Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/#comments Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi says the studio's perspective has changed since Tomonobu Itagaki left in a huff in 2008, and even though most of its 200 staff are original team members, Hayashi is calling them his "new team." The most obvious shift is the new team's focus on creating an emotional experience, rather than eye candy, Hayashi tells Gamasutra.

"The old team was known for making games that just had two primary elements: Sex and violence," Hayashi says. "It was very obvious. The new team, we want to take it to a new level -- to a direction that contains emotional experiences that can move players."

That's right -- Team Ninja wasn't emotionally invested in all the sexy gameplay you had together, and now it's looking for something more meaningful. Hayashi may find his new, more mature gaming experience in a Dead or Alive crossover with Virtua Fighter, a la Street Fighter X Tekken, Edge reports.

"In terms of collaboration titles, there are staff on our team who just love fighting games and if there was any chance to do that we'd actively, possibly do that," Hayashi says.

"The first 3D game I played was Virtua Fighter; that's the IP I respect most. Virtua Fighter was the father of 3D gaming, so it's very well respected."

For now, one thing's certain: The women in Dead or Alive 5 will be more respectable, well-rounded (emotionally) than in previous titles. "We've always had the sex factor in the game; in the past, the female characters had to have big breasts, they had to have scanty dress," Hayashi says. "In DoA 5 especially, we're trying to focus on the real women that surround us: the voice of a female, the mannerisms. We are being realistic about it."

JoystiqHayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5hayashiItagakimicrosoftplaystationps3sextamingTeam-Ninjatomonobu-itagakiviolencewomenxboxyosuke-hayashiTue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki: 'The era of pursuing technical strength has ended']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When he was at the top of Team Ninja, Tomonobu Itagaki was seemingly obsessed with high-end graphics and processing power, choosing to work exclusively on the first Xbox for technical reasons. With his new Valhalla studio, Itagaki has shed that aspect of his public persona as well.

At a party for Famitsu Xbox 360's hundredth issue, Itagaki and Shinji Mikami recorded an installment of Itagaki's "Valhalla Freaks" column, during which the Dead or Alive creator declared that "the era of pursuing technical strength has ended," adding, "From here on out, we should pursue what makes games interesting and fun." According to Andriasang, Itagaki suggested that Japanese developers should share technology like some Western companies do.

Xbox 360 marketing chief Jouji Sakaguchi then undercut Itagaki's message about pursuing technical strength by announcing that the monitors for Xbox game demos at this year's Tokyo Game Show would be larger than last year's.

JoystiqItagaki: 'The era of pursuing technical strength has ended' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsuitagakimicrosoftshinji-mikamitomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxMon, 02 Aug 2010 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/#comments Missed Tomonobu Itagaki? After a controversial departure from Tecmo, the producer of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden found himself with some free time ... and a job offer from THQ. Devil's Third is the debut game from his new studio, Valhalla Games -- and it features all the violence and gore that you'd want from an Itagaki game. Unlike many of his previous titles, this looks to be a multiplatfom release, gracing both the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Check out the trailer, courtesy of GameTrailers, after the break.

Continue reading Devil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game

JoystiqDevil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirde3-2010itagakimicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxSat, 12 Jun 2010 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's Valhalla Game Studios project to be unveiled at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As any of us in the video game journotainment industry will tell you, the only truly dark days are the ones you don't get to spend writing about Tomonobu Itagaki. Not only is the man a constant font of great quotes, but once you make a crack about his leather jacket and sunglasses, you're halfway through your word count. Question: How long's it been since we've written about Itagaki? Answer: far, far too long.

Mercifully, the drought will end at E3, where Itagaki has revealed he'll be announcing the inaugural project from Valhalla Game Studios. No hints about the new project yet, but when you've gone more than two months without sunshine in your life, you take what you can get.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqItagaki's Valhalla Game Studios project to be unveiled at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010itagakitomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosWed, 09 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Itagaki's been playing: 400 hours of Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/#comments After taking the past two years off from game development following a messy breakup with his old employer, Tecmo, Tomonobu Itagaki is back in the game (biz) as chief creative officer of Valhalla Game Studios. But what was Itagaki up to in those two years? Speaking with Famitsu (translated by 1UP), the Dead or Alive creator explained, "I spent the days doing anything I felt like, researching whatever kind of technology struck me, playing whatever games piqued my interest ... for example, I wound up playing Dragon Quest IX for about 400 hours." That's alotta slime!

In fairness, the developer wasn't exclusively sinking hundreds of hours of his free time into a single DS game -- he also spent quite a bit of time traveling to game studios around the world and doing R&D work for Valhalla's next (read: first) project, claimed to be "way outside the scope of our company" by Itagaki. According to him, that next game "will earn Valhalla Game Studios its place in history," and he intends it to sell at least four million copies. But for now, he's got a model train set to build with some of his friends.

