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Tgs07: Rez, Every Extend Extra, Ikagura on XBLA in Early 2008
My first appointment of the day took me out of the convention center and over to the plush New Otani Hotel for a meeting with Microsoft's Chris Early about XBLA and Games for Windows LIVE. No sooner had I sat down than a contrller was put in my hand and I was faced with the task of playing Ikaruga. Now, I had never played it before and while it was a cool game I found it a bit difficult with all the flipping of ship colors and collecting colored power ups, especially on a first try. I could definitely see how it could be a fun game after a bit of practice and the visuals were quite nice. Players of the original version of the game who were present at the time agreed that the visuals were head and shoulders above the original. We also took a look at Every Extend Extra Extreme which we had seen at our earlier visit to Q Entertainment. Much to everyone's delight, Mr. Early confirmed that Rez, Every Extend Extra and Ikagura would be available for the US market in the first calendar...

Double Nagoshi Face: Yakuza 3 "Planned," Yakuza 2 "Thinking About"
Ryu Ga Gotoku arrived on Western shores as the dubbed Yakuza. PS2 title Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 didn't. Now with the third Ryu Ga Gotoku, a period game, is slated for PS3s next Spring, the question remains: Will North America and PAL territories see a release? Will it get a PS2 or PSP release? Says SEGA fashion plate-slash-game producer Toshihiro Nagoshi:We're thinking of giving Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 an international release.What form will that take (PSP or PS2), who knows? But a source close to SEGA said Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 is "planned," but "not confirmed."

Tgs07: DualShock 3 Rumble Hands-On
I just came back from playing around with the new rumblerific DualShock 3 controller.It's funny how you don't realize how much you miss a thing sometimes until it returns. I knew that shooters on the PS3 sometimes felt a little off, but I typically adjusted pretty quickly and it didn't bother me. But playing through a new level of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (pure awesomeness) with vibration on, I realized just how much I missed the vibration of a machine gun or occasional kick of a handgun. The vibration is nothing special, nothing that you haven't always had in the Xbox 360 controller, but it sure is nice that Sony has finally gotten with the times.As you can tell from my pics, one crisp, one not so much, the only external difference is the appearance of the words "DualShock 3" on the front edge of the controller.I also noticed that the controller now has a much more solid feel. Before the PS3 controller felt hollow, almost toy-like, now it has the heft of the Xbox 360 controller...

: R U Ready for Halo 3?
Interviews for Halo 3, no Rs necessary.

Tgs07: The List Of PS3 Games That Support The DualShock 3
Sony has officially announced one of its worst kept secrets, the vibrating SIXAXIS controller for the PLAYSTATION 3 known as the DualShock 3. Also announced at TGS was that a number of PS3 games already support the new controller and that already released titles, such as MotorStorm, Resistance: Fall of Man and Warhawk, would be compatible with the accessory after a software update. Hit the jump for a list of the games confirmed to support the DualShock 3.LIST OF PLAYSTATION3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK3 IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPEAs of September 20th, 2007The Darkness 2K GamesEnemy Territory: Quake Wars ActivisionSoldier of Fortune ActivisionBIOHAZARD 5 CAPCOMDevil May Cry 4 CAPCOMN-Cube Creat StudiosWarbit Creat StudiosDark Sector D3 PUBLISHERTurok Disney InteractiveHighlander EidosKane & Lynch: Dead Men EidosBurnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTSFIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTSLegendary: The Box GamecockTo End All Wars GhostlightRAGE id SoftwareWarDevil -...

Tgs07: PlayStation Store Coming To PCs
Kaz Hirai's opening keynote for Tokyo Game Show featured plenty of announcements, but one that should interest PSP owners is that Sony has announced a version of the PlayStation Store accessible by PCs. The store is now live for Japanese gamers, featuring downloads like original PlayStation One games for the PSP, bypassing the need for a PLAYSTATION 3 with which to download content.While the PlayStation Store is already live in Japan, it's restricted to that region only, so navigating it will be a challenge or impossibility for those in Europe and North America.PlayStation Store [Playstation.jp]

Tgs07: Halo 3 Sitdown and New Peter Jackson Details
I have never played a Halo game. Of the last few generations of consoles, the only one I haven't owned is the Xbox. I live in Japan, so there. Who better then to go attend a private session with the game? (I really am excited about playing Halo 3. Really. I'm pre-ordering tonight.)Heading up the show were Jonty Barnes, head of production at Bungie, and Jay Weinland, "Sound Monkey" (or if you prefer, sound designer), the whole proceedings taped for Gametrailers.com (you may see a few questions from me). There wasn't anything new that most readers here, reservation ticket in hand, don't probably know. Oh, I know how it ends, but you'll just have to wait to find out for yourself.A few things though. Downloadable content from Bungie? They'll wait for a while, see how the player-generated content created through Forge works out, but expect some official downloads down the line. Easter eggs and stuff to do after you've gone through the storymode once? Play co-op, as it opens all...

