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Treasure: Sin And Punishment Coming To Virtual Console... In Japan
The fact that Japan gets Neo Geo games on the Virtual Console service starting in September is big news. Finally, a chance to play through Magician Lord again! What's even more potentially exciting is the just announced release of Treasure's Sin and Punishment: Successor to the Earth, originally released on the Nintendo 64 in Japan and China only.Does this mean Western gamers will finally have a chance to get their mitts on an English language release of the game? Just because something is released on the Wii Virtual Console in Japan in no way guarantees a release outside of that region.Regardless of that logical slap in the face, we remain hopeful that this import-only holy grail shooter will show up in our Shop Channel sooner rather than never. Cross your fingers. Cross everything.Upcoming Virtual Console Releases [Nintendo of Japan]

Wee Bundle: Jam Sessions Bundle Includes A Real Amp
Anyone still need convincing Jam Sessions on the DS is a must-buy? Song creation and Johnny Cash not enough for you? Behold. The Jam Sessions bundle. So called because it's bundled with a guitar amp. A real one, for when the DS speakers just will not cut it. Course it's not a full-sized one, as the whole bundle's only coming in at $69.99, but still, a small amp's better than no amp.Jam Sessions Perfomance Bundle [Gamestop, via Go Nintendo]

Retail: Rock Band, The Packaging
Just got back from watching Underdog at the Drive-In (fun time, bad movie) and I checked my email to discover this little set of treats: The official Rock Band packaging. Kinda like it. I hope they have a Special Edition version that comes with a bottle of Jack.galleryPost('rockbandpack', 4, 'Hot');

Clip: Professor Layton 2
Whoever decided that the Professor Layton movie will be live-action should be shot. Or at least severely beaten. OK, given a stern talking to. But still. Stupid call! Just look at this, the first trailer for the Professor Layton sequel on the DS. I could watch this for 93 minutes, rewind, then watch it again, provided the second viewing was in English and not this indecipherable moonspeak.

Reminder: Make the World, Win the World
You've got a long weekend. Plenty of free time! We've got a copy of World in Conflict to give away, but we don't want to just give it away. The RTS title was voted "Best Strategy Game" at this year's E3 and presents a "what if" the Soviet Union never collapsed. Here's the contest: Make a globe out of anything you like, but it must be an actual tangible World globe with countries and oceans and everything. The best globes will be selected by the big mean Kotaku editors, while Kotakuland will vote for the best finalist. The deadline for entries is next Thursday at midnight EST. Finalists will be announced that Friday, and the winner can decide if he/she/it wants the PC or the Xbox 360 version. Send all entries to kotakucontest@gmail with the subject line "Globe." Remember, you're not only winning a copy of World in Conflict, but also INTERNET FAME. World in Conflict [Official Site]

Paltry: DiRT Is Britain's PSN Consolation Prize
Americans, while you enjoy your long weekend and feast upon the PSN offerings Sony have lavished upon you, spare a thought for those less fortunate. Like the British. No EA Sports demos or Tekken 5 or Puzzle Fighter for them. No Jericho clips, no Heavenly Sword animated spots, not even a Bee Movie trailer. No, for Britain, they have a DiRT demo, and...that's it. DiRT's great, don't get me wrong! But SCEE, what are you doing? You on a hunger strike?DiRT demo on UK PSN [Eurogamer]

Something For Nothing: Gears Map Pack Free From September 3
The Hidden Fronts Map Pack for Gears of War now, right now, costs you money. Hold on for another few days and it'll cost you bupkis, with Microsoft announcing that come September 3 it'll be available as a free download. Included in the pack are the maps "Bullet Marsh", "Garden", "Process" and "Subway". Not only do these four maps bring added variety to your multiplayer smorgasbords, they each bring have their own backstory! "Subway", for example: Timgad 's Central Subway station used to serve as a central hub for commuters. Now the tunnels are crawling with Locust. Only thing better than a good multiplayer map is a good multiplayer map that places its existence within the context of the game universe. Click on through for the press release."Gears of War" Hidden Fronts Map Pack Available for Free Download from 3rd September 2007The most popular piece of downloadable content on Xbox LIVE Marketplace will be free of chargeLONDON - 31st August 2007 - With nearly 500,000 downloads...