"I'm planning to rent out some space and build a seriously big train layout, 7 or so meters (23 feet) in length. There are some professionals in that field among my friends, so I'm thinking about building something really decent together with them and having people come over and play with the results. It'd be a business, though I'd make it free for children -- kids are pretty rough with model trains, but I'll just have to deal with that." Kids these days.

JoystiqWhat Itagaki's been playing: 400 hours of Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSitagakiJRPGLevel-5model-trainsNintendoRPGSquare-Enixtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosWed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solved mysteries: Itagaki's leather jacket and sunglasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/#comments You may think that, being born into this world, Tomonobu Itagaki escaped the womb wearing a pair of sunglasses and one bitchin' leather jacket -- and you may well be right. Back then, medical records simply did not document such phenomena. Also, if the records did, we wouldn't know because we can't read Japanese. Let's just say he did.

Moving on, it would seem Itagaki doesn't have to don the shades and treated animal skin for every picture taken, as this interview with his new outfit, Valhalla Game Studios, shows. The leather and sunglasses are more part of his press persona, which stems from his original dream of being "a pro gambler of mahjong."

"If you let someone read your eyes, you may lose many chances to win," Itagaki said. "So I came to wearing sunglasses outside. Basically." You know, it's a simple explanation, but it takes some of the magic out of it, don't you think? Regardless, head on over and give the interview a read for insight into how Valhalla set up the new office work flow and how it plans to get its upcoming not-a-fighter onto store shelves.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSolved mysteries: Itagaki's leather jacket and sunglasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakijapanleather-jacketleather-jacketssunglassestomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosMon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's suit against Tecmo ends in settlement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/#commentsFinally, Tomonobu Itagaki can have a restful night of sleep in his sunglasses. The ongoing legal dispute between the Dead or Alive creator and former employer Tecmo, over unpaid salary and bonuses, has ended in a settlement. Itagaki announced the resolution of the dispute in a public statement.

Itagaki didn't specify the terms, but we can only imagine a copy of Dead or Alive Paradise was involved. "How could I resist?" we imagine him saying, "It's my own private paradise, in the palm of my hand!"

As for things Itagaki actually said, the statement (per Andriasang's translation) revealed that he's working on something new: "I cannot wait for the day when I can announce to everyone the new title that I'm currently conceiving." Itagaki's aiming for "world class entertainment" with "a greater depth of play than before."

JoystiqItagaki's suit against Tecmo ends in settlement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakikoei-tecmolawsuitlegalsettlementtecmotecmo-koeitomonobu-itagakiFri, 26 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki has only nice things to say about Team Ninja's Metroid project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/#commentsBeing away from Tecmo seems to have done wonders for Tomonobu Itagaki's attitude. In an E3 interview with 1UP's James Mielke, the former Team Ninja head said he was "very honored and pleased to be of service" in response to the suggestion that Ninja Blade was a close imitation of Ninja Gaiden. He admitted he was "pretty tired" of making games featuring super-unrealistic women. He even went so far as to praise Tekken 6 director Katsuhiro Harada, only hating on Tekken when pressed.

And rather than harbor hard feelings against his former Team Ninja colleagues who stayed on with Tecmo, Itagaki offered well wishes to the team and its Metroid: Other M project. He called Yoshio Sakamoto, Nintendo's producer on the game, "a veteran I really respect," and suggested that Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi "will learn a lot working with him. I hope Team Ninja works hard in making a good game." We like Nice Itagaki!

The only ire was reserved for Bayonetta. "If I made a similar game as a game I made in the company I quit," he said about Platinum's Hideki Kamiya, "people would say, 'What an idiot, can't he make anything else?' Well, that is more or less the opinion I have for, uh, that Bayo-something game."

JoystiqItagaki has only nice things to say about Team Ninja's Metroid project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009itagakimetroid-other-mNintendoteam-ninjatecmotokyo-vikingstomonobu-itagakiWiiMon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki: Easier to develop for PS3 than Famicom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/itagaki-easier-to-develop-for-ps3-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/itagaki-easier-to-develop-for-ps3-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/itagaki-easier-to-develop-for-ps3-than-famicom/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can we make a formal request? Can Sony hire Itagaki to take Ken Kutaragi's old job? No, we know, Kaz technically has his old position, but Sony really needs someone out there saying crazy things about the PS3, and we think Itagaki's the man for the gig. Here's what he recently told 1UP: "I don't think that developing for the PS3 is hard at all. It was much harder developing for the Famicom. It's true. I mean, give someone who's developing for the PS3 a Famicom and see if they can make a game for it. They won't be able to. Yeah, that'll prove it. We'll bet a drink on it."

Bam! Crazy! Can you imagine getting that kind of stuff day in and day out from PS3 HQ? C'mon, Sony give that man whatever he wants ... and we do mean whatever.