Breaking: Remote PS3 Power On Coming to PSP
During his brief TGS keynote today Kaz Hirai demonstrated the ability to turn your Playstation 3 on over the Internet using the Playstation Portable. The new feature will be hitting the portable in a future firmware update.The update will also add the ability to put your PS3 to sleep remotely.Other Remote Play Applications shown during the keynote included the ability to use the PSP as a second screen for Formula 1 Racing and using multiple PSPs as PS3 controllers. In the future it looks like that PS3s will be able to connect to each other to view multimedia on remote consoles, with multiple PSPs acting as PLAYSTATION 3 controllers.

Tgs07: Metal Gear Solid 4 Hands On Gallery
galleryPost('mgs4ho', 4);The story behind the snaps: We were briefed by a random white dude in a colonel's uniform yelling in Japanese, there was some kind of traitor/intruder who was promptly shot, and then we were loosed upon it.

Breaking: Sony Confirms, Details SIXAXIS Rumble
Sony Computer Entertainment today confirmed news that we first broke back at E3, rumble is indeed returning to the Playstation in the form of a SIXAXIS rumble stick.Kaz Hirai formerly announced the DualShock 3 during his keynote Thursday morning. There will be no other changes to the outward appearance of the new controller.The new DualShock 3 is planned to ship in Japan this November, US and Europe in Spring 2008. No price is available today, but the new controller will be on hand, playable in echochrome, Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted, Devil May Cry 4, Toy Home, Metal Gear Online and more. In total, ten titles currently support the DualShock 3.Hirai also said that dozens of other titles will support the DualShock 3, including just about everything going forward. It also appears some older titles might game support.

Breaking: Home Delayed Until Spring 08
Kaz Hirai today announced that Sony Computer Entertainment is delaying the release of the Playstation Home until the spring of 2008. He told reporters that the team wanted to spend more time developing the user interface platform.

Day Note: Drunk With Power
To: The Japanese ContingentFrom: FaheyRe: No time for Night Notes, Dr. Jones Day 3. The gaming news have begun to accept me as one of their own. They've started to leave me alone with their young while they go out to hunt for life-sustaining readers. I'd like to thank you guys for giving me a hand running Faytaku today. It was really nice to see someone else's name popping up when I refreshed the page, and I think my readers really appreciate the fresh perspective you fellows in Japan provide. Incidentally, next time they hold the world's largest gaming trade show, could you maybe get them to schedule it so it doesn't leave me here writing a gajillion Halo 3 posts a day? You might want to bring Ashcraft along so he can translate. What you missed: The Future Of Nintendo Power Is FutureMicrosoft Doesn't Ban Anyone, Film At ElevenPS3 Rumbles Again At TGSFamitsu Loves Halo 3Death Metal Tribute To The WitcherWhat MGS4 Trailer Embargo?And don't forget your own excellent pre-TGS coverage,...

First: Metal Gear Solid 4: First Impressions
Background information: I hate Metal Gear. Too much sneaking, too much fuss, too much tension for my liking. Which is why it's so amazing that I just played metal Gear Solid 4, and found it...amazing. For starters, it's busy. This isn't a secret base or a jungle, this is a warzone. So if you think more along the lines of SOCOM or Full Spectrum Warrior, you'll get an idea of the setting. Basically it's more bad guys, more things going on. Which means the game plays differently. This isn't a shooter, but there's definitely gunplay to be had, and I was getting a real (bear with me) Hidden & Dangerous vibe from it, especially from the very-functional first-person viewpoint. A lot less sneaking, a lot more shooting (though there was plenty of little cracks and alleyways if you'd rather tiptoe past the combat).Highlight, though, was not the visuals. They're fantastic, yeah, but you have to hear this thing. I didn't get to play enough to rate the entire sound design of the thing,...

Breaking: Sony Confirms SIXAXIS Rumble
Sony Computer Entertainment today confirmed news that we first broke back at E3, rumble is indeed returning to the Playstation in the form of a SIXAXIS rumble stick.Kaz Hirai formerly announced the DualShock 3 during his keynote Thursday morning.

Tgs07: TGS Press Pack and Numbers
galleryPost('tgsguide', 4, '');The doors to TGS opened about 15 minutes ago and the Sony keynote is set to start in another 15. Kotaku writers are currently scattered to the wind, playing Metal Gear Solid 4, checking out booths, taking pictures and prepping to liveblog the keynote. Me? I'm hanging out in the stripped down sauna known as the TGS press room, a no-frills linoleum-floored box filled with folding tables and chairs and staffed with two TGS employees sitting behind a row of drink dispensersAt other shows people sprint to the games, here they sprint to the press room, because it's small, wifi-less and a necessary evil.According to the press release they handed out with the TGS press pack this year's show will have 97 exhibitors, 1,735 booths featuring 217 companies.