Hyper Multi-tap: A Week In Comments Valhalla Edition (With Nomination/Ban Info)
Halo 3 Has Gone GoldComment by yashichi8bitNominated by DimipapaHalo 3?Never heard of it, what is it some sort of Christian rock band?Wonder Why Germany Bans GamesComment by FalconfireNominated by MorgothNominated by stummies1121America is one of the only countries in the world where violence in the media is acceptable, but nudity (no matter how innocent) is not. We even censor cable TV here, despite there being NO reason to censor it.In Europe its the opposite. You can watch what amounts to softcore porn on prime time TV there, but even excessive hitting of someone (like say a fight scene) is deemed too violent.Is it really any shock though? The US was formed by religious puritans who where judged too prudish by European standards (and persecuted for it), while Europe and Japan where exposed to the brutality of huge wars that saw thousands to millions of deaths on their own soil.Interesting enough, take a few guesses at what other nations allow violence on their TVs but ban...

Public Blood Bath: Simple 2000: The Japanese Hardware Chart
It's a miserable week for hardware sales across the Pacific as Japanese gamers shun hardware purchases in a major way. Only the Game Boy micro saw a jump in hardware sales week over week, with the Nintendo DS and Wii taking substantial drops. Surely, they're both doomed. Yes, quite doomed.This week's depressing hardware figures, via Media Create, are below. Please don't read them near open windows or train tracks. I don't want your blood on my hands.Nintendo DS Lite - 100,430Wii - 46,283PSP - 26,089PLAYSTATION 3 - 16,393PlayStation 2 - 15,139Xbox 360 - 2,044Game Boy micro - 423Game Boy Advance SP - 163:(

Day Note: Travels
To: BashcraftFrom: CrecenteRe: After being away from home for nearly two weeks I am finally nestled safely back in my cocoon at home. Leipzig was a blast, though I mean that purely in a work-12-hours-a-day-and-never-see-the-light-outside-of-a-hall sort of way. Don't get me wrong, I still had fun, but I just didn't really see much of Germany besides the train rides between hotel and convention center. I suspect TGS will be very much the same. It's too bad, because I do enjoy checking out other countries. Having grown up in Thailand, South Korea and lots o states in the U.S. I love to travel and love to explore. I am getting in a bit earlier to Tokyo, so maybe I'll get my chance. I haven't been there since, let see, 1982 I think. My first trip there was in the mid 70s. I suspect a lot has changed. Oh, do you think we should have a Kotaku party in Japan?What you missed:Auto Assault to Die Gruesome Death TonightFirst look at EA's Marvel Fighter tonight on Game HeadHaze Nixed for...

Go Time: Hey Japan, Here Come The Neo Geo VC Games
The Virtual Console has been largely kind to us so far. Largely. Some weeks are pretty awful, yeah, but some have been pretty special too, so in the end, we're aaaallll square. It's about to get a whole lot kinder! Least for Japan, with the initial lineup of Neo Geo games announced for the Japanese VC. Starting sometime in September, Fatal Fury, Magician Lord and WORLD HEROES will be rolled out. World Heroes? And here I was thinking prayers were never actually answered.Virtual Console [Nintendo Japan, via Wii Fanboy]

Thank You Overlords: New Google Earth Adds Easter Egg Flight Sim
The newest version of Google's 3D Earth mapping tool not only includes Google Sky, sure to be a hit with astronomy dorks, but it also contains a hidden flight simulator. Only two aircraft are currently available in Google Earth 4.2's flight sim (an F-16 jet fighter and the Cirrus SR22 prop plane) but there are plenty of airports and real world locations for one to fly around.Not a bad deal for zero dollars.Google Earth Flight Simulator [Marco's Blog via Google Blogoscoped]

Cuddle Party: Phoenix Wright 3 Pre-orderers Get Plushy
While Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations may be available right now, in English no less, in Japan and already in the hands of importers, the North American release gets a special bonus. No, I'm not referring to the sweet nectar of corrected typos from the Japanese release, but the pictured plush Phoenix that Capcom is giving away to those who pre-order the Nintendo DS game. It's perfect for squeezing, looking at, placing near you when you solve cases and general bragging rights.Just think of the dust this thing will collect and the females it will frighten as it sits upon the shelves of those too old to own and publicly display these sorts of things. As Capcom staffers write, it will be available with pre-purchases made via Gamestop and the official Capcom online store.New Ace Attorney Pre-Order Plush Exclusive! [Capcom Unity]

