Joystiq

FTC gives green-light for EA's Take-Two buyout

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Business

The Federal Trade Commission has stated it will not oppose EA's pursuit for Take-Two Interactive. Following an investigation, the government agency concluded that no antitrust issue will occur, but leaves the door open to "take further action as the public interest may require."

This means all systems are go for EA and Take-Two to come to some sort of amicable agreement over how to bring the companies together. If that doesn't work, EA will probably just go back to throwing money on the table until Take-Two is ready admit she can't deny the sugar and succumbs.

Source - Closing Letter to one EA attorney
Source - Closing Letter to one Take-Two attorney

[Via GamePolitics]

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Xbox 360 sold out in Japan

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

Go ahead, rub your eyes and read the headline again. The Japanese are so gaga over Tales of Vesperia that they've gone and bought up every last Xbox 360, Engadget Japanese's Ittousai reports to Joystiq. Sold out!

Granted, Microsoft isn't exactly pumping units into Japan, but even this sudden surge in demand has knocked the console manufacturer square off its feet. A statement on the Japanese Xbox.com (clumsy translation) explains that new shipments of the standard model won't arrive at retail until September, followed by shipments of the Elite and Arcade SKUs sometime later. But by then, pigs may have landed and Hell could be all thawed out.

[Via Engadget Japanese; Thanks Ittousai!]

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Tecmo president resigns for 'personal reasons'

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Business

Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda pulled a Mr. Hudsucker (minus the dying) and has left the company citing personal reasons. GI.biz reports his sword will be taken up by chairman of the board Yahuharu Kakihara as of Sept. 1.

Yasuda's personal reasons for leaving Tecmo might have something to do with the lawsuit brought by Ninja Gaiden's leather aficionado developer, Tomonobu Itagaki. Tecmo took a hit to its stock following Itagaki's departure (and subsequent fallout), so this changing of the guard might be a sign that the company is ready to clean up the mess and move on.

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Microsoft: Grand Theft Auto IV DLC coming this Autumn

Ross Miller — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure

In the midst of the Leipzig Games Convention, Microsoft has issued a statement (via IGN) about the much-ballyhooed and long-delayed Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable content. Said Microsoft, "In autumn there will be news from Liberty City; the first episodes of GTA IV will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE, underlining Xbox 360's leadership role in the field of digital entertainment."

While we're fairly certain "news from Liberty City" is indicative of an Autumn launch, the "news" could just be a more confirmed release date for later this year. Take-Two previously noted that the DLC is expected in Fiscal Q109 (between November 1, 2008, and January 31, 2009). We've put in a call to Microsoft for clarification, who may or may not be too busy booking tickets to San Andreas.

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GC 2008: Pour over this in-game Heavy Rain footage

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action, Adventure

take a look at these screenshots

Well, consider us intrigued. From the creators of Indigo Prophecy (aka Fahrenheit) comes Heavy Rain, an atmospheric new adventure exclusively for the PlayStation 3. This in-game footage, first unveiled at Leipzig's Games Convention, depicts our finely rendered female protagonist investigating a distinctly unsettling house. Be sure to keep watching until the stunning scene at the end, where she bursts out the door and screams to the heavens, "Gotcha, suckas!"

We're sure to learn much, much more as we draw closer to Heavy Rain's forecast 2009 release.

Gallery: Heavy Rain

Continue reading GC 2008: Pour over this in-game Heavy Rain footage

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GC 2008: PS3 getting free 'VidZone' music service in Europe

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that VidZone, "the online destination for music videos" that we've never heard of, will be offering a free, streaming music video service for the PlayStation 3. The "trial service" is expected to launch in early 2009 in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Featuring a "full playlist of videos from hip-hop to punk and heavy metal to classics," VidZone will allow PS3 owners to build playlists and download songs, music videos (!!!) and ringtones "for a small charge."

The best part is that the service will support remote play via the PSP, ideal for those awkward situations when you're out in public and simply must subject yourself and those around you to Kylie Minogue.

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First PSP-3000 pics (yeah, it's got a PS button)

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

click to enlarge 3000%

There's not much to see here but we wanted to share with you anyways. Behold, the PSP-3000! Yeah, it looks just like the PSP-2000 (aka the PSP Slim) but, lo! What's this? A PS button and internal microphone? Take that Home button and super cumbersome external microphone attachment! Check out more pics in the gallery right there.