JoystiqItagaki: Easier to develop for PS3 than Famicom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakiPS3Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki says PS3 development easier than Famicom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/#commentsFiled under:

According to former Tecmo employee and Team Ninja leader Tomonobu Itagaki (Dead or Alive series, Ninja Gaiden Sigma), developing for the PS3 is easy-peasy. "I don't think that developing for the PS3 is hard at all. It was much harder developing for the Famicom," Itagaki told 1UP. "It's true. I mean, give someone who's developing for the PS3 a Famicom and see if they can make a game for it. They won't be able to. Yeah, that'll prove it. We'll bet a drink on it."

For the longest time now, developers have been struggling with getting a hang of the PS3 hardware; for Itagaki, it's apparently nothing more than shooting the breeze on a Tuesday. So Itagaki-san, want to develop again for the PS3 and show these fools how it's done? It's been a while hasn't it?

JoystiqItagaki says PS3 development easier than Famicom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenteam-ninjatomonobu-itagakiWed, 27 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki practices legal ninjitsu in case against Tecmo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-practices-legal-ninjitsu-in-case-against-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-practices-legal-ninjitsu-in-case-against-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-practices-legal-ninjitsu-in-case-against-tecmo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Former head of Tecmo's Team Ninja and leather aficionado, Tomonobu Itagaki, is proving himself to be quite the legal eagle hawk whatever bird a ninja might keep as a pet in his ongoing lawsuit against his old employer. In addition to upping his claim for damages from 148 million yen ($1.3 million) to 164m yen ($1.6m) for bonuses and salary not paid, the Dead or Alive creator delivered a blow to accusations by Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda that he was never promised bonuses in the first place.

The evidence: an audio recording of Yasuda specifically stating that a legal document known as a ringi, which outlined the contested bonus plan, had in fact been approved by Tecmo's board of directors. Take that! If that didn't sting, Itagaki said (in what we're guessing was a stern voice): "I am prepared to reveal this evidence as the need arises for the sake of greater justice." Hear that? Greater justice. Everything the guy does is intense.

JoystiqItagaki practices legal ninjitsu in case against Tecmo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitlegalteam-ninjatecmoThu, 24 Jul 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki unloads evidence, raises damages claim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-unloads-evidence-raises-damages-claim/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-unloads-evidence-raises-damages-claim/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/itagaki-unloads-evidence-raises-damages-claim/#commentsFiled under:

With Tecmo's attempts at getting a gag order failing and bad blood still staining the Tecmo name, Tomonobu Itagaki is steadfast in following through with the lawsuit against his former boss with the introduction of new evidence and an increase in his damages claim.

Recently, Itagaki submitted all kinds of documents and recordings as evidence to help his case against Tecmo, where he claims they owe him all kinds of cash. The documents include signed contracts and a transcript of a recording between Itagaki and Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda where they discussed and agreed on contract terms. Also, with the new evidence coming to light, Itagaki has increased his lawsuit's damages from $1.3 million USD to $1.5 million USD. Itagaki is raging mad. Don't mess with a raging mad Itagaki.

JoystiqItagaki unloads evidence, raises damages claim originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alivedoa4itagakiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 24 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/#commentsFiled under:


Much like a war that rages on for centuries, the struggle between Tomonobu Itagaki and his almost-former (July 1) employer, Tecmo, continues. The latest volley in this exchange between parties shows Tecmo bashing the lawsuit, claiming the details are "inaccurate."

Within the statement, Tecmo is quick to point out that all of Team Ninja's employees aren't following their leader and quitting. Tecmo also says that all 300 employees aren't filing lawsuits against the company.

For the rest from Tecmo's official statement, we suggest you head past the post break.

Continue reading Tecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate'

JoystiqTecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakilawsuitteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiFri, 20 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo attempts to quiet Itagaki, denies exodus rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/#commentsFiled under:


In an effort to quell widespread rumors surrounding the business practices of the company, Tecmo has filed an injunction against former Team Ninja lead Tomonobu Itagaki. Filed in a Tokyo District Court, the injunction places a four-point gag order on Itagaki, effectively removing his opinion from the public forum beyond his existing comments on the matter against Tecmo.

The provisional disposition prohibits:
  • Disclosing or leaking information regarding Tecmo's game software, sales, development or any other company secrets
  • Using newspapers, magazines and the internet to criticize company software and company employees
  • Obstructing the company's business through slanderous remarks to third parties
  • Interviews regarding Tecmo or discuss the company and its practices to the press
In a statement made today, Tecmo has vehemently denied recent reports that dozens of Team Ninja employees have resigned in the wake of Itagaki's announcement and a lawsuit has been filed against the company on behalf of its 300 employees. Calling the reports "groundless" and "inaccurate," Tecmo has asked the media to approach the situation with a fair and balanced view. We'll update the story as details emerge, however, as proven by the injunction against Itagaki it looks like Tecmo would like to silence anyone who could shed light on the situation.

