Joystiq

Kick Zack so hard his fro comes off in Dead or Alive 5

David Hinkle — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

The only thing worse than losing your fro mid-fight is getting run over by a tiger. In this match between Lei Fang and Zack in Dead or Alive 5, there's plenty of both.

Kick Zack so hard his fro comes off in Dead or Alive 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive 5 has costume-specific breast physics

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:00:00 EST

Since the departure of Tomonobu Itagaki back in 2008, Team Ninja has attempted to shake its reputation as nothing but a stylish, sex-crazed gore factory. It attempted to give Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa a softer side, for one. Only two months ago, Team Ninja head Yosuke Hayashi said Dead or Alive 5 will rise beyond "sex and violence," instead pursing "a direction that contains emotional experiences that can move players."

Now, in an interview with Famitsu, Hayashi has now revealed that Dead or Alive 5's voluptuous vixens will feature costume-specific breast physics. Furthermore, each costume will have varying levels of transparency. It sounds like a contradiction to Hayashi's previous statements ... that is, of course, until you realize that "move" is a very ambiguous term.

Dead or Alive 5 has costume-specific breast physics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dead or Alive 5's Christie get shot with a missile

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST

We tried to come up with something witty to say about the latest Dead or Alive 5 trailer, but all coherent thought pretty much stops when Christie gets nailed by a missile. You'd think she would throw in the towel, but nope.

Gallery: Dead or Alive 5 (Christie vs Bayman)

Watch Dead or Alive 5's Christie get shot with a missile originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir review: Behind you!

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST

There's a very special, very terrified place in my heart for the Fatal Frame series. While Silent Hill encourages (and occasionally forces) me to run away from its horrors, Fatal Frame has always required me to not only face my fears, but to do so for as long as my nerves can take it. With a ghost-killing camera as my only weapon, I learn that the best photographs deal the most damage - and the best photographs are always close-ups.

It may not say so on the box, but Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir is indeed a Fatal Frame game, one that puts an augmented reality spin on the traditional, heart-taxing action. Unfortunately, in bringing Fatal Frame to the camera-equipped 3DS, Spirit Camera takes the series where it was never meant to go: your well-lit living room.

Gallery: Fun with Spirit Camera

Continue reading Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir review: Behind you!

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir review: Behind you! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Pokemon Conquest' brings Nobunaga's Ambition stateside on June 18

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST

Yes, that's a factual headline above: Nintendo is publishing the bizarre crossover of Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition in the US as "Pokemon Conquest" for the Nintendo DS. And yes, you also read that right -- Pokemon Conquest marks the second Pokemon game heading to the DS in 2012 rather than the 3DS (Pokemon Black/White Version 2 being the other).

Unlike main series Pokemon games, Tecmo Koei handled development rather than Game Freak. Conquest is also a 2D adventure set in the world of Ransei, where players inhabit "a young warlord who is linked with a Pokemon." Pokemon Conquest arrives on June 18.

Gallery: Pokémon Conquest

'Pokemon Conquest' brings Nobunaga's Ambition stateside on June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Ninja Gaiden 3

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST

Yikes, talk about a big bloody mess. Ninja Gaiden 3 missed the mark on a lot of the elements veterans expected from the series. Complaints include the game's notorious difficulty being diminished, compromised AI and -- maybe, worst of all -- that it's boring.

