PS3
Media: NBA 2K9 Trailer Makes Even Kevin Garnett Look Pretty
by Blake Grundman | 09/06/08 | 5:36 PM PST

You knew that it was only a matter of time before we heard something from NBA 2K9. Yesterday 2K sports released a new trailer, featuring the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Garnett. If this is representative of what all game play will look like, then I may quit going to games and just simulate the match-ups myself. The graphics look absolutely stunning. We can expect to see more, when the game hits shelves on October 7th.

PS3
Another Madden 09 Patch on the Horizon
by Kombo Staff | 09/06/08 | 4:39 PM PST



Madden 09 has been hailed as one of the most solid football titles in several years. However, this doesn't mean that the games is perfect. Several members of the community have brought some glaring issues to the attention of EA, and it looks like the Madden development team is up to the challenge. Recently Ian Cummings, a producer on Madden 09, commented an the upcoming patch:

"The patch is being tested as I write this and will be sent off for verification in the morning, so we are targeting less than a 3 week turnaround from today for this to hit the general public. (Woohoo!) We will also make sure to provide updates as the patch progresses through the 3rd party approval process. As a side note, as of this moment there have been no changes to database schema, so you won't have to re-start your Franchise or delete any files. " -- Ian Cummings via Madden Producer Blog

It has not been confirmed what platforms will be seeing the aforementioned update, but it would be safe to say this should effect both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. I really appreciate that team Madden has a commitment to perfecting their games. Hopefully this will is a lesson that will trickle down to the NCAA 09 development team.

Hit the cut for the complete list of bugfixes.

PS3
Madden NFL 09 Roster Update #2 Now Available
by Kim Fidler | 09/06/08 | 8:03 AM PST



If you're getting excited about the start of the NFL football season, then you're probably going to want to grab the Madden NFL 09 roster update that EA just released. It will bring your rosters up to date, adjust some player ratings due to performance in the preseason, and bench the players that are out for the season on injuries.

The second roster update for Madden 09 is scheduled to release tomorrow for both the 360 and PS3. There are some ratings adjustments involved but this update is predominantly transaction based. The name change to Chad Ocho Cinco will not occur in this update. -- PastaPadre

It's pretty awesome to see how much effort EA puts into keeping their sports titles in line with what's happening in the real game. Roster updates are one of those small little details that people love so much about the EA line and even if it means having to update every year, I think it's worth it. On a somewhat related note, Seattle's going all the way this year. Yeah, I said it.

Hit the jump for the whole list of changes

GEN
Other Stuff: Saving, Fun, Least Favorite Critical Games, and Atari's Golden Years
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 8:23 PM PST

Welcome to "Other Stuff." This is just a quick dumping ground for neat features and articles found while searching for news, maybe some stuff I don't really have much else to comment on, or items that don't really fit their own story. Stuff that's interesting to read, or at least sounded that way when I saw it.

• Top 10 Least Favorite Critically Acclaimed Games: Pretty much just what it says it is; games that people have loved or rated highly, but this guy didn't find all too appealing. Maybe you agree with some of them? Or maybe he's just full of it. You decide!
• Just What Is Fun, Anyway?: Newsweek's NGai Croal and I seem to have a similar stance as of late when it comes to stories in games: The big stuff isn't as fascinating as it used to be. So what else is there to motivate us to keep playing?
• Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981: I love reading up on the history of this business, and seeing what went down in the golden years of the company that was king before The Crash and Nintendo's subsequent revival of the industry is usually fun.
• Saving the Day: Save Systems in Games: About a week ago, you might recall that I wrote a little rant about saving in portable games. Well, now designer David Sirlin has taken the main topic-- saving-- and gone into far more detail about the whole subject, nevermind just the portables. Maybe there's something developers can pick up on in there...

...and that's it for me, I'm outta here. Have a good weekend!

PS3
The Taste of Energy: Mega Man 9's E-Cans on Tap
by Kombo Staff | 09/05/08 | 7:57 PM PST

A few weeks ago, we brought you news of a hot little item hitting the streets of Japan to celebrate the release of Rock(Mega)man 9: The E-Tank energy drink.

