Capcom Arcade Cabinet: Auntie MAME’ers Won’t Be Happy, But Everyone Else Will (Maybe)…

 
 

Capcom Arcade Cabinet KAYeah, yeah – if you use the hugely popular (and according to some, not so legal) arcade emulator, you already “own” these games in their original formats, but Capcom is wagging its finger at you (well, just lightly).  Capcom Arcade Cabinet is on the way, adding HD visuals, modern multiplayer functionality and a load of other stuff to these 15+ classics and making them available as three-game sets or one big bulk download pack over PSN and XBLA starting February 19, 2013. Of course, thanks to licensing rights and other hassles beyond their current control, we STILL don’t get an updated version of the stellar Dungeons & Dragons arcade game (boo!) that NEEDS to get re-issued somewhere at some point on something (grrrr!). Oh well, those Capcom fanatics who aren’t eternally pissy whiners about everything the company does these days (why don’t they just find another publisher to stalk if they’re so displeased?) will be happy with what’s here or on the way.

Anyway, games and pricing are below the jump. Get the whole pack, save some money and get a few free games in the process, I say… Continue reading

Under Defeat HD: The Arcade Shmup Isn’t Quite As Dead As You Think

 

Granted, hardcore fans out there KNOW this, but I always get a chuckle when I hear people wondering why games like this are still made and/or getting attention. Those people are, of course, folks who’ve either never tried shooters or are terminally terrible at them, so they never get listened to. Especially by developers like G.rev and publishers like Rising Star Games (who deserve a big tip of the hat for keeping the flame going). Under Defeat was initially an arcade hit in Japan before landing on the Dreamcast around six years ago (Sega’s console was getting some excellent games in Japan long after it died out everywhere else in the world) and is now headed stateside and to Europe on the PS3 and Xbox 360. The interesting thing here is the game will be made available for the same price point for its digital and retail editions (a mere $29.99), but the retail version will pack in a soundtrack CD, digital art book download,DLC patches and an exclusive letter from the CEO of G.Rev and the game’s executive producer, Hiroyuki Maruyama (no doubt thanking those who got off their lazy asses and walked to their nearest game emporium rather than sit at home and press a few buttons because they’re stuck to the sofa).

 

 

Of course, PS3 and 360 shmup fans will be giddy with delight, but where’s the Vita version? That system has a wide screen too, you know…

Midway Arcade Origins Trailer: The New Version of Nostalgia For Today’s Consoles

Over 30 classic Midway arcade games, most of which bring a huge grin to my face? Check! Llocal co-op multiplayer, achievements, and Leaderboard support? Check! The hard part here is getting some of today’s gamers who think all those indie games they play that rip off a bunch of these ACTUAL classics are “better” to realize that if it weren’t for a bunch of these awesome arcade hits, they’d not have a good chunk of what they’re paying pennies for today. Respect! Anyway, PS3 and Xbox 360 owners are going to be in for a real treat, I say. Long live the arcade hits! OK, WB- Where are the Vita and 3DS versions?

Jet Set Radio Launch Trailer: Lovely, But We STILL Need a Vita Version!

Or a 3DS version, for that matter. Or hell, even better, BOTH. Ah well, perhaps we’ll see the day return when Sega just gets it back together and realizes that Dreamcast fans (and most Sega fans in general) have more than one console they like to play the classics on… Anyway, this one should be as awesome as ever, so yup, make it a purchase.

Plants vs. Zombies Pinball (Yes!) On The Way for Zen Pinball 2

While I truly miss the days of beating feet to the arcades every weekend with a roll of quarters to check out the latest pinball (and arcade) games, a few very dedicated  developers who were also fans of the old school such as the mighty Zen Studios have been keeping the flame alive digitally. Thanks to some incredible simulations that take up a hell of a lot less space than an actual Pinball machine, yet manage to pack in all the thrills, you whippersnappers can play to your hearts content in the comfort of your living room and get the same thrills. Well, save for the flat out cool factor an actual hefty hunk of American made metal, glass and well-wired circuit boards brings to your living room. Hell, I bet that damn 60″ HD setup you have is where that pinball table WOULD be. Wait, what? You have a 90″ TV? Eeek. Well, good for you.