Game Informer (60/100): "Ninja Gaiden 3 is not a complete train wreck, but it does suffer from a multitude of problems. The action can be fast-paced and engaging at times, but many design decisions significantly bring down the experience. Dumbed-down A.I., a limited arsenal, the series' notoriously difficult camera, no inventory/currency system, and an incoherent story combine to make this the most disappointing title in the series."
Gamespot (55/100): "It does all the hard labor so that you don't have to. This forgettable action game may feed your bloodthirst, but the series' sharp edge has been dulled by Team Ninja's attempt to bring the master to the masses."
Games Radar (30/100): "Ninja Gaiden 3 has completely missed the point of everything that made the series great. Challenging combat, weapon variety, engaging enemies and the series' legendary difficulty have all been cut out in favor of a bland story, flashy finish moves, screen nukes, and button mashing. If you found Ninja Gaiden's difficulty to be a barrier to entry, this game's accessibility won't make it a more attractive option. If anything, it'll leave newcomers wondering what all the fuss was about."
IGN (30/100): "Ninja Gaiden 3 is a gash on the face of the franchise and one of the worst games the action genre has yet suffered. It has no consideration for its fans' wants or what a new audience may have enjoyed. It's a nightmare that's as easy as it is uninteresting, and it abandons what used to work for awful new ideas that don't work together. Under no circumstance should you ever waste your time on this self-indulgent and abysmal wreck. "

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden 3 (1/12/12)

Metareview: Ninja Gaiden 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!]

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST

To become a ninja, one must learn -- the deadly arts of war, for example. Or how to wear those weird socks. Stuff like that.

You can't be any geek off the street, and so Tecmo-Koei has decided to lock the online multiplayer of Ninja Gaiden 3 behind an online pass. So says a listing on Gamefly warning potential renters of Ninja Gaiden 3, anyway. Update: It's confirmed! Ninja Gaiden 3 will have an online pass, a Tecmo Koei representative has confirmed with Joystiq.

~~We've sent our silent inquisitors to Tecmo Koei to secure confirmation on the matter. We'll let you know what we hear back.~~

[Thanks, Josh!]

Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virtua Fighter's Akira playable in Dead or Alive 5

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST

Fighting crossovers are all the rage these days, it seems. In a very unexpected announcement, Sega and Tecmo have revealed that one of Virtua Fighter's most iconic characters, Akira Yuki, will be playable in Dead or Alive 5.

The crossing of Dead or Alive and Virtua Fighter would once have been considered anathema, laughable even. The good people at Sega and Tecmo seem to be aware of this, and have thus released a trailer along with the announcement (complete with stun palm of doom). Behold it above and believe.

Now, if someone could just whip up another Fighters Megamix, we'd be all set.

Virtua Fighter's Akira playable in Dead or Alive 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 dev diary reasserts seriousness of ninja game development

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Worried that the now Itagaki-less Team Ninja isn't still super, super serious about making a Ninja Gaiden game? The latest dev diary for Ninja Gaiden 3 should more than suffice at changing your mind.

Ninja Gaiden 3 dev diary reasserts seriousness of ninja game development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus screens have a delicate touch

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST

When Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus launches alongside the PlayStation Vita late next month, its trademark difficulty level will likely be responsible for hundred of broken handhelds. We recommend preparing yourself ahead of time by pantomime touching these screenshots and studying the Ninpo magic within.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus screens have a delicate touch

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus screens have a delicate touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fatal Frame spinoff Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir chills 3DS in April

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

Nintendo of America skipped out on the Wii's Fatal Frame 4, but its 3DS sort-of sequel will be haunting our shores. This morning, Nintendo announced a North American release of Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir, dated for the super spooky Friday, April 13.

In Spirit Camera, co-developed by Nintendo and Tecmo, players will use the 3DS as a virtual camera with which to help "Maya," a girl trapped in a creepy house. The game includes a 16-page "AR Book," which uses augmented reality to display movies and other special effects at certain points in the story. "In other moments," the announcement reads, "characters will emerge from the pages into the player's world via augmented reality in the form of evil spirits that attack from all directions." That's pretty scary for a paper insert!

Gallery: Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir (3DS)

Continue reading Fatal Frame spinoff Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir chills 3DS in April

Fatal Frame spinoff Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir chills 3DS in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots)

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

There probably isn't a person alive who hasn't, at some point in their life, enjoyed the sight of a ninja flipping out and killing a bunch of dudes. It's universal, like how everyone enjoys warm blankets or shooting firearms. There's a special kind of person, however, that also has an affinity for extreme, debilitating punishment, which is why Ninja Gaiden 3 exists.