Tgs07: Liveblogging Kaz Hirai's Tokyo Game Show Keynote
Kaz Hirai is presumably backstage with his handlers, hyperventilating into a paper bag, panicked at the thought of delivering his first Tokyo Game Show keynote as the president of Sony Computer Entertainment. Hopefully, Kaz won't choke on his words or bore the audience to death Kutaragi-style. Everyone is turning off their cellphones in anticipation for Hirai's speech.Make the jump for all the exciting PlayStation family announcements.Kaz has taken the stage. He's covering the history of the PlayStation brand, displaying some impressive sales graphs, one that includes tiny red bars indicating PS3 sales. His focus now is on the PlayStation 2 and its accomplishment of reaching the 100 million mark in just six years, surpassing the original PlayStation's path to 100 million.He's boasting of million selling titles on the company's PSP platform, highlighting Monster Hunter Portable, Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories and Midnight Club 3. He's showing the six new color variations,...

Tgs07: The TGS Show Floor
galleryPost('tgsbooths', 4, '');Flynn just did a run through of the main hall snapping up these pictures of some of the booths set up at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Booth babes are here in abundance, lining the entrance to most booths like a fourth wall.

Tgs07: TGS Keynote Kick-Off
We've set up shop in the International Conference Hall at the Makuhari Messe to bathe in the glory of Kaz Hirai's Tokyo Game Show keynote session. He's due to take the stage within the next ten minutes, barring any delays, hopefully with armfuls of thrilling announcements. Our micron thin tether to the internet is hanging on for dear life, ready to be punished by the power of intense liveblogging.As you can see, press enjoys a comfortable distance from where Kaz will be keynoting, but the power of the PlayStation brand knows no bounds. Or something. Kaz's theme for the session will be "A look at our business strategy toward new growth: expanding the PlayStation world." Who's pumped? Check back soon for the blow by blow action.

Crafts: Timelapse Lego Master Chief
I've been a big fan of Legos all my life, but I could never build anything recognizable out of them. I'm lucky if I can simply stack the things in a straight line without screwing them up, so I am understandably jealous of Nathan Sawaya, former lawyer turned Lego artist, who seemingly effortlessly creates a bust of Master Chief in brick form. He doesn't seem to be using any sort of blueprint or guide...he just sits down and builds it. He truly has mad lego skills. Click the pic or hit the link to see him in action. Lego Halo [MTV's Multiplayer Blog]

Cartoons: Ape Escape Coming To Nicktoons
Ape Escape may have already gotten the anime treatment in Japan, but here in the States we'll be getting our first shots of Ape Escape animation in early 2008. Frederator Productions is teaming with Project 51, Hawaii Film Partners, and Showcase Entertainment to create a series of 38 2 minute long animated shorts based on the monkey bondage video game series. The shorts should begin airing in early 2008 on the Nicktoons network. Frederator has a production blog up gives some entertaining insight into the whole monkey business. Check it out!Ape Escape Cartoons [Frederator Blogs via Toon Zone - Thanks MDawg!]

Starting Soon: TGS Through Glass Windows
And we're here! Team Kotaku has touched down in Chiba at the Tokyo Game Show and are standing outside and waiting for the doors to open. We've pressed up close to the glass, zoomed on in and took pictures of TGS booths. Nothing like TGS booths from far away! galleryPost('tgsfromfar', 4, 'Starting Soon');

Body Mods: Colossus Tattoo Trumped
Seems that Jason's friend from Monday wasn't the person to have a Shadow of the Colossus 'kill me here' symbol tattooed on their body. Brooke here sees his SotC tattoo and raises him an Ico tat.That young whippersnapper isn't the first to get such a mark; I had this done in Edinburgh in the year of our Lord 2005, shortly after finishing the game. As far as I know, I was the first bold dumbass to go ahead and do it. I've also attached a photo of my Ico tattoo as well, because ... well how many other people are there with Ico tattoos, I ask you?Oh it's on now.

Xbox Live: NBA 2K8 Demo Hits XBL
With EA's 2008 offering already available in demo form on Xbox Live, the NBA 2K8 demo added early this morning should be extremely useful in helping gamers determine which basketball title to pick up this year. Commentors over at Larry's website are already weighing in on the 2K Sports offering, and the general verdict is excellent gameplay, crappy presentation. Having played through the Live 08 demo, I can see how EA's game would be a hard act to follow graphically. Releasing a 325MB demo without announcers or music might just cost 2K in the end. With both games due out October 1st, now's a good time to make your choice. Demo: NBA 2K8 [Major Nelson's Blog]

Clips: Vader Praises The Witcher In Song
I fear that maybe I haven't been clear on exactly how popular The Witcher series is in Europe. The Polish special edition of CD Projekt's RPG is going to come with a CD full of professionally recorded music from popular Polish bands, all revolving around Andrzej Sapkowski's creation. The most prominent of these bands would be Vader, one of the best-known and easy to understand European death metal bands, whose track "Sword of the Witcher" is also being featured on their next album and DVD. I could be wrong, but I very much doubt death metal bands are the types to offer endorsements lightly. Otherwise commercial television would be so much more entertaining.