Anyway, Zen Pinball 2 (or Pinball FX2 for you Xbox 360 owners) has been getting some AMAZING updates. Here’s the latest one coming your way next week: Plants vs. Zombies Pinball, based on the popular and hilarious PopCap games. Three bucks for your PS3 or Vita (yes!), 240 MS Points for your 360. That’s a recommendation right there if I’ve ever written one. Poke around PSN or mosey around Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade in a few days, whip out that wallet and add PvZP to your collection.

Sega’s Hell Yeah!: This Rabbit Tale Is Getting Curiouser and Curiouser…

Fun and funky visuals aside, I’m still trying to figure this game out and I can’t quite put my finger on why I like it despite it trying to be too, er…. something. Well, it’s not a bad thing that quirky still tickles my fancy and Hell No!, I’m NOT one of those mildly angry internet folk clamoring for Sega to make a Sonic game that looks something like this. As usual, some hands-on time will clarify and crush any doubty rumblings I may have, but overall, I like what I see, pushing the crazy vibe overkill and all. Go, Sega!

The Prequel To Sacred 3 Is A Downloadable Side-Scrolling Brawler. This Could Go Two Ways…

Well, I didn’t see this coming at all, but here you go: SACRED Citadel in all its work in progress glory (complete with corny captions trying too hard for that “hip” angle).  Let the scalp scratching commence.  Naturally, haters (and people who can’t read the description of the game on the official site) are gonna hate. That said, once I got over the shock and took another look, the game does look nice enough and could be quite fun for what it is. As a longtime fan of the Sacred series and old-school side scrolling games from the 80’s until today, I give my official DAF stamp of approval. Of course, If you know me, you also know I’ll wait until the game is actually out and playable before forming a more reliable opinion. That said, I hope to hell that this shows up as part of Sacred 3’s retail edition (as in on the game disc, grrrrrr!) so those who hate digital media can actually play it. That seems to be the big mistake developers and publisher keep making with some of these cool projects, but that’s a complaint for another post. Anyway, 2013 is looking more interesting by the minute…

E3 2012: Two From Atlus: Zeno Clash II & The Testament of Sherlock Holmes

Like plenty of publishers these days, Atlus has been diversifying its games lineup for a while now with unique games in assorted genres outside the ones they’re know for in the US. Here are trailers to two titles from their lineup, one a sequel to a PC, PSN and Xbox Live Arcade fighter/action/shooter hybrid (that i REALLY wish would be put on a disc with the first part so MORE can play it) and the latest in the Sherlock Holmes game series ported from PC (which has ZERO to do with that bizarre BBC show everyone seems to like save for Holmes purists). Oh yeah, my Game of Thrones review will be up once all the E3 madness subsides, it’s not as bad as some sites are saying… you just need a great deal of patience and not mind at all that the game takes itself REALLY seriously (for the most part)…

R.A.W. Looks To Cook Up Dungeon Crawling Devotees On PC/PSN/XBLA

 

OK, so Wizarbox’s upcoming hack & slash ,also known as Realms of Ancient War,  might not be able to take on Diablo II toe to toe (or is it hoof to claw?) in some eyes in terms of the presentation and megabucks hype machine grinding everything under it’s hooves. Nevertheless, the game at least offers up offline single player and local co-op options and isn’t passing itself off as a MMO that requires you to always be connected while playing. Whatever – I’m too busy and smart to keep harping on Blizzard for the changes they felt necessary to make to Diablo III a game tens of thousands can’t play (but millions more will, so it balances out, right?), so I’ll wish them well as they build forts and vaults out of money to hold more money. Any-way, since I missed posting the Warrior trailer last time, it’s presented below, so enjoy!

 

Sega’s Hell Yeah!: A Downloadable “What The?!” Curiosity Worth A Shot

Well, well, well… new IP is always a good thing in my book (and killer rabbits are hilarious to me for some reason), but I know the hardcore Sega fanatics are all doubled over backwards asking “Where’s Shenmue III?!!!” or whatever. I’m interested in seeing what’s up with this one as it gets further along in development and yup, I want to see some actual gameplay next time, guys. OK, radar activated, eyeball peeled, watch list checked. Thanks, Sega! Next!