Tequila Time: Stranglehold For PS3, PC Pushed Back One More Time
Yes, the Xbox 360 version has "gone gold" and should meet its previously scheduled release date, but it appears the Curse of John Woo has once again forced Midway to push back Stranglehold for the PLAYSTATION 3 and the PC one (hopefully) final time. According to the latest schedule from the Stranglehold publisher, the Xbox 360 version is hitting on September 5th, with the PC version shipping a couple of weeks later, and the PS3 picking up the rear on the 25th. Good thing nothing else of importance is shipping that day. Wait, I'm double checking my calendar. Oh. Oh my. That's not good.No big deal. We PS3 gamers are certainly used to waiting for the Xbox 360's hand-me-downs. I suppose the promise of the Blu-ray version of Hard Boiled will make the wait much easier.

Mega Man Somethingorother: Capcom's TGS Line-Up To Reveal Three New Titles
With Tokyo Game Show just around the corner, publishers have begun to show off their upcoming wares at private events and with the launching of official web sites. Capcom's own dedicated TGS online presence went live today, revealing a good portion of what it plans to show at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The current line up looks like this:Devil May Cry 4 (Xbox 360, PS3)We Love Golf! (Wii)Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)Sengoku Basara 2 HEROES (PS2)Mega Man Star Force 2 (DS)Wantame Music Channel Doko Demo Style (DS)Oh no. Are our hopes of getting hands-on time with Resident Evil 5 dashed against the Rockman rocks? Probably. But with three titles still to be revealed over the next few days and weeks, hopefully Capcom will bring some big guns to the show. I've got twenty zenny on Steel Battalion II showing up in full force for the Xbox 360 with a 1,240 button controller/living room.Capcom TGS2007

Polygonal Purge: Dojo Dump: Worst Week Ever
Thank baby Jesus and the Buddha and Miyamoto himself that I didn't stay up until the wee hours F5ing the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl web site because it was a total snoozer. No new character reveals, not a single picture of Zero Suit Samus, with only WarioWare nods to keep us interested. Get your double cappuccinos handy, prop up your eyelids with matches and try to remain conscious during this week's Dojo Dump.Monday: The second most exciting update, about Superspice Curry, was really only interesting due to fleeting moments of hunger.Tuesday: Assist trophy Andross and the Four Special Move Types are revealed starring Meta Knight.Wednesday: The Pokmon Trainer gets a run down of his Special Moves.Thursday: The act of Gliding, featuring Pit, is detailed.Friday: The awesome WarioWare stage is shown confirming that everything WarioWare related is indeed awesome.Zzzzzz... *mumble* Wuzzat? What the fuck is going on? What are you doing here? Zzzzzz...

Mmo Rip: Auto Assault To Die Gruesome Death Tonight
As we reported back in June, NetDevil's vehicular combat MMO Auto Assault is closing its virtual garage doors forever. In just a few hours from now, the MMO will be nothing more than a memory for its fans. The NCsoft team promises a "wild, crazy event tonight" and hints at some nice bonuses for those who log on for one last hurrah. Some lucky Auto Assault players will even receive a "parting gift" that will include a chance to play other NCsoft titles such as Tabula Rasa and City of Heroes. Not a bad way to see off a friend.Festivities kick off at 9 PM Central Time, ending at midnight, and are scheduled to include "all sorts of nutty things." Have fun, guys. Rest in peace, Auto Assault.Auto Assault News [Official Site]

Clips: Haze Developer Play-Through
There is much disagreement about whether Haze is just another shooter with a neat story line or a truly unique experience with asymmetric fighting, that disagreement holds true for those at Kotaku Towers as well. Personally, I think that the game is unique on many levels, least of which is that it uses game play mechanics to reinforce the message in the storyline, which I think is pretty amazing. Mark, he falls in the other camp. Check out this video to help develop your own crazy opinions.