So Much E: E For All Replaces WSVG With MLG
Well the World Series of Video Games might have died, but that's not going to keep plucky upstart game convention E for All from hosting a video game tournament, no siree! Their desperate scramble for a gaming tournament following the WSVG tanking has resulted in a special Major League Gaming post-season event to be held specially at the convention this October. Special appearances from MLG pros and competitive gaming workshops are also planned. "We are thrilled about the opportunity to bring Major League Gaming to this high-profile event," said Matthew Bromberg, CEO of Major League Gaming. "It's important for all of us in the video game community to support this great new way of reaching consumers and to showcase the phenomenon of top-flight competitive gaming."I'm glad that all worked out. When they lost the WSVG event I almost wanted to attend the expo slightly less than I already do. Last thing I need is an apathy spike this late in the game. MAJOR LEAGUE GAMING TO HOST...

Guitar Hero: New Guitar Hero II Song Pack Tomorrow
Three more songs are being added to the Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II lineup tomorrow morning at 2AM Pacific, once again for the bargain basement or entirely too expensive price of 500 Microsoft points, depending on where you stand on that issue. The three new tracks consist of: Trivium - DetonationAtreyu - Right Side of the BedProtest the Hero - Bury the HatchetI won't pretend to know any of those songs. If you do, get all excited and call me out for my lack of musical knowledge. If you don't, side with me and together we can bring these music know-it-alls to heel for once and for all!New DLC Pack for Guitar Hero II - 360! [ScoreHero - Thanks Eddie]

Nerd In Paradise: Flynn's Akihabara Adventure: Part One
Today marked the day I had been looking forward to since I found out I was going to Tokyo, a trip to the nerd mecca, Akihabara. Accompanied by some friends and the ever stalwart friend of Kotaku, Witzbold, we navigated the massive Tokyo subway system and arrived safely in Akihabara after long journey that seemed to never end. First stop: Super Potato. You've heard about it, you've read about it, you may have even seen pictures of it, but nothing can prepare you for actually seeing it in person. The outside is fairly unassuming and seems nearly invisible compared to the surrounding shops with their large neon signs. A dingy hallway with a few handmade signs mark the way to a tiny elevator that barely contained our four person party. When the doors opened again onto the third floor, we all gasped in amazement. Here we stood, on the border of vintage game paradise. Famicoms and other ancient systems lined the walls with shelves upon shelves of games of every size and shape imaginable...

Clips: The New Metal Gear Solid 4 Trailer Indirect Feed Version
The braintrust at Korean game site Ruliweb isn't a big fan of embargoes, so they've decided to post the new trailer for Metal Gear Solid 4 a bit early—the trailer we were presented with at yesterday's Konami Media Event. A direct feed version is coming later tonight which will add extra clarity to that shaved monkey with a taste for cola. Enjoy!

Stats Feed: Today's most popular headlines are • ...
Today's most popular headlines are • Liveblogging The Konami Pre-TGS Press Conference (14,034 views today), • Famitsu Loves Halo 3 (10,569) and • Play Halo 3 Early, Get Banned (7,462).

Magazines: Future Takes Over Nintendo Power
Future US continues it's domination of the official console magazine market as Nintendo hands them the reins of the long-running and well-respected publication Nintendo Power For nearly two decades Nintendo has handled the publishing of the mag in-house, but starting with the December issue (on sale next month), it's all on Future. "We are honored to be selected as the new publisher for an industry touchstone like Nintendo Power," says Future US's President, Jonathan Simpson-Bint. "This is an opportunity for Future to use its core competencies - great editorial, deep knowledge of young men's lifestyles and technical expertise - in service of one of the world's great entertainment brands. We couldn't be more excited to get started."Deep knowledge of young men's lifestyles? First off, that sounds slightly creepy, and secondly...just young men? Hopefully they'll eventually get around to creating a Nintendo magazine for girls.NINTENDO AND FUTURE US TEAM TO PUBLISH NINTENDO POWER...

Sooprize: Secret Agent Clank Coming To PSP
Just as Ratchet from the Ratchet & Clank series of PlayStation games was given a spotlight role in Ratchet Deadlocked, it appears his robotic sidekick will be on the receiving end of his own spin-off. One of the surprising and unannounced titles making an appearance at the Sony media event in Tokyo this evening was Secret Agent Clank, a PSP game featuring the fictional adventures of the bot who's half-backpack, half-gadget stuffed mystery.The game was rumored to be in development at High Impact Games—creator of Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters for the PSP—earlier this year. While we don't have any official screens of the game yet, we expect it will be on the TGS show floor and hope to get some hands-on time with it.