[via Talking About Games & Joystiq]

JoystiqTecmo attempts to quiet Itagaki, denies exodus rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitpoliticsteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo seeks to gag Itagaki with suppression order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-seeks-to-gag-itagaki-with-suppression-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-seeks-to-gag-itagaki-with-suppression-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-seeks-to-gag-itagaki-with-suppression-order/#commentsFiled under:

gagged
Following the very public resignation of Tomonobu Itagaki two weeks ago, Tecmo has appealed to the Tokyo District Court seeking to restrict Itagaki from making further public remarks about ... any and every -thing that begins was a capital "T" ands ends with an "ecmo." The company filed with the court last Tuesday, June 10, but has yet to receive a verdict, Famitsu reports. The gag order seeks to prohibit Itagaki from:
  1. Disclosing, destroying or leaking Tecmo's trade secrets, especially those concerning software, development and marketing
  2. Making false or misleading statements about Tecmo's business policies and strategies, or criticizing games developed by other Tecmo employees
  3. Making defamatory remarks to damage Tecmo's reputation
  4. Making public statements about Tecmo, or accepting media invitations (e.g., interviews) to discuss Tecmo while still employed (until July 1) by the company
No word yet on whether or not Tecmo has ordered up an additional 300 gags. But buying in bulk certainly saves time and money.

[Big thanks to Ittousai over at Engadget Japan for his translation work!]

JoystiqTecmo seeks to gag Itagaki with suppression order originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gag-orderitagakijapantecmoWed, 18 Jun 2008 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[All Tecmo employees sue Tecmo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/#commentsFiled under:


We thought it was bad when Tomonobu Itagaki left Tecmo, but little did we know it was about to get much, much worse. As rumored over the weekend, employees of the company are suing for unpaid bonuses. Well, it's not exactly the same as the weekend rumor, which said the lawsuit would come from three dozen or so higher ups. No, apparently the lawsuit has been filed on behalf of all 300 of the company's employees. A Famitsu article on the subject also says the suit complains of employees not getting holiday and overtime pay that they are owed.

So, in short, Tecmo is eating itself. You may now carry on with your day.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqAll Tecmo employees sue Tecmo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakitecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 17 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo possibly facing Obliteration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/#commentsFiled under:

After Itagaki decided to leave due to unpaid bonuses, it looked as though things might just end with that. Then came the rumor that around three dozen employees would follow suit. Now it seems like Tecmo has been dismembered and is just waiting for the inevitable OT. A lawsuit was filed in Tokyo District Court just yesterday on behalf of all 300 of Tecmo's remaining employees, and according to one translation claims that "Tecmo has falsified documents and accounting procedures in regards to employment statuses, overtime pay and various lapses in employment standards when filing documents for labor inspections."

Additionally, a Famitsu article on the same topic also notes that employees were not getting their overtime pay, nor were they well-compensated for working on public holidays. The Google Translation of the original Japanese story is a bit dry and difficult to follow (as is to be expected from a computer translation) but specific words such as "forge" and "impersonation" hint at the kind of trouble Tecmo could be facing before this is all over.

Whatever happens, we just hope that the talent from Tecmo's various projects all end up alright and get the compensation they deserve. We're certainly no experts, but from what we hear, Japanese game devs (heck, game devs in general) are run pretty ragged and really do deserve their bonuses ...

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTecmo possibly facing Obliteration originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuittecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 17 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Team Ninja following Itagaki out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-team-ninja-following-itagaki-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-team-ninja-following-itagaki-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/rumor-team-ninja-following-itagaki-out/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, Tomonobu Itagaki made a characteristically high-profile, loud exit from Tecmo, suing the company for unpaid bonus income on his way out. According to a rumor posted by 1UP's James Mielke, Itagaki isn't the only one vanishing -- several of his translucent orange Shadow Clones (or other Team Ninja employees -- the details are scarce!) are headed out as well.

According to Mielke, "as many as three dozen or more" Team Ninja staffers are walking out of Tecmo, and serving the company with their own class-action lawsuit regarding unpaid bonuses. On top of that, Tecmo may have broken the law by failing to report the lawsuits to their shareholders.

Tecmo did say that Team Ninja would be intact and working on new games -- they just didn't say who they'd be making those games for. We weren't really expecting another Ninja Gaiden DS game anyway (since the first one bombed in Japan), but now we can really let go of the possibility.

JoystiqRumor: Team Ninja following Itagaki out originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmoMon, 16 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/#commentsFiled under:


Losing one of your company's most recognizable figureheads, especially one whose name is so closely associated with most of your best-selling properties, is bound to put a damper on things around the office. However, that last statement assumes that there are still people in the office -- 1UP recently printed a rumor that as many as three dozen Team Ninja higher-ups could be leaving the company following Tomonobu Itagaki's resignation, and will sue Tecmo to gain unpaid bonuses for the games they've completed (much like the class-action suit Itagaki planned to file against the company following his departure).