NG3's collector's edition, which we first caught wind of last December, includes the game, an art book, a soundtrack, a figure set of Ryu Hayabusa and an eventual murder victim, as well as a download voucher for a four-character demo of Dead of Alive 5. Non-collector's edition pre-orders placed at Gamestop and Amazon will include a code for a two-character demo of DOA5, with Gamestop's demo including Hayabusa and Hitomi, and Amazon's featuring Ayane and Hayate (the four-character version includes both Amazon and GameStop's characters).

The collector's edition will be available exclusively at Gamestop, indicating that Tecmo Koei truly understands the unique relationship it has with its players.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden 3 (1/12/12)

Continue reading Here's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots)

Here's the Ninja Gaiden 3 collector's edition (with bonus screenshots) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 multiplayer footage kills so many ninjas

David Hinkle — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST

Here's a video montage of Ninja Gaiden 3's multiplayer mode. As someone who's played it, I can say this video sums up my experience pretty well. I stabbed dudes; dudes stabbed me; occasionally I stabbed myself. Sometimes honor is more important than breathing.

Ninja Gaiden 3 multiplayer footage kills so many ninjas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive 5 screens aren't afraid to bust a gut or two

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:55:00 EST

There's nothing quite like watching a teenage girl gut punch a hardcore-looking ninja lady. And Team Ninja clearly knows that, showcasing as much in the latest volley of screens from Dead or Alive 5.

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5 screens aren't afraid to bust a gut or two

Dead or Alive 5 screens aren't afraid to bust a gut or two originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's what Ninja Gaiden 3's multiplayer looks like

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST

We know, we know -- the gallery below isn't quite a trailer showing off Ninja Gaiden 3's new multiplayer mode, but it is the first we've seen of the four vs four competitive slicer. Head past the break -- carefully -- to take a peek.

Continue reading Here's what Ninja Gaiden 3's multiplayer looks like

Here's what Ninja Gaiden 3's multiplayer looks like originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 leaps to retail in March 2012

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST

We've got good news and we've got bad news, folks. Let's start with the good: Ninja Gaiden 3 will arrive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next March, with a Wii U version to follow at some point after that. Team Ninja head Yosuke Hayashi told as much to a crowd of journalists in San Francisco this afternoon, according to our reporter on the ground.

Now, friends, the bad news: despite a new easy mode, and the notorious absence of a known masochist at the helm, we're still quite confident that Ninja Gaiden 3 is gonna be super duper hard. Like, way hard. Maybe you haven't played the other two? 'Cause they're both pretty hard games, guys.

Ninja Gaiden 3 leaps to retail in March 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 screens leave quite the mess

David Hinkle — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST

Ryu is pretty great at slashing and stabbing, this much we can all agree on. But who cleans up the mess afterward? Magical demon blood-scrubbing fairies? Would it kill you to pick up a mop every now and then, Hayabusa?

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden 3 screens leave quite the mess

Ninja Gaiden 3 screens leave quite the mess originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge to launch alongside Wii U

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:44:00 EST

As part of its financial results, Tecmo shared plans for its upcoming titles. As discovered by Andriasang, of particular interest is the company's launch plan for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge for Wii U, which is based on the Xbox 360/PS3 release. According to the presentation materials, Ryu Hayabusa's tablet-powered adventure will arrive alongside the Wii U launch, which is slated for sometime after April next year.

We can't be certain but - dismemberment or no - we're fairly confident that it will be the most violent title ever to launch with a Nintendo console.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge to launch alongside Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive 5 dishes out another round between Ryu and Hayate

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST

Team Ninja has released the second round of its pre-alpha Dead of Alive 5 showcase. The construction site becomes a destruction fight, with Ryu knocking poor Hayate right into an ongoing car crash. A vehicle hasn't been this useful since the Daytona car made it into Fighters Megamix.

Dead or Alive 5 dishes out another round between Ryu and Hayate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive 5 in development, heading to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:54:00 EST

There's a brand new Dead or Alive game in development, and it's heading to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Team Ninja head Yosuke Hayashi offered "a glimpse in the future" of the DOA franchise during tonight's TGS 2011 Tecmo event, during which he asked that we shut off all recording equipment (thus the lack of a thrilling image above).