Numbers Game: Simple 2000: The Late Japanese Software Chart
You just can't stop the Musou train from charging into the number one spot in this week's (late, sorry) Japanese software sales charts from Media Create. The hack and slash expansion from Koei just narrowly beat out the next Final Fantasy original title for the Nintendo DS. I'm sure we can all chalk it up to the Crystal Chronicles curse.The four-title rush of brand new games kicked out the PLAYSTATION 3's former top ten citizen, Hot Shots Golf 5. I wonder if Musou series developer Omega Force will be able to get its own top ten showing with the next-gen hack 'n slash Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War for next week's chart. Any bets?01. Sengoku Musou 2 Moushouden (PS2) - 182,484 / NEW02. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS) - 177,845 / NEW03. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 3 - Best Price! (DS) - 56,787 / NEW04. Mario Party 8 (Wii) - 48,803 / 665,00005. My Housekeeping Diary (DS) - 23,678 / 146,00006. Dragoneer's Aria (PSP) - 23,617 / NEW07. SD Gundam G Generation...

PS3: LocoRoco PS3 More Screensaver Than Game?
IGN is reporting that the Playstation 3 version of LocoRoco won't be a game as much as a screensaver. I'm not sure why they're saying that, because their description of the game sounds just like the PSP version of the game.LocoRoco Cocoreccho! will include more than 200 of the singing critters on screen at once. To play the interactive screensaver gamers will use the tilt function of their SIXAXIS controller to gather up all of the blobs and shoot them through the level, just like in the PSP game, but with motion control.The game will also include three mini-games, online ranking boards and a time attack ranking. The game is set for a Sept. 21 release in Japan.Interactive screensaver with more than 200 Loco Rocos to play with [IGN]

Xbox 360: Xbox Live Fire Sale
Larry Hyrb points out that Microsoft is slashing prices on four Xbox Live titles starting Sunday and ending Monday night. The Live fire sale cuts Small Arms, Zuma Deluxe, Gauntlet and Dig Dug prices in half starting 12:00 a.m. GMT on Sunday, September 2 and continuing until 11: 59 p.m. GMT on Monday, September 3.Hit the jump for the list of games, description and prices.Small Arms - 400 Microsoft Points (normally 800 Microsoft Points)Easy to pick up but hard to put down, "Small Arms" is a frantic multiplayer action game with the feel of an arcade shooter.Zuma Deluxe- 400 Microsoft Points (normally 800 Microsoft Points)Explore more than 20 realms in Adventure mode and put your skills to the test in this fast-paced puzzle game.Gauntlet - 200 Microsoft Points (normally 400 Microsoft Points)The original dungeon crawler lets four adventurers explore and fight together as a warrior, valkyrie, wizard, and elf.Dig Dug - 200 Microsoft Points (normally 400 Microsoft Points)Experience...

Rhythm Game: What Are You Playing This Weekend?
Having just returned from Germany last night, freshly ill from too little sleep, I'm most likely going to be playing a Circadian rhythm game with my mind and body. Presumably, I'll get back in the groove just in time to go to Tokyo and muck it all up again. In the digital world, I'll be playing some Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and possibly even a little Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix online. I'll be getting my ass kicked, of course, as I've never been that good at the game.That's it for this week's purchases, but my LA pals have our weekly Geek Night next Thursday, giving me a chance to finally check out the final version of Lair. I expect much bitching about the SIXAXIS. I'm off to cough my guts out, but before I depart, I have to ask; what are you playing this weekend?

Drinking And Gaming: VGXPO Visits PAX
You can't have a highly successful gaming convention without the competition showing up to hawk their own ghettoized version of your event, especially when you're a show as big as PAX. Not only were E for All reps there handing out glow sticks, further strengthening the link with raver culture we thought we were kidding about, but the Seattle convention received a special visit from VGXPO executive director Ed Fleming, the very figure of grace and charm. According to the PA folks, Fleming was on hand posing as a member of the press, taking pictures of the exhibit halls and gaming rooms, interviewing PAX volunteers about how the show is run, and trying to sell his Philadelphia-based convention to the vendors on the show floor. Quite a piece of work, eh? Well it gets better. Late Friday evening at the convention, event coordinator Amber was called down to the convention center lobby to help a couple of volunteers with an unruly guest who was giving them a hard time. The drunk,...

Free Games: Ubisoft Titles Go Free On Fileplanet
Are you a PC gamer who's never tried Far Cry, Rayman's Raving Rabbids or Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time? Well today all four games have shown up on FilePlanet, completely free of charge for subscribers to the service. Well, not exactly completely free. They are all now in convenient as supported form, meaning you'll get a healthy dose of marketing along with your free game, but hell, these are some pretty awesome titles to get for the low, low price of watching a few commercials. Not sure if this is a temporary deal or what, as Ghost Recon was up there as well but the link is now not working, so you might need to hop on this ASAP. Raving Rabbids on FilePlanetFar Cry on FilePlanetPrince of Persia on Fileplanet - Thanks to Mascott for finding these, and if they go away, blame him!