1UP's source for the rumor was the ever-present "word on the street", though that's likely just rumorese for "we have an inside source". Whoever it may be, we doubt it's the same hopeful Tecmo higher-up who recently assured the public that Team Ninja was going to be just fine, as losing your poster boy, a heartbreaking amount of stock market value, and supposedly, a healthy portion of your workforce in such a short period of time would surely make any game developer feel anything but.

JoystiqRumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitresignationrumorteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiSun, 15 Jun 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- Points>Life: Lazy Ninja Technique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/x3f-tv-points-life-lazy-ninja-technique/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/x3f-tv-points-life-lazy-ninja-technique/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/x3f-tv-points-life-lazy-ninja-technique/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Each week, X3F tips gamers to the tricks of the trade of Achievement hording in Points>Life. Every week a new achievement is unlocked to help you continue your unhealthy obsession with the Xbox 360 meta-game.

In honor of our brand new Ninja Gaiden II page, Points>Life is tackling an achievement from Xbox 360's Summer mega-action release, Ninja Gaiden II. Having difficulties landing a 100-hit combo? That wonky camera got you down? Just want 20 random points? You've come to the right place!

Check out the video above for a few helpful tips and if you have any tricks of your own, make sure to leave them in the comments!

Also, make sure to check out our retrospective features on Tomonobu Itagaki and the Ninja Gaiden Series itself.

Music: "Ninja Gaiden" by minibosses

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JoystiqX3F TV -- Points>Life: Lazy Ninja Technique originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-pointsachievementsitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iipoints-greater-than-lifepoints-lifeteam-ningatecmox3f-tvTue, 10 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Ninja Gaiden II page]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/#commentsFiled under:


Ladies and gentlmen, fanboys and girls, Xbox 360 Fanboy presents the Ninja Gaiden II page. This is our first page dedicated to a single game (you may have seen similar pages on Joystiq). On the page you will find all the major Ninja Gaiden II news stories, every Ninja Gaiden II screenshot, and all the Ninja Gaiden II features compiled into a single, bookmark-friendly page. The page will be updated as time goes on to include other features and stories as well (including an upcoming episode of Points>Life). This is only the first dedicated game page on X3F. Expect more to show up in the future. With major 360 exclusives right around the corner (Gears of War 2, Fable 2), there's plenty to cover.

For all things Ninja Gaiden II, check out the page right now.

JoystiqIntroducing the Ninja Gaiden II page originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's departure causes Tecmo stock plummet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/#commentsFiled under:


Turns out Tomonobu Itagaki's imminent lawsuit might not be Tecmo's biggest problem after all. Within two days of the Ninja Gaiden developer's abrupt resignation from the company, Tecmo shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dropped rapidly.

Assurances that Team Ninja would remain (largely) intact apparently did not appease the stockholders. Shares dropped over 10% from Tuesday's closing of ¥1,102 (USD 10.40), to today's closing of ¥982 (USD 9.30). Not a good start to the company's new Itagaki-less lifestyle, to be sure.

JoystiqItagaki's departure causes Tecmo stock plummet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-aliveitagakininja-gaidenstocksteam-ninjatecmoThu, 05 Jun 2008 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Now that Ninja Gaiden 2 developer Tomonobu Itagaki has departed from Tecmo and Team Ninja (and left a lawsuit in his stead), our friends at X3F have compiled a retrospective on Itagaki's career with the company. From his beginnings as a programmer for Tecmo Bowl, through Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden and all the way to his departure, everything is covered.

Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki. Click here, get educated.

JoystiqTomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alivedoaxitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaTecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo stock down on loss of Itagaki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like the departure of Tomonobu Itagaki from Tecmo is doing more than upsetting fans of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. It seems as though Itagaki's exit has worried Tecmo stockholders on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as well. According to GameSpot, shares in the company fell sharply on Wednesday upon the news. Upon closing on Tuesday, Tecmo's shares stood at ¥1,102 ($10.40). Shares fell to ¥985 ($9.30) upon opening Wednesday. The stock rose and fell throughout the day today, closing at ¥982 ($9.27). Ouch.

It will be interesting to see if this trend continues without Itagaki at the helm of Team Ninja.

JoystiqTecmo stock down on loss of Itagaki originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/#commentsFiled under:


With the news of his recent departure and the release of his final swan-song to the Ninja Gaiden series, Tomonobu Itagaki has had an amazing career.

We've already tackled the history of Ninja Gaiden in our previous retrospective, A History of Violence, but this time we're going back to look at one of Ryu's most influential allies.

In this special feature we look back at the history of the man and how he helped re-shape Tecmo in the early 90s to the company they are today. Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki.

Continue reading Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History

JoystiqTomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo responds to Itagaki, stock prices fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/#commentsFiled under:

Well, what did you expect when one of the most notable icons in the gaming industry decided to depart from his longtime employer practically out of nowhere? Certainly Itagaki and Tecmo's president, Yoshimi Yasuda, wouldn't just shake hands, agree to disagree and go their separate ways. There's money at stake here!