Gallery: PSP-3000

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Rumor: MGS4 80GB PS3 on the outs, get 'em while they last

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Business

It appears that the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle has finally been done in by the La-li-lu-le-lo. Our trusted Wal-Mart operative -- who has yet to fail us on a mission -- informs us the status of the bundle within the megacorp's computer is now "deleted." S/he tells us this means that there are no plans to receive any more shipments. We've contacted Sony for official word regarding any plans to restock the model.

We always knew the $499 bundle was a limited edition, so this isn't exactly a "!". What we are wondering: Will the model in the bundle be repackaged with a new game? Is this the end of PS3s with any type of PS2 backwards compatibility?

Gallery: Wal-Mart MGS4 PS3 deletion

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SCEA: 160GB PlayStation 3, Uncharted, Pain, DualShock 3 for $500

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

Never one to be outdone by its European counterpart, Sony Computer Entertainment America just announced its very own 160GB PlayStation 3 bundle. Offering more than just €70 worth of downloadable game content, SCEA's bundle includes the recently unveiled 160GB PlayStation 3, Naughty Dog's excellent Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, a PSN voucher for PAIN (expires March 30, 2009), and a DualShock 3 controller, for the price of $499.99.

Picking our way through the system's specs, it looks like the 160GB PS3 offers only 2 USB ports and no flash card readers, leading us to believe its functionally identical to the 40GB (now 80GB) low-end model. To put it another way: it appears the 160GB model will not have backwards compatibility for PS2 games. As for availability, the press release vaguely states "November." We'll try to get something definitive on the backwards compatibility situation.

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PSP-3000 also coming to North America this fall

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

click to enlarge -- you know you want to...

If those promises of a sexy new screen and built-in mic in the PSP-3000 at the Leipzig Games Convention left you North Americans feeling left out, fear not: Sony has just let us know that the system will also be coming stateside, providing all of you the chance to buy the PSP ... again.

It'll be available both in the previously announced Ratchet and Clank Entertainment Pack on Oct. 14 and in a new PSP Core Pack coming in November with:

Updated Piano Black PSP system
4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo
Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher

You'll be able to pick either up for $199.99.

Gallery: PSP-3000

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GC 2008: Revised 360 controller is 'limited edition,' 'promotional item'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

No sooner had we ecstatically bid the old d-pad adieu than Microsoft advised that its tweaked Xbox 360 controller is not yet destined for mass distribution. While confirming an October 24 release date with Eurogamer, the publisher noted that the new controller, sporting an "optimized" and not-entirely-awful d-pad, will be released as a Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 tie-in product. As such, it will be "a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last."

It's also a revolting green.

We've contacted Microsoft in the hopes of ascertaining its US plans for the improved controller, if any.

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GC 2008: 160GB PlayStation 3 hitting Europe Oct. 31

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

With game installations, downloadable content and digitally distributed titles cluttering up our PlayStation 3's brain, it comes as little surprise to see Sony announcing yet another SKU with increased storage capacity. The word from its 2008 Games Convention press conference is that a 160 gigglebyte model -- which is otherwise identical to others units -- will be hitting Europe on October 31st, complete with €70 worth of downloadable game content. But is the €449 price tag a trick or a treat?

We're checking with Sony regarding any plans to release this model elsewhere.

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GC 2008: New firmware to rip PS2 SingStar tracks to PS3

Christopher Grant — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Rhythm

Tearing a page straight out of the Rock Band 2 playbook, Sony announced a new service - to be made available through a firmware update - that will allow folks to essentially rip the tracks from PS2 versions of SingStar onto the PS3. IGN gives us a play-by-play of the service: "Just throw in the PS2 disc and you can grab the tracks!" Epic! We're curious about the details: What's to prevent you from borrowing or renting games? Will this work on all PS2 versions of SingStar? Will this work on all PS3s (even those without PS2 backwards compatibility)? Is this enough to compete with Lips' play-your-own-music functionality? More as we know it.

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GC 2008: PS3 wireless keypad with mouse input [update]

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Peripherals

click for extreme closeup

At its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today, Sony unveiled a wireless keypad peripheral that attaches to the top of the PlayStation 3 controller (presumably into the mini-USB port). The keypad also features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input. Pricing was not revealed, but the device will be released in 8 different languages.