People have sought to get their hands on one, and sure enough, it's happened. So does it taste like that god-awful magic potion the Square guys came up with? Well, as +D Games shows and tells it (in Japanese), the drink is clear, and "flavor and ingredients are typical to that of any other sports drink, though it has a strong aftertaste of royal honey - the drinks primary flavoring constituent. Nevertheless, he felt that the beverage does deliver a spot of energy for those laggy days at work or right after giving your all in sport." -- as translated by The Mega Man Network

In case you're not familiar with what royal jelly is... well, read at your own risk. I'll admit that even I'm hesitant to drink one of these things. Maybe I'll just keep it as a souveneir for the can...

On the other hand, maybe it's only the taste of royal jelly... of which I admit I have no idea the taste. Perhaps this bears further research...

PS3
EA Can't Change Your WarHammer Online Preorder Address, But Can Cancel Your Order Easily Enough
by Kombo Staff | 09/05/08 | 7:25 PM PST

Ever tried to preorder a game from EA? I haven't... but I figured I should pass this along, just in case.

Electronic Arts immediately forwards all pre-orders to a secretive processing facility, so if you happy to change your address after ordering a game eight months in advance, well, tough. At least that's what Electronic Arts told Micah when he asked to update his pre-order for the now sold-out limited-run collector's edition of Warhammer: Age of Reckoning. When Micah pointed out that it might not be the best idea to sell games eight months in advance without a way to update addresses, Electronic Arts canceled his order altogether and told him to find another copy somewhere else. -- The Consumerist

Click the link for a much more detailed account of the back-and-forth endured.

It doesn't really make sense that they are able to cancel the order with the shipping company, but unable to update a person's address for the preorder. On the other hand, with some of these user-unfriendly programs I've dealt with lately, I'm not completely surprised.

In any event, let this be a warning if you preorder a game from EA, with the possibility of moving within eight month's time.

GEN
My Game This Weekend: Too Human - What's Yours?
by Blake Grundman | 09/05/08 | 7:14 PM PST

Well, the buzz for Too Human has gotten the best of me. Overall the reviews from most gaming publications have been pretty scathing. There have been many comments about promises made, but never delivered on. However, on the community side there has been more widespread support, even acceptance. Many fansites have been praising the game's variety and replayability.

The early portions of the game have left me scratching my head a bit. I am also having some difficulties with the new control scheme that the game introduces, but I am sure that this will pass with time. If I were to make one flash judgement, it would be that the story is a bit scatter shot. This may be due to the fact that I was just trying to power through the game, but it is still a bit confusing. Though I can't really understand what is going on all the time, I still find myself compelled to be a part of it!

As a skeptic of anything that I haven't completed myself, I have decided to dedicate my weekend to trying the game out. I was once a victim of the soul stealing Diablo games, and the frequent comparisons have me hopeful. What it all comes down to is whether or not Too Human can unleash my inner loot whore. I have done my best to restrain myself for this long, but Lord knows what will happen when that disc enters my 360 again. All I can say is that my wife has already been warned, and she has the priest of our church on speed dial in case I become to possessed. "The spirit of Dyack compels you!"

Well that's enough from me, what do you have planned for your weekend of gaming pleasure?

GEN
WWE Tombstones Game Asylum's YouTube Account Over Old Game Trailer
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 6:44 PM PST

While I am undoubtedly a fan of WWE, there are times that they do things to which I can only shake my head (insert joke here). This time, it involves effectively killing one website's YouTube account, not over wrestling footage, but a year-old wrestling game trailer:

Apologies for the harsh language there, but you may (or may not) have noticed that Games Asylum's YouTube page has been permanently disabled.

Occasionally we'd get the odd e-mail from EA and other publishers via YouTube claiming copyright on videos that we uploaded, but they didn't mind us uploading them. And why would they? We're giving their games publicity for free. Heck, the press are always sending us links to videogame trailers so that we can potentially feature them on this site.

But earlier this week a year old video of the WWE Vs Smackdown trailer was removed, because the WWE claimed full ownership and copyright violation. Today I received a message stating that the Game Asylum account has been disabled, thus losing everything that was uploaded - over 300 videos, including some personally taken in Tokyo.

Last time I checked the channel had over 3 million video views. Obviously YouTube aren't bothered about the loss. -- Games Asylum

Now, this sucks-- no question about it. However, seeing odd things like this here and there over the years, I have don't really blame the company so much. I don't think Mr. McMahon or Triple H came across the video and said "let's shut this bastard down." Usually, this stuff comes down to some legal guys doing their jobs-- and poorly, one might surmise, especially with all the other footage, video, and music there is.