In a teaser trailer of a pre-Alpha (read: very early) build of Dead or Alive 5, Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa faces off against rival Hayate on top of a brightly lit urban area -- perhaps the Shibuya digs we're currently writing this from? Hayashi teased dramatic new levels, and even went as far as to call the game "fighting entertainment," rather than "just a fighting game." (Note: It's a fighting game.)

Update: We've added the first teaser trailer above and a ... tantalizing image just after the break. Keep it cool, big guy!

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5 in development, heading to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012

Dead or Alive 5 in development, heading to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ninja Gaiden 3 screens will cut you in half

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

The Japanese website for Ninja Gaiden 3 has emerged from the inky blackness of the internet, brandishing a finely honed blade and silently moving through the night, all the while tossing shurikens and newly forged screenshots into our cerebral cortexes.

Continue reading New Ninja Gaiden 3 screens will cut you in half

New Ninja Gaiden 3 screens will cut you in half originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 will be compatible with PlayStation Move

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:20:00 EST

Ninja Gaiden 3's obsession with conveying the feel of a katana -- while it slices the flesh off a man's bones -- is now supplemented with another vicarious attack. What does it feel like when a glowing, squishy ball bounces off a skull?

Team Ninja has announced PlayStation Move support for the PS3 version of Ninja Gaiden 3, presumably enabling spirited swings and forceful bops in your offensive arsenal. Studio lead Yosuke Hayashi claims that it will "bring players even closer to the game's protagonist Ryu Hayabusa," which is a particularly unfortunate occurrence if you also happen to be a generic soldier, a demon, an evil ninja or ... anything that's alive, really.

Ninja Gaiden 3 is set to slice up PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners in early 2012. A Wii U version is also in the works.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden 3 will be compatible with PlayStation Move

Ninja Gaiden 3 will be compatible with PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 gameplay trailer has Ryu Hayabusa back at his old tricks

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST

For some folks, "old tricks" might mean smooth dancing moves, or a suave ability to hit on the ladies. For Ninja Gaiden 3's Ryu Hayabusa, it means flipping out and murdering people with a katana. Take a peek for yourself -- carefully! -- after the break.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden 3 gameplay trailer has Ryu Hayabusa back at his old tricks

Ninja Gaiden 3 gameplay trailer has Ryu Hayabusa back at his old tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Ryu looking at? Ninja Gaiden 3 screens!

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST

Famitsu has posted a handful of new screens from Tecmo's upcoming Ninja Gaiden 3. After the relatively tame affair that was Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, it looks like protagonist Ryu Hayabusa is back to doing what he does best, making a bloody mess. Andriasang reports that Ryu's right arm, which looks like it might be possessed, will have a "central role" in the game. Ryu will also gain new abilities such as wall climbing, as the story progresses.

Also, the article notes that Ninja Gaiden 3 is slated for a 2012 release on both PS3 and Xbox 360. Head over to Famitsu to take a gander at all the screens.

What Ryu looking at? Ninja Gaiden 3 screens! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 May 2011 03:00:00 EST

Tecmo Bowl Throwback, last year's retro-revival for PSN and XBLA, has been ported to iOS and was released today. iTunes lists the features of the $7.99 port as largely similar to the console game: 30 teams in all, two of which are All-Star squads with customizable rosters, plus Preseason, Season and All-Star game modes. The first two are standard football fare; All-Star mode allows players to pit the game's two All-Star teams against each other.

Early iTunes reviews suggest issues with older hardware, so it's probably something to keep in mind if you're looking to tap your way into the end zone. Also, it seems that the iOS port has no online multiplayer -- that's a fumble.

Continue reading Tecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS

Tecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Ninja Gaiden 3 loses the store, may add Move support

JC Fletcher — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:00:00 EST

Reports are coming in that the latest issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine is full of new info about Ninja Gaiden 3. NeoGAFfer RatedRSuperstar summarized the article, noting a few salient points about the Team Ninja sequel.