Heart Of Gold: Ken Levine, Nice Person. Too Nice?
Know this: Weekend Editor Flynn De Marco is really nice. Probably the nicest person here at Kotaku! (The rest of us are horribly mean bastards.) So when Flynn says someone else is nice that probably means that they are extremely nice — too nice, even! And according to Flynn, BioShock creator person Ken Levine is, well, nice. I had the great pleasure of meeting Ken Levine at E3 and a nicer guy you will never meet. He emailed me with his support during the time of our site hack and when I saw him again at the BioShock launch party he treated me like an old friend and even introduced me to his lovely wife... When I spoke to him, the poor guy was supposed to be on vacation, basking in the knowledge that he had just put many years of work to rest and that people were loving it. Instead, he's scrambling around trying to satisfy the needs of some vocal, angry gamers. He did admit that the PC issues were something that shouldn't have happened and he has done everything in...

Widescreen: Fire Emblem Doesn't Only Get New Name
Localization tweaks are fascinating. Take Wii title Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn, which was released in Japan this past February. When it gets a North American release this November, the game will be retitled Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. No surprises there! Nintendo had previously announced that it was not going to use Goddess of Dawn in the title, begging the question why? The good news is that the game is getting 16:9 support — something the Japanese version doesn't have. Name Change for Fire Emblem [Siliconera]

First Look: First Look At EA's Marvel Fighter Tonight On Game Head
Can EA Chicago's Marvel Comics character fighting game succeed where Rise of the Imperfects failed? Tonight we'll get a chance to start forming an opinion on that matter as Spike TV's Game Head runs a special segment tonight featuring the world's first look at the game. Smash! Boom! Plat! It's another huge Game Head World Exclusive! Tonight, EA Chicago pulls back the curtains on its new Marvel Fighting Game for the first time anywhere. See Juggernaut versus Captain America and so much more! And watch as EA puts Game Head host Geoff Keighley right in the middle of the action. From the team behind the Def Jam and Fight Night titles, EA Chicago brings massive destruction and whole hearted fun to the next generation.Apparently they've put Keighley into the game, complete with facial mapping and voice overs. Completely not fair. Where's my custom Crecente character that an summon birds from his clothing? Hit up Spike TV's website for scheduled times near you.

Tree Waggler: Wii Less Likely To Reduce Planet To Polluted Wasteland
I often wonder, when I get up in the middle of the night to eat a cookie and a tall, cool glass of milk, just how much power my various consoles use. Mainly because when I walk past my entertainment unit in the dark it looks like a pack of beady, red-eyed sewer rats are huddled together, staring me down until I retreat to my bedroom. Dean Takahashi has the answer to my question: using a device called a Kill A Watt, he measured just how much power his consoles (and a whole bunch of other household junk) used up. The results are...predictable. The 360: 194 watts. The PS3: 171 watts. The Wii: 17 watts. He doesn't say whether that's because it's power-conscious or because he hasn't turned the thing on in six months, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the former. You should check out the whole article, and learn why you should leave your toaster unplugged at all times.Takahashi: Find out how green your home is with this [Mercury News, Registration Required]

Clips: Mafia 2 Trailer
Illusion Softworks has the 50's mobster setting nailed. The trailer for Mafia II has everything you could wish for in a mob game. A chatting at a diner scene where the mob boss propositions our protagonist, who looks a hell of a lot like a young Brando. Guns firing out of car windows. A guy begging for his life to no avail. It even has the requisite humorous body in the trunk scene. Set it all to some awesome music and you've got a trailer fit for a Don.