Halo 3: Microsoft: No One Gets Banned For Halo 3
Please make it stop already. First Pro-G says a Microsoft rep told them Xbox Live accounts would be banned for playing Halo 3 early. Then another rep told them that was only Microsoft employees. Finally an official statement has shown up on the site, backed up by our own communications, stating that no one is getting banned at all. "We can confirm that Microsoft is not taking any action (such as banning Xbox Live accounts) against gamers who are playing Halo 3 before the official street date. Any rumours or speculation to the contrary are false," reads the statement issued by Microsoft this evening.This concludes our news - less news - no news hat trick. We now return you to your regularly schedule program. Microsoft issues official statement over Halo 3 banning [Pro-G]

Tgs07: Justify Your Game: Everyday Shooter
newVideoPlayer("JustifyEveryday_gawker.flv", 475, 376);A game named "Everyday Shooter" is begging not to justify itself. It's the digital equivalent of "Another Restaurant" or "Yet More Toyota Sedans." I mean, you can't plan irony like this.

Phantom Jocks: Lawyer Wants Lawyer Stricken From GTA IV
I hate writing about him. I really do. Mainly because he's like a freaking over-eager Candyman who can't wait for the third time you invoke his name, but sometimes we just have to. The lawyer in question here is angry at Take Two over Grand Theft Auto IV (surprise!). In the September issue of Game Informer magazine, Rockstar stopped by to play the 360 version of the game for a bit, and apparently the first mission they came across involved killing a certain lawyer. Upon breaking into the law offices of said lawyer, Niko pulls a gun on the man, who says, "Guns don't kill people. Video games do." So now our favorite real-life lawyer is convinced that Take Two is trying to encourage people to kill him. Of course our boy is a letter writer, and Game Politics has a copy of the letter written to Take Two chairman Strauss Zelnick, informing him that they have until 5PM this Friday to inform him via email that the sequence will be removed from the game or he will take actions to stop...

Rumor: More PS3 Titles Coming From Everday Shooter Creator
I am, to put it lightly, a huge fan of Jonathan Mark's Everyday Shooter. It's the sort of simple approach to gaming that both seems to get casual gaming and still provide the sort of experience that a hardcore gamer can enjoy.So I was thrilled when I heard that the game was headed to the Playstation Network. After playing through the game on my debug Playstation 3 I was even more thrilled, the translation was sublime. Now I hear that Sony is in talks with Mak to sign him on for a multi-game deal. I think it could be a major coup for the PSN, specifically the indie/casual side of things, if they can make things work out. Mark brings to the gaming scene a sense of fun that seems at times to be getting pushed to the side, so it's nice to see it pop its head up on a major platform.

Gallery: Dynasty Warriors 6 Screens
Chapter 6 in the never-ending saga of the Dynasty Warriors is heading for Japan in two short months, and Koei wants to be sure everyone knows how pretty it is, and it is indeed pretty. This version will sway from the DW formula, letting characters swim, climb, destroy walls, and use the new renbu system to pull off unlimited combos, but really all I am concerned with is killing massive amounts of ancient peoples. Witness warriors Zhao Yun and Lu Xun doing just that in the gallery below!galleryPost('dw6819', 4, '');

Politics: Take Two's Zelnick Testifies On Media Stereotypes
Representative Bobby Rush from Illinois thinks stereotypes are a serious problem in today's media. To that effect, he's chairing a special hearing entitled "From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degrading Images" before the House Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection next Tuesday, bringing together executives from all facets of the entertainment industry, including Strauss Zelnick, the chairman of Take Two Interactive. Zelnick will be joined by representatives from Warner Music, Viacom, Universal Music, Radio One, and quite possibly rapper Master P. Sounds like a party to me! The hearing will explore the way the media portrays people in general, possibly finally clearing up the popular misconception that prostitutes replenish your health. Lawmakers focus on media effects [The Hollywood Reporter via Game Politics]

Tgs07: Justify Your Game: LittleBigPlanet
newVideoPlayer("JustifyLittleBig_gawker.flv", 475, 376);Sometimes, as in the case of LittleBigPlanet, the developers are so nice and their game looks so good that you are praying they can hit the 15-second time limit. But can they?? SPOILER ALERT: you have to watch the clip to find out.

Zelda: Nintendo Delivers Phantom Hourglass E-card
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass hits stores on October 1st, and to honor the occasion Nintendo has created a Phantom Hourglass e-card, complete with an exclusive video of the game in action. They've also created a handy-dandy countdown widget on their Zelda.com site, suitable for MySpace pages and personal blogs alike. Two doses of Zelda goodness to keep you going until the big day. Phantom Hourglass E-Card [Nintendo]

Clips: Conan Gets All Magical
Nihilistic has heard it before. We all know Conan hates magic, yet here he is in the video from their upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 game, tossing about elemental magic as if it were going out of style. The devs assure everyone it will make sense in context of the story, but the Conan we know and love would sooner kill himself that be forced into using spells. Unless said magic somehow prevents him from dying, it's still a pretty big stretch - like making a Garfield game where he loves Mondays. Oh that Garfield.