Reportedly, the difficulty level "won't be toned down for casual gamers," which means Team Ninja is making the game "more accessible" in a different way. In addition, it packs competitive and cooperative multiplayer, with at least one mode supporting up to eight players. There's also a possibility of Move support. The weapons store is gone, in favor of weapons that "upgrade over time."

According to RatedRSuperstar, "Blood is back" as well. Having seen the purported scans, that's an understatement. Imagine a ninja covered in melted Twizzlers.

[Thanks, Andreas!]

Rumor: Ninja Gaiden 3 loses the store, may add Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ninja Gaiden 3 has complex multiplayer mode, will be more accessible

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Ninja Gaiden 3 will feature some form of multiplayer gameplay, according to an interview in the April issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine. Project lead Yosuke Hayashi characterized the mode as "complex," but didn't offer a comparison to Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2's online co-op missions. He noted that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions would launch at the same time, unlike past iterations in the series.

Additionally, NG3 will supposedly be more accessible to new players, while retaining the challenge that fans have come to expect from the franchise. "We know that many fans feel good about the difficulty level, but we are taking a slightly different approach," Hayashi said. "It's not that the game is going to be easier -- nothing like that. It's just that we are trying to make a whole game, a more exciting game that can be enjoyed by anyone, but at the same time, hardcore gamers will be able to feel and appreciate what the series is about."

Hayashi said that the franchise's main character, Ryu Hayabusa, will be the only playable character this time around, and that the game's story "will focus more deeply on Ryu Hayabusa's life and lifestyle and feelings and thoughts." Our first question -- how does Ryu feel about ninja dogs? And, say, giant flaming armadillos? This stuff's important!

Ninja Gaiden 3 has complex multiplayer mode, will be more accessible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update]

Randy Nelson — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST

The artwork adorning the cover of Dead of Alive Dimensions for 3DS when it hits the US this May will look more or less like it did on the Japanese release, with one change: no inner-thigh.

Tecmo tells Joystiq that the ESRB found the original art (left) too racy because it showed too much of Kasumi's right leg. In response, the company's art department whipped up an alternate cover (right) with more, well ... coverage of the highly offensive area.

Whatever -- we'll still like this vetoed cover much better. Plus, it's completely leg-fee.

Update, March 24: In what seems like some backpedaling in order to make nice with the ESRB, Tecmo has told 1UP the following:

"[T]his whole thing is getting blown way out of proportion. The truth is that when we submitted the box art as-is from Japan, there were a few parties both internal and external who thought there might be some issue with the image. Nobody 'demanded' anything be changed, it was just pointed out. You have to pick your battles, and covering up that small bit of the image seemed to be harmless. Honestly, if you look at the comparisons between the Japanese and US box shots, it's not like the image loses anything after the edit.

"The ESRB has been very helpful working with us on recent projects. If the box art was something we felt really strongly about, we would have kept it as-is. But we just didn't really see the harm in editing it to make it appropriate for everyone involved."

[Image: aussie-nintendo]

Dead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC: Tecmo teases Ninja Gaiden 3 reveal for E3 2011

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:38:00 EST

Tecmo has released a new video to kick off this week's GDC festivities, and who better to deliver a kick than Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa? Yes, it's the first trailer for Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden 3, the first game in the series to be developed since the departure of former Gaiden guru, Tomonobu Itagaki.

Alas, the trailer doesn't offer up any gameplay, though fans will be happy to know that it's still replete with the sword-driven gore the series is known for. The video shows a bloody Ryu -- something we saw in the first Ninja Gaiden 3 teaser image -- stabbing ... well, stabbing the viewer from a first-person perspective. We'd like to think of it as a subtle metaphor for the series. Specifically, Ninja Gaiden 3 is going to kill you. A lot.

The video concludes with a note that the game will make an appearance at E3. Rest assured, we will be there.