Put An Eye Out: Doki Doki Mouse Pad Invites Suggestive Poking
Doki Doki Majo Shinpan mouse pads aren't only out, but available for some serious "testing." The SNK witch touching game hit DSes a while back and noteworthy for being the closest thing to an erotic game the DS has seen. And this mouse pad? Well, it has jubblies for you to rest your wrist (like mouse pads do). This Akihabara had a small sign which read in English:Touch Free!There was also a DS touch pen for, well, touching (poking?). A picture display guided along those who still didn't geddit. Like us. Doki Doki Mouse Pad [Akiba Blog]

Books: Warhammer Online Novelized
Games Workshop has always been about creating a rich back story for their game worlds. Their publishing arm, BL Publishing, releases a new Warhammer or Warhammer 40K novel every month, so it comes as no surprise that they announce Empire in Chaos, the first novel in a series of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning novels, coming in early 2008. Written by GW author Anthony Reynolds, it will follow the story of one Annaliese Jaeger, whose village is destroyed by mutants, causing her to form a party with an elf, a dwarf, and a grizzled With Hunter to turn back the tides of darkness. If I were writing a novel based on an MMO the dwarf wouldn't be able to pull worth a damn, people would die and come back to life every five pages, and the elf would be AFK the entire book, coming in only at the end to argue over loot. EA AND BL PUBLISHING ANNOUNCE NOVEL BASED ON HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WARHAMMER ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONINGFirst Novel in New Series Explores Depth of the Fantasy MMORPG Game WorldCHERT...

Take These Broken Windows: Vista Update Coming, Whining Expected To Lessen
Microsoft have announced that early next year Vista is going to be getting its first serious update since launch. The majority of the fixes involve boring things that we will not discuss here, but some of it relates to PC gaming. A Microsoft rep has told GI: As developers harness the new graphics capabilities in Windows Vista, some changes in how Windows Vista manages video memory have resulted in sporadic issues in graphically taxing games with high-end video cards. In other words, Vista can't use virtual memory anywhere near as well as XP could, and on new games with fast graphics cards your PC will most likely quit on you. Expect that to be fixed as part of this pack. Until then? Seems there's an untested "hotpatch" on offer, but if that doesn't sound tempting we're all out of fresh luck today, sir.Vista update should address gaming issue [Gamesindustry]

Rumor: Haze Nixed for PC, 360?
Ubisoft says that Free Radical's first-person shooter Haze is now being planned for the Playstation 3 only, according to Gamespot.This comes after Haze went from a multiplatform game to the PS3 being the "lead platform." Today Ubisoft told Gamespot that "currently no other versions in development, and although it was still leaving the door open in the future for "new partnerships," currently the game is indeed only planned for the PS3."The official statement on the PC and 360 versions of the game is that they are no longer confirmed. The Free Radical, Haze and Ubi websites now only list the PS3 version of the game. Contacted this morning about the news by Kotaku, Free Radical said they couldn't comment.

Hollywood: Kane & Lynch Movie Script a Go
IGN Movies reports that Lions Gate has script in hand for their upcoming adaptation of Kane & Lynch. The script, they report, was penned by screenwriter Kyle Ward, a relatively new writer whose only previous work is a yet to be produced film called Fiasco Heights which he sold to Michael Bay's production company.Ward's script beat out a rival screenplay being written by Jieho Lee and Bob DeRosa. The story will follow the game's plot, which follows the bloody antics of mercenary Kane and psychopath Lynch in a bid for revenge against a cover ops organization.Kane & Lynch Scoop! [IGN Movies, via Rotten Tomatoes]

Giant Miyamoto Face: Yes, Miyamoto Likes Phantom Hourglass
Screw critics and consumers. What does Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto think about The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass? That guy is a perfectionist and no doubt would come down hard on something that wasn't quite up to par. The game's producer Eiji Aonuma dishes:Of course, he checked the fundamental parts at the beginning. Then, I asked him to play an almost finished version. Some time later he called me and all he said was that it was fun and he thought it'd sell well.Whew! Good, because the last thing you want to do is piss off Miyamoto. He'll eat you!Big Phantom Hourglass Interview [VGB]

Pity: Wii's Online Guitar Hero Looking Decidedly Shaky
Wasn't too long ago we were told that the Wii's Guitar Hero would feature online. Both online play and downloadable content. In fact, it was April. Now, in August, things aren't looking so set in stone. RedOctane's Bryan Lam has told BBPS that, uh, maybe they needed to see how much of a dog's breakfast the Wii's online setup was before making promises: ...we're working closely with Nintendo for an online solution, though at the moment we're unable to confirm the status of the online multi-player. Following up with Lam, BBPS reports that this also applies to downloadable content. Shame. That doesn't sound promising at all, and would leave the Wii version looking more than a little gimped.Guitar Hero III may be online, but will it be "Nintendo" online? [BBPS]