It's worth noting that MadCatz released an attachable thumbpad for PS3 in April 2007.

Update: Added official keypad images (see gallery below). Does this thing double as a codpiece?

PlayStation.Blog clarifies that the Wireless Kepad includes a mode that turns the key area into a touchpad, allowing users to control an on-screen cursor with their fingertips, tapping to activate a link. The keypad also features two short-cut buttons, enabling quick access to the XMB's "Friends" icon and the "Message Box." The pad also can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a smart phone) and will be released in late November.

Gallery: PS3 Wireless Keypad

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GC 2008: Sony officially announces PSP-3000

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

Sony has taken the opportunity of the Leipzig Games Convention to reveal the brand-spanking new PSP-3000, arriving Oct 15 in Europe for €199 (around $250), according to our main man Jem Alexander who's currently on site at the press conference.

Though it will look the same as the PSP-2000 ~~(that's what the pic above is of, actually)~~, you can expect an improved screen that's better outside with no glare and a built-in mic. This jibes with rumors we've heard previously, and ~~but we don't know if~~ the new "PS Button" is part of the package. We'll keep you posted.

[Update: We've got an actual pic now, as you can see, the PS Button is in there]

Gallery: PSP-3000

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Predictably, new Mad World footage looks amazing

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Action

We don't really see the point in new footage of Mad World. Oh, don't get us wrong, we're grateful for it. It's just that we're so clearly going to buy the game the moment it's within the reach of our grubby mitts, we don't know why Sega is trying to convince us to buy it harder.

But for those of you that weren't convinced pre-trailer, we're just going to assume you've firmly aligned yourself with the believers. Did you see that dude throwing other dudes into a fan? Did you see those cyclones picking up cars? Did you see that dude rubbing that other dude on a moving train? Are they serious with this? Can we buy two, one to play and one to crush up and mainline?

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GC 2008: Guitar Hero World Tour to work with all instruments on PS2, 360 and PS3

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

Well, this should make the patented Joystiq Instrument Compatibility Matrix a bit easier to memorize. Straight from our special Leipzig correspondent Jem Alexander, Activision says that If you play Guitar Hero World Tour on PS2, PS3 or 360, your instrument is going to work. Whether it be from Rock Band, Rock Band 2 or whatever, it works with Guitar Hero World Tour.

Now, what does this mean for the Wii version of the game? We have absolutely no idea. But hey, what are you complaining about: It's got Miis in it! Isn't that enough?

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GC 2008: Xbox 360 controller's d-pad d-leted

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Finally. After molesting countless thumbs and ruining everybody's Pac-Man CE scores, the Xbox 360 controller's dismal d-pad looks to be replaced by, well, a functional d-pad. IGN's Martin Robinson claims to have played with a redesigned controller at Leipzig's Games Convention, describing it as "aesthetically identical" to the original (it's actually a sickly green), with "the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile." The new controller is expected to debut alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is thought to have been prompted by the upcoming release of Street Fighter IV.

Good riddance, you worthless, clacking agent of spongy misdirection. Oh, and tell The Duke we said "Hi."

Update: Curses! The pad is a "limited edition, promotional item" for now.

[Thanks, Fenix]

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GC 2008: The first trailer for LocoRoco 2

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP, Puzzle

Do us a favor, just for safety's sake: If you've recently been eating sugary foods (Blueberry Muffintop cereal springs to mind) do not watch this Leipzig Games Convention trailer for LocoRoco 2, which is so adorably, pinchably sweet that combining it with other glucose-rich product is a one way ticket to diabetes.

We don't learn much from the trailer, just that it looks like LocoRoco 2 will be sporting a lot more gameplay variety ... oh, and that we'll never ever get that song out of our heads.

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GC 2008: Miis go on Wii's Guitar Hero World Tour

Justin McElroy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Rhythm

We've just heard from our man at the Leipzig Games Convention Jem Alexander, and he's got some exciting news for fans of pint-sized rocking: Miis will be used in Guitar Hero World Tour's Wii version of the game. He didn't say how, so we're hoping that they'll play Oompa-Loompa-like minature roadies who rush onto stage and fix broken strings for the full size rockers. But we doubt it.

Oh, Jem also passed along that all versions of the game would include exclusive European tracks, which is secret code for "you'll have to buy them later through DLC."

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