Continue reading GDC: Tecmo teases Ninja Gaiden 3 reveal for E3 2011

GDC: Tecmo teases Ninja Gaiden 3 reveal for E3 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tecmo and Koei development groups reabsorbed into Tecmo Koei

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST

The amalgamated Tecmo Koei game development and publishing entity continues to evolve. A few months back, there was a CEO changeover. Today, the company announced that the parent company, Tecmo Koei Games, will absorb the two game development subsidiaries, known as Koei and Tecmo.

This might sound a little confusing, so we'll explain. Following the merger, according to Andriasang, Tecmo Koei spun off the game development arms of its two companies into two separate subsidiaries. Now it's bringing them back into the main company, under the management of Tecmo Koei Games -- which is itself under the umbrella of Tecmo Koei Holdings. The newly united-then-divided-then-reunited group will continue to develop games under both the Tecmo and Koei brand names.

Tecmo and Koei development groups reabsorbed into Tecmo Koei originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions preview: touch here to win

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST

What would you rather have: a faster framerate or 3D graphics? It's an interesting question that Dead or Alive Dimensions raises. After a few minutes playing with the 3D slider on and off, I found myself preferring the faster framerate. In a room crowded with 3D graphics, seeing a crisp, fast, smooth image was a refreshing change of pace. Running at 60 frames per second, Dimensions certainly looked like a fighter's fighter.

Although Tecmo is promising series veterans will find the fighting engine fully intact in Dimensions, it's interesting to see the drastic consolations made for casual gamers, specifically the interactive Move List. The bottom screen features a comprehensive list of character-specific combos, and simply touching the combo will perform it. Can you play an entire match this way? The answer, as I found out repeatedly, is yes.

In many ways, it felt like cheating, being able to instantly access some of the character's most demanding moves with a simple touch. There is some semblance of a handicap, as scrolling through the list to find a specific move is cumbersome. Thankfully, you can just tap a different move in the interim.

Gallery: Dead or Alive Dimensions (1/19/11)

Continue reading Dead or Alive Dimensions preview: touch here to win

Dead or Alive Dimensions preview: touch here to win originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions lets players double framerate by turning 3D effect off

Randy Nelson — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST

Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi has revealed in a chat with Famitsu (translated by the folks at Siliconera) that his crew's upcoming 3DS fighter, Dead or Alive Dimensions, will switch between 30 and 60 frames-per-second rendering based on whether players are using the handheld's 3D mode or not. It's a nice, if not entirely unexpected option, considering the 3DS hardware is always rendering the game at 60fps -- it's just 30fps per eye when in "3D mode."

There will undoubtedly be some who prefer the smoothness of 60fps gameplay over what should be a pretty nifty 3D effect. We think it would be a smooth move for more developers to offer this option in their 3D -- as in polygons, not the effect -- games on Nintendo's new system.

Dead or Alive Dimensions lets players double framerate by turning 3D effect off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions' touchscreen use, 'Chronicle Mode' revealed

JC Fletcher — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

We've been curious about how Team Ninja would adapt Dead or Alive for the 3DS's touchscreen. One implementation of the touch controls in Dimensions has been detailed, and it's a little weird.

According to a Famitsu.com feature about the game, you'll be able to display a list of moves on the bottom screen -- much like the "command lists" available in other fighters. The controller combinations required to pull off each move will be listed, but you'll also be able to just tap that move's name to launch it. While we're sure fighting game fans are reeling from this blasphemy, keep in mind it's a handheld fighting game and thus pretty much immune to concerns about tournament-level play.

Famitsu also introduced Dimensions' "Chronicle Mode," which serves as a tutorial while retelling the stories of previous DOA games -- presumably leaving out all those times every female character mysteriously got stranded on Zack Island for two weeks, during which they played volleyball, lounged on the beach, and received gifts of jewelry and bikinis.

Dead or Alive Dimensions' touchscreen use, 'Chronicle Mode' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tecmo Koei CEO quits, Koei founder steps up

JC Fletcher — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST

If there's anyone who knows about manipulating the balance of power, it's Kou Shibusawa, who created Koei's classic war games Nobunaga's Ambition and Romance of the Three Kingdoms -- and, in fact, created Koei in 1978, in partnership with his wife.