Night Note: I Think The Computer Is Melting My Eyes (Yours Okay?)
To: CrecenteFrom: BashcraftLike you, I sit in front of the computer for hours on end. Let's say I get on the computer at 9am. By the time I finish blogging or w/e by 9 or 10pm, my eyes are mess. Blurry vision and dry, dry eye balls. Do you experience this? Should I use eye drops? I think it might be because I wear contacts, and I probably should get glasses for when I'm blogging (to let the ol' eyes breathe). I don't really get headaches or whatnot, but man, my eyes get really really tired...What you missed last night Kaz says the best is yet to comeSEGA game will wreck your relationshipLuke has an EliteGiant Jeff Bell talks MGS and FFBlame SonicOH! We have kicked off another contest. Globes are involved! I love globes.

Accessories: 360 Messenger Kit, Halo 3 Accessories Hit Next Week
The Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers and Headset and the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit both hit on Sept. 4, Microsoft announced today.The wireless controllers, which feature Covenant Brute and Master Chief art by Todd McFarlane, sell for $60 a pop. The Spartan green and gold wireless headset also sells for $60. The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit includes a backlit Chatpad that pops on to the bottom of your controller and a special headset that attaches to it. The two sell for $30, which seems like a pretty great price to me.galleryPost('ha', 4, 'Halo 3 Accessories');

Sponsors: Sponsors Thanks
Our hair has grown so long! We must use bits of string to tie our locks up, keeping them out of our eyes. It's hair to work with hair in your eyes! We so need a haircut. Good thing our Sponsors have scissors. Good thing we have Sponsors. This week Kotaku was keep lookin' sharp by California Lottery, Flavorpill, Good Luck Chuck, GWEN, Pentax, Sonos, TiVo, Verizon, World in Conflict, VW and Zune. Now, onto the hairgel!Interested in advertising with Kotaku? Click here to find out how.

Fat Dominatrix In Thong: Fable 2 "Nowhere Near Finished"
Fable 2 is a big game. And big games take time. But Peter Molyneux has been talking about Fable 2 for a while now, so that probably means it's almost done by now. No, not even close. But it's supposed to be out in 2008, we say. Lionhead Studios community liaison Sam Van Tilburgh reports:It's nowhere near finished. Think about that for a second. It is not finished. So yes, the game will look at least a gazillion times better than anything you've seen of Fable 2 so far. Anyone doubting that for a split second deserves a kick in the butt. Compared to some other games, Fable 2 is graphically going to be a Masterpiece. We are talking about vast and expansive outdoor locations, with added night and day cycle with realistic lighting effects that dynamically change the environment around you. There will be uber-detailed textures and lighting on up to fifty character models on screen, all of which will cast a dynamic shadow of themselves on that same environment. There is a physics...

Clip: When Gaming And Amatuer Wrestling Collide
Pro wrestling? Eeehhhhhh. Little too "manly" for my liking. But amatuer wrestling? Love it. Love the enthusiasm, love the humour, love the fact there are this many gaming-themed wrestlers out there. Especially ones with special moves like "Contra Code" and "Insert Cartridge".Filed At MTV News: Pro Wrestlers Who Use The "Contra Code" And The Power Glove In The Ring -- Really! [MTV]

Not Raining, But Pouring: PlayStation Store MEGA UPDATE (Demos, Trailers)
Sure, you read that Tekken 5 was available for download. Puzzle Fighter, too. Think that's the last of the PlayStation store updates for today? No way, Sony have gone DOWNLOAD CRAZY. Three demos are also now up: Tiger Woods 2008, All-Pro Football 2K8 and NASCAR 08. Don't like sports? There's some Heavenly Sword vids (the latest animated episode and the making of the latest animated episode), a Folklore trailer, a Jericho trailer and movie trailers for Beowulf and...Bee Movie. OK, so that's not DOWNLOAD CRAZY, more like...a somewhat generous offering.What's New in the PLAYSTATION Store? [PlayStation.Blog]

Regarding FFVII: Kaz Hirai Says the "Best" Is Yet to Come
To celebrate ten years of Final Fantasy VII and stir longings for a FFVII remake, Square Enix held a Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition is on display until September 2nd in the Spiral Garden and features original art and illustrations for Final Fantasy VII and its spin-offs. Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai was also in appearance and wrote an English note on the message board (above), which reads: Congratulations on 10 fantastic years! The best is yet to comeIf by "best," he means more spin-offs, then no thanks. But if he means "best" by a big ol' FFVII remake, then I just might agree. Though, he could be talking about FFXIII or just in general. Who knows? Kaz does! galleryPost('finalfantasy7exhibitgallery', 8, 'FFVII Stuff');FFVII Anniversary [Game Watch Impress]

Bottles Are Better: This Fall, Drink FFVII Crap in Tinnies
The best thing about last year's Final Fantasy potion was not the potion. The potion was gross. The best thing was the blue bottle it came in! This October, the FF Potion is back, but those blue bottles are gone. (There is a special phallic one, though!) Partnering with beverage maker Suntory, Square Enix is releasing Final Fantasy VII Potion in tin cans that feature character artwork. Collectible tin cans! That's sooooooo early 1990's. There's also cans bundled with TRADING ARTS mini figures out in November; these cans will have slightly different art. Still, they are tin cans! And tin cans are blergh. FF Stuff [IT Media]

Regarding FFVII: Kaz Says the "Best" Is Yet to Come
To celebrate ten years of Final Fantasy VII and stir longings for a FFVII remake, Square Enix held a Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition is on display until September 2nd in the Spiral Garden and features original art and illustrations for Final Fantasy VII and its spin-offs. Sony Computer Entertainment honcho Kaz Hirai was also in appearance and wrote an English note on the message board (above), which reads: Congratulations on 10 fantastic years! The best is yet to comeIf by "best," he means more spin-offs, then no thanks. But if he means "best" by a big ol' FFVII remake, then I just might agree. Though, he could be talking about FFXIII or just in general. Who knows? Kaz does! galleryPost('finalfantasy7exhibitgallery', 8, 'Gallery Name');FFVII Anniversary [Game Watch Impress]

Rip: R.I.P. Paul Anderson
Paul Anderson, a Game Informer staffer who had been with the magazine since 1992, has passed away following a six-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease). He leaves behind a wife and two children, and was 38 years old. Our thoughts are with Paul's family and the Game Informer team at this time. Rest in Peace.Paul Anderson, Long Time Game Informer Member, Passes [Game Informer]

Bizarre: Nothing Says Concept Car More Than Xbox 360 Dashboard
See that? Look closer. That's an Xbox 360 in the dashboard. You're looking at the winner of the Peugot International design comeptition winner. The Flux concept design, created by Romanian student Mihai Panitescu, was picked from over 4,000 entries. will get a full scale model at September's Frankfurt Auto as well as inclusion in Project Gotham Racing 4. Says Martyn Chudley from developer Bizarre Creations:We were impressed with the innovative and the extreme car designs submitted; We hope that Mihai Panaitescu will be excited when he sees The Flux faithfully created on the Xbox 360.Imagine how Mihai will feel when he sees the Xbox 360... Ah, forget it. Neat design and congrats!More Pics [Jalopnik]

Those Bastards: America Will Never Get Pokemon Gerbil Cages
In Japan, Pokémon is on everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Not true in the USA! Good luck finding things like Pokémon curry or Pokémon wonton soup in the States. Why is that? Why?! Over-exposre has led Pokémon USA to be way more selective. Says the company's Holly Rawlinson:We get requests for all kinds of products, but now we turn a lot down.Turned down products include diapers and gerbil cages. Yes, Pokémon USA turned down Pokémon gerbil cages. What the hell are those people thinking? Poké gerbil cages are a GOLD MINE. Pokemon is Back [NY Times via ANN]

You Are Gold: Yeah, Quake Wars Is Gold
Quake Wars! One day I think you're already out, the next, I think you're still months away. It's one of those games. Always hearing about it, never seeing it on a shelf. Activision just let us know that it is coming, and is coming soon, with the game having just gone gold. Expect to be battling the Strogg on mega-textured maps on September 28 if you're in Europe or Australia, or October 2 if you're in North America. Press release saying everything I just said but with over-enthusiastic quotes follows.August 31, 2007 - The ultimate online team and objective-based multiplayer experience is locked and loaded! id Software and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for Windows PC has gone gold and will be available in retail outlets in Europe and Australia on September 28, 2007 and on North American store shelves beginning October 2, 2007. Developed by Splash Damage, the prequel to the futuristic wars in the QUAKE II storyline pits the...