Tgs07: LocoRoco Cocoreccho! Hands-On Impressions (Beta)
What is LocoRoco Cocoreccho? To be perfectly clear, the PlayStation Network release is not a screen saver. It's a fully featured sequel to the PSP blob guiding adventure game. But how does LocoRoco Cocoreccho differ from its predecessor? For one thing, you're no longer controlling the tilt of the world and the adorable gelatinous creatures that inhabit it. Instead, you're controlling a butterfly, one that emits a guiding pulse that attracts the blobs, helping you maneuver them through dangerous platforms. The only complaint I have about the game is this—it's unbearably unenjoyable.One caveat before I continue. LocoRoco Cocoreccho was just one of many PLAYSTATION 3 games that I had an opportunity to play at the Sony media reception tonight. My time with the game was brief and I hope to spend more time with the Sony Computer Entertainment developed game before we go. But during my flirtation with the game—due to be released for your suffering/enjoyment this...

Booty: Pirates of the Burning Sea Preorder Goodies
What would Talk Like A Pirate Day be without booty? Sony Online Entertainment and Flying Lab have announced that preorders for their salty MMO, Pirates of the Burning Sea will start up on October 23rd, and there be wonderous treasures to behold for those eager enough to drop some dubloons down on the title. Most notable is the chance to get a leg-up on the other pirates with a whopping 15 day "Pre-Boarding Party", which gives players a half a month head start on the competition, with a level 20 cap. That incentive alone almost makes it necessary to preorder the game if you want to be competitive on launch day. Players will also enjoy one of three unique weapons based on the fighting style they choose, as well as the game's soundtrack CD, which will actually be included in the preorder box. As if that weren't enough, captains who sail the Burning Sea early will also get a blue and yellow shoulder parrot, and what is a pirate without a parrot, aside from a pirate without bird...

Disclosure: Konami's Bag Of Schwag
Best part about the Konami presser today? The monkey. Second-best part was the schwag bag, which was light on crap, heavy on substance. Substance like a MGS4 fan, or a DDR bandana, or Konami juice, or a copy of Metal Gear Portable Ops Plus. Or a nice MGS4 artbook, or a Konami Skincare towel, or a Winning Eleven drink-cooler. Because in Tokyo, when drinking Konami juice, shit's gotta be kept icey cold.galleryPost('konamiswag', 8, 'Gallery Name');

Xbox Live: Halo 3 Ban Only For MS Employees
Earlier we reported that UK gaming site Pro-G had been in touch with Microsoft who had told them flat out that playing Halo 3 before launch day would get users banned from Xbox Live, whether or not they play the game while connected to the service. Pro-G has since been contacted by another Microsoft representative, who clarified to the site that the ban only applied to Microsoft employees who played the game early. It seems odd that a representative of the company would make such a huge mistake when talking to a popular gaming news site, doesn't it? I'm suspecting that this might have been a policy that quickly proved so unpopular that it changed in a rapid fashion. Either way, unless you work for Microsoft, game on! Microsoft backtracks on Halo 3 LIVE ban threat [Pro-G - Thanks msane]

Misspent Youth: Sims 2 Delivers Hot Teen Action
And so the endless parade of Sims 2 expansion packs marches relentlessly on until no facet of human life isn't idealistically represented in Sim form. Coming in November, The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff seeks to distill teenagers down to their bare essence, grouping them into three easily recognizable subgroups. There is the Socialite group, which allows you to deck out your Sim princess with designer clothes and furniture befitting a spoiled brat. The Thrasher archetype is all about the extreme sports lifestyle, with skateboard and surfboard accessories to set off their khaki cargo shorts. Poser. Finally we have the Goths, with dark and gloomy accessories and plenty of buckles, belts, and fishnets. Wait, that's it? Where are the geeks? The jocks? No emo? I mean come on, emo is just goth with whinier music and brighter clothing. I guess we'll just have to use our imaginations. *sighs* The world hates us. galleryPost('simteens', 3, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit');The Sims 2 Teen Style...

Thanks Cheapy: No Major Nelson, All Crecente
Today's fun? Sumo. CheapyD from CheapAssGamer was sweet enough to invite me and Microsoft blogger Chris Paladino to watch the Tokyo sumo tournament this afternoon. Crecente was a last minute replaced for Larry Hryb, who suddenly had lost his passport. It was CheapyD who shelled out the cash and rented us a box (Cheapy isn't actually a cheap dude!), so many thanks for that. The tournament was great fun — and a first for me. We ate yakitori, sipped sake and threw our cushions. Me, I threw two cushions. Larry, you missed out.