It turns out Shibusawa (real name Yoichi Erikawa) didn't need that tactical expertise to achieve the CEO position at Tecmo Koei Holdings, because he just inherited it when current CEO Kenji Matsubara left the company. According to Andriasang, Matsubara cited "personal reasons" for his departure, announced during a board meeting.

Matsubara's exit coincides with the release of Tecmo Koei's earnings for the period from April 1 through September 30. The company made 11.069 billion yen in sales ($136.48 million), 27.5% lower than last year. The report noted successful releases for Metroid: Other M and Quantum Theory, and that losses were due in part to the delay of Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll, and to investments for titles coming out in the next quarter -- which includes last week's Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage.

Tecmo Koei CEO quits, Koei founder steps up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions' first trailer is in hot pursuit

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST

No matter how many exploding bundles of wood Ayane rolls through, she just can't seem to escape Dead or Alive 1's Raidou. This first Dead or Alive Dimensions (3DS) gameplay trailer reminds us it's damn hard to shake a pursuer who's glowing red and clearly on PCP.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions' first trailer is in hot pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Heading to Tokyo for the annual game show later this month, but your handmade convention center itinerary is sadly lacking ideas for how to divvy up time? No worries -- Sega, Konami, Level-5, and Tecmo-Koei have announced their showings for TGS 2010!

The highlight of, well, all of the listings is Level-5's news of a playable Ni no Kuni for both Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3. Sure, Konami bringing Metal Gear Solid: Rising is kind of exciting -- we guess -- but we've got a mighty large soft spot for Studio Ghibli animation. Perhaps yours was cut out by Raiden's urge to slice, slice, slice? Head past the break for the complete list of games, broken down by publisher.

Continue reading Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups

Sega, Konami, Level-5 and Tecmo-Koei share TGS lineups originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

JC Fletcher — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST

A recent Metroid: Other M trailer promoted the game by taking us through the series' history. A Japanese TV commercial ties the game to the past even more directly, showing the original NES game morphing into Other M gameplay footage. The ad even goes so far as to declare this "a Famicom game with the latest technology," a tagline that also came up several times in the last Iwata Asks interview.

Meanwhile, the American commercial focuses on the "other M," as in: melodrama -- total melodrama. See the beautiful slow-motion, live-action TV spot unfold just below the Japanese ad after the break.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31

JC Fletcher — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:45:00 EST

The second game in Tecmo's odd "A Topsy Turvy Life" DSiWare series will be released on DSiWare on May 31, according to Tecmo's official Twitter account for the series. While the first game, Turvy Drops, was a falling block puzzle game, this one is a vertical shooter based on Star Force.

Like Turvy Drops, Turvys Strike Back is meant to be played with the DS upside down, such that the touch screen is on top. The player then uses the stylus to place enemies to try to defeat the shooter's protagonist. Maybe you should just watch the video after the break to make sense of it.

Continue reading Turvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31

Turvys Strike Back in an inverse DSiWare shmup on May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star

David Hinkle — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

It's quite the week for the DSi and Wii as far as downloadables go -- Bit.Trip Runner arrives on WiiWare today and EA, Tecmo Koei and Konami all offer solid titles for DSiWare. Oh, and you can finally get your hands on Looksley's Line Up, the interesting 3D DSiWare game from Nintendo. There's even a new Virtual Console game starring a certain hungry pink blob to check out!

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star

NintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Tecmo Bowl Throwback

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: X3F TV

There's a decent chance many gamers out there have passed judgment on Tecmo Bowl Throwback. If you've played any of the original titles, the decision has likely been made. For the rest of us, allow us to present the latest XBLA in Brief, where we take a look at the revamped classic. In short, Tecmo Bowl Throwback takes video game football and boils it down to the absolute basics. Pick a play, run it and hope for the best.

Check out the video above and see if it deserves your 800 ($10).

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Tecmo Bowl Throwback originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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