And following Itagaki's departure, Tecmo has finally come out and said some things regarding the bad break-up. "The legal complaint is in regard to a claim to an incentive bonus linked to a past project," says the Tecmo press release. "The parties could not reach an amicable resolution to this matter, and Itagaki chose to seek a legal remedy. Tecmo will let the court decide the outcome of this case and will seek a true, fair, and quick resolution." For fans who are looking forward to other installments in Team Ninja's franchises, apparently Tecmo is still planning on producing those games, as the press release says that Team Ninja is "intact and, as a matter of fact, has several new projects already underway."

Despite the company's commitment to supporting these franchises, many think Itagaki's departure will be a bad thing for Tecmo, as stock prices plummeted in the wake of the Team Ninja head's resignation. Taking a 10% loss in price, you can bet Tecmo is not happy about this whole fiasco. One thing Tecmo will undoubtedly be giddy about, however, is the new smoke-free offices and policy that dictates employees aren't allowed to get wasted on whiskey while on the job.

Source - Tecmo fires back at Itagaki
Source - Stocks plummet after Itagaki departure

JoystiqTecmo responds to Itagaki, stock prices fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakijapanlawsuitstockstockstecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo: Team Ninja still 'intact' after Itagaki's departure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following the resignation of outspoken game designer, Tomonobu Itagaki, and his subsequent lawsuit against his former employer, Tecmo has assured fans that its Team Ninja development studio remains "intact" and involved in "several new projects." In a statement issued to 1UP, the Tokyo-based publisher notes that, due to the legal complaint, it had "no choice" but to accept Itagaki's resignation, effective July 1, 2008.

The lawsuit is said to be tied to an outstanding incentive bonus for a past project, one which the parties could not amicably resolve. Tecmo states that it will let the court settle things and bring about a "true, fair, and quick resolution." As for the Team Ninja studio, it remains "committed to producing compelling and cutting edge games in order to maintain its reputation as a high quality developer and to continue to receive the support of its loyal fans."

While it's obvious that Tomonobu Itagaki didn't make games like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden by himself, we wonder if another star developer will emerge to give Team Ninja an incendiary pass to the presses. Is this Itsygaki's time to shine?

[Thanks, Fattycop]

JoystiqTecmo: Team Ninja still 'intact' after Itagaki's departure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-or-AliveItagakiLawsuitNinja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-2Team-NinjaTecmoXbox-360Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Would You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


In our continuing effort to bring you fresh and interesting content, X3F presents Would You Rather ... a weekly feature that asks you the hard questions. The point? If you had to choose one or the other, which would you go for?

With his recent departure from Tecmo (well, technically he still works there until July 1), Tomonobu Itagaki has created the last Ninja Gaiden title of his career. It now appears to be obvious that his talk of Ninja Gaiden 2 being the last in the series stemmed from the knowledge of his future plans (aka quitting and suing parent company Tecmo). So, another Ninja Gaiden title is probably going to happen because franchises that make money don't disappear. The question is, do you think the folks at Team Ninja can do it without Itagaki?

We're sure they can, but ... would you want them to? So this week in WUR--a new Ninja Gaiden hits stores without Itagaki. What do you do soldier? What do you do? (Shooting a hostage is not an option).

Feel free to share the reasons for your vote in the comments. We'll share the results of the poll during the next edition of Would You Rather ... which hits X3F every Wednesday.

Last weeks WUR results can be find after the jump ... come in and check it out for free!

Continue reading Would You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition

JoystiqWould You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2team-ninjatomonobu-itagakiwould-you-ratherwurWed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A little bird told us Ninja Gaiden II was coming out today. Actually, that bird was more like a note attached to a shuriken with a flower on it, but the message was all the same. In honor of the series milestone and in memory of the now-former Ninja Gaiden designer Tomonobu Itagaki, we present you with a series retrospective we're affectionately dubbing A History of Violence (hey, we thought it was clever). Click here and be educated.

JoystiqA History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSitagaking2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiPS3team-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki leaves Tecmo, sues them on the way out [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/#commentsFiled under:

Well now, somebody pass us the box of Kleenex tissues. Apparently, we'll never get another Ninja Gaiden on the DS, or any more Ninja Gaiden games period, as whiskey-swillin' and leather-wearing head of Team Ninja, Tomonobu Itagaki, has called it quits with Tecmo. The president of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda, hasn't paid money that Itagaki is owed, he says.

And that's why Itagaki is suing for 148 million yen (US$1.5m) on his way out. Not only that, but Itagaki also says Yasuda "made demeaning remarks" about him to other employees, affecting his status at work, giving him "significant emotional distress" and "worsening [of his] personal relationships and work environment."

