will be able to use the product safely, parental control functions already available on Nintendo DSi, such as restricting the game play in accordance with age rating and restricting the use of Web Browser, will be enhanced.

Size (when closed):
Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall.

Weight:
Approximately 8 ounces.

Top Screen:
3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D viewing without the need for special glasses; with 800×240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).

Cameras:
One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640×480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.

Wireless Communication:
Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to enable users to communicate or enjoy competitive gameplay. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the internet and enable people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2).

Game Controls:
Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, +Control Pad. L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, “Circle Pad” that allows 360-degree analog imput, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and gyro sensor.

Other Input Controls:
3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user) HOME button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during gamplay), Power button.

Input/Output:
A game card slot, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack.

Sound:
Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.

Stylus:
The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.

Battery:
Lithium ion battery details TBA.

Nintendo 3DS Game Card:
The same size as a Nintendo DS game card.
2GB max at launch.

Nintendo 3DS release date and price revealed

The Nintendo 3DS release date and price has finally and officially been confirmed and well, the news is but bittersweet (if you was someone like me who was hoping for a Christmas release) but at least now we definitely know more concrete details about Nintendo’s latest portable system.

First, let’s get the details announced by Nintendo on the 3DS, courtesy of Edge Online:

Nintendo’s 3DS is to release in Japan on February 26 for 25,000 yen (£189 / $299).

The company said in a statement that its overseas subsidiaries will make announcements regarding specific launch details at a later date. Nintendo of Europe told us this morning that the system will release in March 2011, while media reports suggest the same launch timeframe for the US.

The platform holder said that the 3D-enabled, backwards compatible handheld will be available in two colours upon release, Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black.

So even those looking to buy early via import will have to wait around five months before you can get your hands on one and considering that delivery will be at best a week, that means you’d only be getting a three week (at the most) head start on those waiting for the European release. Yes it is a kicker that the Japanese will get it before us, but at least it’s not a huge gap.

Nintendo have also produced three videos for the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS showcasing up-coming games that will be available their systems. Here is the list from the 3DS video (some of the titles are displayed in Japanese, so I don’t know their names):

Kid Icarus, Nintendogs + Cats, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Biohazard Revelations, Biohazard: The Mercenaries 3D, Dead or Alive Dimensions, (?) Chronicle (Dynasty Warriors type of game), some baseball game, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater, a Super Mario RPG sequel/spinoff, Pilotwings Resort, a Mario Kart Sequel/Spinoff, a Final Fantasy spinoff, a Super Monkey Ball Sequel/spinoff, a Ridge Racer spinoff, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, Starfox 64 3D, Steel Diver, a Animal Crossing Sequel and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

There has also been more news regarding the Nintendo 3DS. There will be a virtual channel, like the one that is available for the Nintendo Wii, which will sell Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games. So the likes of Tetris, Super Mario Land series, Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Wario Land series Ninja-Five O, Golden Sun and Mario Kart Super Circuit, as well as other obscure/hidden gems should be made available for play. A brilliant feature for retro fans.

Nintendo are predicting the Nintendo 3DS to sell four million in its first month of release and 15 million 3DS games in the same time period and I would have to say they have a good chance of achiving their goal.

Eurogamer Expo Lookout – Vanquish

Platinum Games know how to make an action game. You only have to see their black & white, ultraviolet Mad Max-esque MadWorld and their over the top, sexy and rebellious Bayonetta to see that they know how to craft an action game. And now soon the gaming public will be able to turn their attention to the Cold War high-tech, chaotic high-speed Vanquish, which should be Platinum Games high point in their short developing existence.

Even though the demo is available now, those who haven’t had the chance to get to grips with how Vanquish will play will be happy to know that it will be available at the Eurogamer Expo.

So what is Vanquish all about? Well the long explanation is:

The story is set in the near future. Russia and the United States are vying for ownership of the world’s fast-depleting energy resources and the US has constructed a space station in order to harness energy from the sun. Russian forces capture this space station and divert its harvested solar energy into a blast wave that destroys San Francisco, aiming to force the US into a total and unconditional surrender. In response, the US tasks its armed forces with recapturing the space station before the Russians can annihilate their next target – New York. The player will take control of Sam (voiced by Gideon Emery in the English version), a government agent kitted out with a futuristic battlesuit.

The short explanation however is that the cold war is still ongoing, Russia have started a fight and you – America – have got to finish it the good old fashioned way; kicking ass and taking names.

You can see how Vanquish plays out below, just to give yourself a fair idea of what to expect:

Vanquish is shaping up to be all kinds of awesome – from the gameplay to the seemingly daft but (hopefully) enjoyable story. If I’m lucky I’ll be able to have a go at Eurogamer Expo and provide you with more feedback on how it plays.