Xbox Live: Play Halo 3 Early, Get Banned
Barely an hour goes by without a tip popping into our magical Kotaku mailbox regarding broken street dates for Halo 3. Copies are appearing on eBay around the world, companies are shipping out their copies too early, and in some instances, people are just being asshats. UK gaming site Pro-G got their hands on a copy from high-street retailer Argos through their website, which this morning was allowing customers to order the game with an in-store pickup date of today. Before popping the game into their 360, however, they wisely contacted Microsoft. A rep for the company confirmed that anyone playing Halo 3 before the release date will have their Xbox Live accounts banned, going on to warn that simply playing offline will not work, as the moment you connect to live your play history will get you flagged for a ban. For those getting their hands on early copies, enjoy that new game smell...you've only got a week tops to wait! Microsoft threatens Halo 3 gamers with LIVE ban [Pro-G]

Tgs07: WipEout HD Hands-On Impressions
Just got home from Sony's big pre-TGS soire. Lots of games to play, lots of fancy cakes to nibble, but one thing that caught my eye was WipEout HD. Being a big fan of the original PS1 games, I can say I'm also a big fan of this. The graphics, while not as busy as you'd expect, are certainly very clean. And the controls, especially in 1st-person, feel a lot more forgiving than I remember, especially on turns. Course there were only two tracks on offer, but from what I see, I like.

Cameo: Destructoid Makes Bomberman Live Appearance
Hudson is set to release the second of it's Bomb-Up expansion packs for the Xbox Live Arcade's Bomberman live, and in addition to ten new characters, two new levels, new leaderboards, and a new game mode called Bomb Shelters, the expansion features a cameo by Destructoid's mascot, Mr. Destructoid. "Not only is it an honor to have Destructoid represented in Bomberman Live, but it may also be the first time an online community has been immortalized in a popular gaming franchise," said Niero Gonzalez, Creator of Destructoid.com. "We're grateful that Hudson has extended our brand in this unique way, and invite all gamers to wreak havoc as the infamous Mr. Destructoid."Interesting to see the gaming press actually represented in a video game, isn't it? Bomb-Up Pack 2 will be available on September 26th. Hit the jump for more details. Hudson Partners With Destructoid In Bomb-Up Pack 2 For Bomberman LiveNew Content Includes the Exclusive Destructoid Mascot, and 2 New LevelsREDWOOD SHORES,...

Avast: Talk Like A Pirate Day
It's September 19th, ladies and gentlemen, and you all know what that means. Whether you are a Pirate of the Burning Sea, a Pirate of the Caribbean, a Puzzle Pirate, or one of Sid Meier's stalwart band of buccaneers, today is your day. Break out the eye patch, cut off your leg and replace it with a wooden stump (do NOT actually do this), and crack open the rum, for International Talk Like A Pirate Day is upon us, may god have mercy on our souls. It's a special day for Kotaku, as it is a well documented fact that we are captained by the notorious dread pirate Crecente, whose exploits and bird shirts are the stuff of nautical legends. How are you planning on celebrating this day? As a ninja, I am going into hiding, though to be honest that's pretty much what ninja do anyway when they aren't killing pirates. Maybe I'll toss in a silent yar for the occasion.

Legal: Rein Talks About His Suit (Not, The Brown One)
Mark Rein is a talker. He speaks his mind and doesn't pull any punches. So between rebooting PS3 after Unreal Tournament III-induced crashes, he starts talking about the Unreal Engine 3 lawsuit with Silicon Knights. Our ears perk up. We take notes. We listen. According to the Epic Games honcho:That's not even the issue. There's more to it than meets the eye. You have to read between the lines. I mean, nobody was talking about Too Human before this. The whole lawsuit is going to go on for years, and it's going to turn into a He Said, She Said. Are you still going to be writing about this in eight years?Yes, Mark, yes we are.

Tgs07: PS3 Rumble Controller Confirmed
IGN was hanging out at Electronic Art's pre-Tokyo Game Show press event playing Burnout Paradise when they felt something funny. The PS3 controller in their hands started to shake, thus fulfilling the prophecy set forth by the 1UP podcast in those ancient days of yore last week. The PS3 controller shall rock once more! The version they held looked just like a Sixaxis, but felt heavier and had a sticker on the bottom that said 'rumble', which sounds like a dead giveaway to me. Expect a formal announcement to come during Kaz's keynote on the morrow, but for now rejoice, for the prodigal controller feature has returned!TGS 2007: Rumble Confirmed [IGN - Thanks to Peter for the Image]

Rumor: flow Creator's Next Game In the Works
Rumor has it that if you keep a close eye on the trailers being shown off during the Sony Keynote tomorrow you'll get a glimpse of the next title coming from That Game Company to the Playstation Network.That Game Company signed a multi-game deal with Sony after their college creation, flow, caught the publisher's eye. No word on what the game will be specifically, but I hear it will be instantly recognizable as something by the people behind the ambient, motion-controlled game.I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a PSN version of Cloud.