In his statement, Itagaki said there won't be any more Ninja Gaiden or Dead or Alive games from him, as the rights are retained by Tecmo. This will surely come as a huge disappointment to fans.

Update: Fixed a wording discrepancy.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqItagaki leaves Tecmo, sues them on the way out [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakilawsuitninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/#commentsFiled under:

As we eagerly await our chance to experience the Ninja Gaiden II demo we just caught wind of a VERY juicy announcement coming from Mr. cool shades, Ninja Gaiden creator and Team Ninja member Tomonobu Itagaki. Simply stated, Itagaki is suing Tecmo and just announced plans to leave Team Ninja ... ZOMG!

According to 1UP who received an official letter from one of Itagaki's aids, Itagaki reveals that he is suing Tecmo for 145 million yen due to "unpaid completion bonuses" and because Itagaki claims that there were "unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me" by Tecmo's president Yoshimi Yasuda which caused "significant emotional distress." The letter goes on to say that the lawsuit is based on a "strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd." and that Itagaki will resign from Tecmo effective July 1st. Ending his letter, Itagaki addresses his fans, saying that Ninja Gaiden II "will be the last Ninja Gaiden I will create", mentions that he will never "be able to make Dead or Alive 5" and, for that, Itagaki regrets "the disappointment this will cause" those who have enjoyed his work.

Wow ... we're speechless. Itagaki leaves Team Ninja, leaves behind franchises that he helped bring to life and leaves both his fans and the industry, well ... speechless. We can only assume that Itagaki's battle with Tecmo will be hard fought and is going to get very, very ugly.

JoystiqItagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagaking2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

Team Ninja head and creator of the landmark Dead or Alive fighting game series, Tomonobu Itagaki, has issued a statement announcing his resignation from long-time employer Tecmo. This news, first reported by 1UP, comes just as his latest creation, the Xbox 360 exclusive Ninja Gaiden 2, is due to hit US shelves.

In addition to resigning his position at the company - where he had a seat on the board of directors - Itagaki has announced his intention to sue Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda for 148 million yen (US$1.5m) in damages. Among the grievances listed in the statement are Yasuda's unwillingness to pay him bonuses promised for work on titles including Dead or Alive 4, and allegations that Yasuda "made demeaning remarks" about him to other Tecmo employees, which resulted in "significant emotional distress" and "worsening [of his] personal relationships and work environment."

Continue reading Breaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court'

JoystiqBreaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryu Hayabusa: Super ninja or lazy employee?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those crazy cats at Gamerscore Blog are at it again. This time they've set their sights on the upcoming Ninja Gaiden II. It seems that Ryu Hayabusa, main character of the Ninja Gaiden series and all-around badass, has given up his ninja way of life in favor of a cushy job at Microsoft. At least, we think he has a job there. The trouble is that no one at the Gamerscore Blog office can seem to find him and believe him to be a lazy bum. Of course, we know Ryu better than that. Looks like they'll have to learn the hard way though. Check out the video to see just how dangerous it is to meddle with a ninja.

JoystiqRyu Hayabusa: Super ninja or lazy employee? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakimgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/#commentsFiled under:

We have yet more glorious Ninja Gaiden II video love for you, kids. Today, it comes to us in the form of four new videos from the fine folks at GameVideos. What's that you say? You want to see more obliteration techniques? Done. You want to see some crazy pink demon things? Sure, we got that. Essence attacks? Yup. How about a big, mean King Kong mutha'ucka? Oh yeah, we've got one of those. Check out all the new hotness after the break.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakimgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng-iing2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoTue, 27 May 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Defense is important' in Ninja Gaiden II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/defense-is-important-in-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/defense-is-important-in-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/defense-is-important-in-ninja-gaiden-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

See? It's not just about flipping out and killing people and slashing enemies into the air and tossing shurikens into their faces and lopping off limbs and doing totally sweet combos like that one where you kick the guy in the head before chopping him into pieces and then running up the wall because you're the ultimate unstoppable mammal. Sometimes you just have to calm down and defend yourself. If the sage advice conveyed by the above video isn't enough, you have until June 3rd to view the clips after the break and get educated on the ways of the ninja.

Remember: Ninjas fight ALL the time.

Continue reading 'Defense is important' in Ninja Gaiden II

Joystiq'Defense is important' in Ninja Gaiden II originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ItagakiMicrosoft-Game-StudiosNinja-Gaiden-2Team-NinjaXbox-360Mon, 26 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki says Ninja Gaiden Sigma was 'no good']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-says-ninja-gaiden-sigma-was-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-says-ninja-gaiden-sigma-was-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-says-ninja-gaiden-sigma-was-no-good/#commentsFiled under:


Itagaki can be such a meanie. Ninja Gaiden Sigma, a PS3 enhanced port of the original Xbox Ninja Gaiden, met critical acclaim when it launched on Sony's console. It wasn't a brand new game, but it certainly was an excellent one. Not so, says Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki. In a CVG interview, he flatly says that the game was "no good." He added: "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden."