The other problem would likely be YouTube, who I think overreacted. As it seems many companies are prone to do, they're more willing to listen to an angry, vocal minority-- or one company, in this case-- without giving the "offending" party a chance to defend itself, or allow others to speak up on their behalf. And that's just rubbish.

It would be nice to think someone might realize there was an overreaction here, but I don't see that happening, and that's unfortunate indeed.

PS3
Atari Releases Alone in the Dark PS3 Changes
by Kim Fidler | 09/05/08 | 6:27 PM PST



Earlier today Atari sent out a list of changes that are going to be implemented for the upcoming Playstation 3 version of Alone in the Dark. For anyone who played the version released this past June (360, Wii, PC, PS2), many of the improvements on the list will immediately jump out at you. While these changes will only be available for the PS3 version when it comes out this November, Atari has stated that they will be updating the 360 version shortly after.

• Full 360 camera control: enhanced camera controls allows complete freedom of the camera and better handling of first person view camera movement for even more immersive gameplay;



• Fine-tuned controls: quicker and smoother reactivity of the hero's movements in third person view make for more rapid movements in nail-biting situations;



• Inventory system more accessible: more logical jacket inventory system with the ability to combine objects using only the D-pad, and more fluid hero movement makes item selection a breeze.



• More tips: players will get all the help they need to get through every situation and get the most out of the game;



• Spectral Vision tuning: a tutorial explains the need to burn roots in order to gain spectral vision and difficulty tuning means less spectral vision is required to reach the end of the game;



• Improved car dynamics and handling: car handling has been tuned to make driving a car a walk in the park in every situation, including increased suspension and reduced drift;



• 59th Street level tuning: one of the game's most exciting sequences just got better. 59th Street has been tweaked for a more satisfying race against the fissure with difficulty tuning, an added checkpoint at Columbus Circle and clear voice directions given by Sarah;



• Brand new thrilling action sequence: an exclusive new sequence has been added in Episode 6 for even more pace and variety of gameplay in the episode.

Looks good. I was waiting on picking up the 360 version because of the bad press, but once this patch goes live I'll probably give it a chance. There was a ton of great things going on in the game and it seems as if this update may just bring them together in a more cohesive way.

PS3
All Around the World, Countries are Banning Dead Space
by Kombo Staff | 09/05/08 | 6:26 PM PST

Man, some days, I just can't help but think how much it'd suck to be a gamer living in another country, where games are banned for this reason or that. Then I remember that most of those are games I'd never get around to, and I feel a little better. But sympathy pains are a bitch, let me tell you.

That said, the latest title to land on the ol' international chopping block is none other than EA's Dead Space.

Germany, you probably knew this was coming, given Dead Space's focus on blowing humanoid heads into f***-all, but you won't be getting your hands on the EA LA developed sci-fi horror game. And you won't either, certain Asian territories. That's according to the title's community manager Ben Swanson, who writes on the game's official blog "we've recently found out that Dead Space will be banned in Germany, China and Japan." -- Kotaku

They go on to speculate on the nature of each country or region's methods and reasoning, noting that other games which have faced such difficulties before (such as The Darkness) might see their contents sanitized in order to get past the mighty swing of the ban hammer.

Personally, I think it's a complete load. Especially in Japan. I mean, really, come on... have you guys even looked at some of the stuff on your shelves? Seriously.

As for China... well, let's just say I imagine anyone who wants the game will get it. But I guess that could be said of anywhere, really.

What do you think of these international bannings of some titles? Tell us in the comments-- especially if it affects you or someone you know. We'd love to hear a first or second-hand account of your thoughts, and if you plan to do anything about it.

GEN
Team Ninja Reaches Settlement, Kills All Within
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 5:30 PM PST

Just kidding. This is one ninja battle that seems to have ended without bloodshed, fortunately.

Team Ninja's saga has spanned the past few months, and is finally at a close, with a a judicial settlement reached:

Regarding the litigation against our company, on September 1st a settlement was reached as indicated below:

Settlement for the Lawsuit Has Been Reached
On July 16th, two of our employees brought suit against our company regarding unpaid overtime in the Tokyo District Court and presented a proposed settlement. On September 1, 2008, a judicial settlement was reached. -- Kotaku

That just leaves the question of Itagaki, who left the company just prior to this case for similar reasons.

Do you think he would settle? Or take them through the wringer for all they're worth? Tell us in the comments.

GEN
A Buggy Life: How Patches are Making Developers Lazy
by Brad Hilderbrand | 09/05/08 | 5:27 PM PST




Is anyone else suffering from a bug infestation?

I'm not talking about the ants that invade your kitchen in the summertime, turning your countertops into a constant parade of little black bodies heading behind the refrigerator to that soda spill you never bothered to clean up. Nor am I noting the buzzy flies that come around every summer to ruin your picnic and turn an otherwise respectable person into an arm-flailing madman. No, I'm talking about buggy games, firmware updates, and patches, which all seem to be more prevalent now than ever before. It seems like a lot of titles are shipping in a borderline broken status, and developers are relying on patches to fix their handiwork after enough consumers complain about major game problems. This is unacceptable, and without more stringent QA procedures and a heavier emphasis on making sure the game is right before it goes out the door, we are in danger of heading down a road where shipped games are little more than Alpha code, with promises of future fixes actually making them playable.

PS3
Mercenaries Try to Kill with Kindness, Promotion Gets Cut by Killjoys
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 5:08 PM PST

Man, you try to do something nice for someone, and what happens?

As you'll recall, the cast of Mercenaries 2 took their mission to a Beverly Hills gas station, where they proceeded to give free gas to those who wanted it (and who didn't?). All said, it went pretty well. So what do they do for an encore?

The same thing... only this time, in London. The results, however, were not nearly as favorable.

...the stunt angered residents and local politicians for causing gridlock during the morning rush hour.

Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone, said: "Whilst a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning.

"They deserve an apology for being the victims of such an ill-thought out media stunt." The Telegraph

However, not everyone was displeased. See what others thought, and EA's response after the cut.

PS3
Far Cry 2 Collector's Edition Contents Revealed
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 4:46 PM PST



Along with confirming the October 24th European release date of Far Cry 2, Ubisoft has also revealed what contents the Special Edition version of the title will contain.

Rather than package it in a metal tin, as is all the rage these days, Ubi is shipping their Collectors Edition in a wooden box, perhaps so you can set it on fire and compare real life wood burning to the muchly-hyped in-game wood burning.

Along with the box you'll receive the game itself (thank goodness), a limited edition t-shirt in a size too small for me, an Art of Far Cry 2 book, a map, and the requisite making-of DVD. Note that nothing concrete has been announced for North America yet, but seeing as concrete would be far too heavy they'll probably go for wood here as well. -- Kotaku

Sometimes I wonder if they make these pack-in shirts too small on purpose. No matter what it is, the damn thing is always too small for me... or at the very least, fits like spandex. And I'm just way too modest to go flashing my bod around like that.

As for the rest, not too shabby. An artbook is always nice; making-of DVD, eh, those can be fun. But a map? How oldschool. I love it. Shame you have to pay for it these days.

Check out the full press release after the cut, and join in the complaining of promotional shirt sizes in the comments.

GEN
Square-Enix Responds to Tecmo Rejection, Seeks Explanation
by David Oxford | 09/05/08 | 4:27 PM PST

This is almost hilarious. At the start of the year, EA began making their move to acquire Take-Two, and are only now rumored to have had enough. Meanwhile, a scant few days ago, Square-Enix makes their bid known to take over Tecmo, which was rejected, and now Square-Enix is done with it.

Or so it seemed; now they seem confused about why, and would like answers, as shown in a statement:

The Company immediately requested TECMO for explanation of some issues as follows:

1. Please confirm that the decision on the start of discussions with KOEI toward integration of management is the reason for rejection of the Proposal.

2. If that is the case, please clarify concretely that major terms of integration of management with KOEI (form of the integration, stock prices assumption, integration ratio and so forth) are favorable for TECMO's shareholders than the Proposal.

3. If not, please clarify that TECMO has an alternative plan, which is favorable for TECMO's shareholders than the Proposal.

The Company will make definitive decision on its plan immediately after receiving a response from TECMO. -- Square-Enix, via Kotaku

Hmm, I guess maybe this isn't going away as quickly as it seemed.