Big In Japan: Famitsu Loves Halo 3
The most respected gaming magazine in Japan has put Halo 3 through its paces, and the verdict is now in. Four reviewers took the game on and Bungie's latest walked away with a score of 10/9/9/9. Relatively huge scores for the game in a country where the Xbox 360 is floundering horribly. Still, I wouldn't look on this as Microsoft's great hope to finally gain ground in the country - after all, Halo 2 got the exact same score when it was released in Japan and the big black box didn't exactly become an overnight sensation. What should be interesting is seeing the U.S. reviews later this week. With numbers that high in Famitsu, I expect to see a whole bunch of perfect scores on this side of the pond, with a few of the smaller sites knocking a few points off just to be different and futz with the GameRankings average. People do love their futzing. Halo 3 scores HIGH in Famitsu [CVG - Thanks midnightz]

Buggy: Paper Mario Europe Bugged
Nintendo of Europe posted an item on their website today detailing a bug within the European release of Super Paper Mario. It's a bug that occurs when playing the game in UK English, German, or Spanish. After meeting Mimi in Chapter 2-2, if you talk to her before picking up the key that opens the nearby trap, the game will freeze. It's a tiny bug, and one that is easily circumvented by following the instructions NoE has included on their website. Despite that fact, the company still plans on offering a free replacement disc in the near future for anyone that would rather have a bug-free version of the game. Awfully nice of them if you ask me. I would have just sent a notice out via the website and possibly the Wii-mail system and been done with it. Keep an eye on Nintendo Europe's site for replacement details. Super Paper Mario announcement [Nintendo Europe - Thanks Martin]

Eurgh Worthy: Lair Dev Dogs WarHawk Motion Controls
If you were to engage in a round of word association with Julian Eggebrecht of Factor 5 and you were to mention, say, Warhawk's in-flight SIXAXIS motion controls, he might respond with "Eurgh!" Actually, that's exactly what he did when speaking to Games Radar recently, telling the pub that he sees motion control as a "complimentary, additional new step in terms of controls and where it fits you should use it and where it doesn't fit, don't force it."Wait. What? Seriously. What?Mr Lair says: "Warhawk's controls are... eurgh!" [Games Radar]

Contest: New Contest. This One Easy!
That last contest? That one involved effort. This one, this one is a breeze. We've got one copy of Guild Wars: Eye of the North to give away. And hey, this is the last expansion for Guild Wars until the second one comes out! So, here's the contest. Send us an email to kotakucontestATgmail.com with the subject line of GWEN. That's it. The 700th one we gets wins the game. Yes, it's that easy. Oh, you can't email more than once a day. The winner will be contacted through the winning email address. GWEN [Official Site]

Safe Bet: Metal Slug 7 Announced, Coming To DS
Anyone for more Metal Slug? Course you are. You're gagging for it. Latest issue of Famitsu has the news that the seventh installment of SNK's immortal franchise is heading to the DS, and the DS only. Guess it guarantees a decent control scheme. Oh, and maximum profits.Metal Slug 7 annonc [Jeux France]

Playstation Who: Treasure Too Busy With Xbox Live For PlayStation Network
Clean-cut Treasure boss man Masato Maegawa talked to 1UP just before the kick off of Tokyo Game Show 07, putting a shine on details for every upcoming Treasure game. The recently announced Xbox Live Arcade Ikaruga remake, for example, is taking up too much of the developer's resources, putting a hold on the unnamed Xbox 360 shooter that's said to be in the vein of its most famous shmups, Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. Unfortunately for those in the PLAYSTATION 3 camp, Treasure isn't working on the PlayStation Network, devoting their resources to XBLA development.In other news, Maegawa confirmed that the company's other newly announced title, Bangai-O Spirits for the Nintendo DS is not a straight remake of the Dreamcast/Nintendo 64 game. That game will be playable at TGS this week, so expect to read in-depth impressions, hopefully from yours truly.More details, including a teaser on Radiant Silvergun for the 360, at the 1UP report.Treasure Talks Ikaruga, Wii Title, and More [1UP]

Sweet: Mass Effect Trilogy Completed Within This Gen
BREAKING: Mass Effect is on the 360! Actually, in what is sort of news, BioWare president Dr. Greg Zeschuk said he would like to see the Mass Effect trilogy completed within the current generation of hardware.Certainly out intent is to have all three iterations or installments of Mass Effect to be on Xbox 360. That's the goal...I hope, I hope, I hope that this cycle is longer than the last one.Zeschuk still hedges on whether or not the series will be exclusive to the 360, but if Bioware is aiming to complete (what is hopefully) one of the most innovative/awesome/bestest RPG franchises of all time in just one generation of hardware, they're going to have a bit of difficulty bringing those titles to the PS3 as well. BioWare aims for trilogy to start and finish on 360, if console cycle lasts that long [gamesradar]

Better Late Than Never: Anyone For Nintendo Australia Release Dates?
Just got an email from Nintendo Australia. Inside, a whole bunch of release dates for upcoming titles. Any good news? Maybe! Depends on how optimistic you are. Metroid is coming in...November. November 9. Mario Galaxy's also November, due on the 29th. Phantom Hourglass is confirmed as October 11, Umbrella Chronicles is December 13, Zack and Wiki is expected in "mid-December" and Smash Bros is...well, Smash Bros is nowhere to be seen.