Ouch. Imitation doesn't equate to flattery, does it? Sigma's director, Yosuke Hayashi, went on record many times about the power of the PS3, and promised more titles for Sony's system. Hayashi noted that "I have heard much criticism of the PS3, but I am confident that Ninja Gaiden Sigma will demonstrate how powerful the PS3 really is." However, will Hayashi ever get a chance to work on PS3 again?

This "subordinate" is getting backhandedly slapped, with the notion of a PS3 port of 360-exclusive Ninja Gaiden II being thrown out of the window. It would "be a loss of face for everyone involved," noted Itagaki.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqItagaki says Ninja Gaiden Sigma was 'no good' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2tomonobu-itagakiWed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/#commentsFiled under: ,


We thought Ninja Gaiden Sigma was pretty good. You know, nothing revolutionary, but at least worth a spin for PS3 owners, especially those who hadn't played through Ninja Gaiden. But we've just received word (via CVG) from Ninja Gaiden I and II developer Tomonobu Itagaki that we're wrong, wrong, totally wrong.

When asked about the game, Itagaki said simply, "It was no good." Apparently not into the whole brevity thing, CVG continued the line of questioning, prompting Itagaki to add, "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden." You think that's pretty rough, right? Well get this: That guy was sitting next to him. And he was making Itagaki a fancy birthday cake. No, that stuff isn't true. But it's still fairly icy.

Oh, and he dropped a preemptive burn, saying that a PS3 port of Ninja Gaiden II "would be a loss of face for everyone involved." ... So, yeah. Remind us not to cut him off in traffic.

JoystiqItagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-sigmaPS3tecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 21 May 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your own Dragon Sword on the cheap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/get-your-own-dragon-sword-on-the-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/get-your-own-dragon-sword-on-the-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/get-your-own-dragon-sword-on-the-cheap/#commentsFiled under:

Those who've been sitting on the fence, not content with a favorable review to force them to partake in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword in all its sword-slicing glory, now might be the time to come down from there and see what Ryu Hayabusa's latest adventure is all about. Popular retail website Newegg.com is offering the Tecmo title for $22.99 (+ $2.99 for 3 business day shipping).

The regular price for the game, as many of you might know, is $34.99, so this is a pretty good deal. Add on top of it the fact that the game is great and we can see little reason why you shouldn't have stopped reading this and instead be in the checkout section at Newegg right now, entering in your credit card information. For those of you without credit cards, just tie some money to a pigeon and send it their way. Regardless of how you pay, you really should own this game.


[Via CAG]

JoystiqGet your own Dragon Sword on the cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dactiondragon-sworditagakininjaninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-dragon-swordtecmoThu, 15 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki on Ninja Gaiden II dismemberment, difficulty and DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/#commentsFiled under: ,

itagaki
After spending about 30 minutes with a final build (awaiting certification) of Ninja Gaiden II at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, we had a chance to sit down with designer Tomonobu Itakagi, along with a handful of other game journalists. Staring out at us through dark shades, as an assistant translated his responses, the Team Ninja front man spoke on the "Deadly Ds," as we like to call them: dismemberment, difficulty (as in, tweaking the design philosophy to make us feel less like wusses for playing on easy) and Down-Loadable Costumes. Actually, there was another "D" addressed here too -- the one that ends with "-rinking on the job," or rather, the lack thereof. Yes, this was a new, sobered Itagaki, folks. Hard to believe given the swirl of emotions surrounding the realization that this could be his last *gasp* Ninja Gaiden.

Joystiq: We noticed the name of the casual mode in Ninja Gaiden II is "Path of the Acolyte" and not "Ninja Dog." Are you trying to remove the stigma of playing on the easy setting?

Continue reading Itagaki on Ninja Gaiden II dismemberment, difficulty and DLC

JoystiqItagaki on Ninja Gaiden II dismemberment, difficulty and DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaTomonobu-ItagakiXbox-360Wed, 14 May 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-fanboy-review-ninja-gaiden-dragon-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-fanboy-review-ninja-gaiden-dragon-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-fanboy-review-ninja-gaiden-dragon-sword/#commentsFiled under:


Click for more screens from Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

As you can imagine, many were worried when Itagaki showed off the DS entry in his beloved Ninja Gaiden series. Would the groundbreaking new control scheme set the bar for action games on the system or would it be an unresponsive and unrefined mess, causing you to contemplate throwing your DS against the wall? Well, I'm happy to report that none of these fears ever pan out in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, which is a pretty great game overall.

It turns out, the game is pretty much everything we hoped it would be: a benchmark for how to do an action game on the DS and how other developers can create a great DS entry in their own respective franchises.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dactiondragon-sworditagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-drteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagaktomonobuitagakitouch-screenMon, 07 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST