Capcom did an amazing job on a technical level; in every way, this is the console game, playable on a portable device. However ... it's the console game, playable on a portable device. The reduction in size unfortunately adds some baggage.
We're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
Here's a first: a Deja Review of a game that's already been Deja Reviewed. This time, it's the PlayStation Vita port of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, a handheld version of the updated version of last year's crossover fighting game.
Capcom did an amazing job on a technical level; in every way, this is the console game, playable on a portable device. However ... it's the console game, playable on a portable device. The reduction in size unfortunately adds some baggage.
Capcom did an amazing job on a technical level; in every way, this is the console game, playable on a portable device. However ... it's the console game, playable on a portable device. The reduction in size unfortunately adds some baggage.
Video: The Vita becomes a PS3 controller in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
by JC Fletcher 
(29 minutes ago)
If you happen to have both the PS3 and Vita versions of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, you can try out the "Ultimate Controller" mode: a feature that lets you use the Vita as a PS3 controller with four customizable touchscreen buttons.
No, it's not practical. But it is kind of cool. And in this video, we show you how to set it up, and how it works. Let us take you for a ride ... into the future.
Square Enix files for European trademarks 'Drakerider' and 'Blood of Chaos'
by Ben Gilbert (44 minutes ago)
Siliconera discovered said filings, both of which were completed in Europe, and also discovered corresponding URL registrations tied to each. And while they conservatively suppose that these trademarks could be tied to the Drakengard and Blood of Bahumut series', we're just gonna put it all out there: "Drakerider" is clearly a crosspromotion between Sony and Square to create the Uncharted kart racing game we all expected from Naughty Dog, wherein players pilot bipedal "Drakeracers" against chocobos in a race against the end of the world. No idea about that other one, sadly.
Update: We've freshened up our review of the Japanese unit to reflect the new stuff that we've experienced with our new American unit -- mostly through firmware updates. Wherever you see the bold, red word "Update" you'll find new info.
And while you're in the mood to read PlayStation Vita impressions, you can see a different perspective on the hardware in Engadget's review.
Sony's PlayStation Vita packs an enormous 5-inch, 960x544 screen, a console-like dual analog interface, and 3G/wi-fi functionality, combined with a widespread program of digital distribution through which every Vita game will be sold on the PlayStation Store.
With advanced online features, incredible graphical performance, and that screen, the Vita provides the most console-like experience of any handheld, while also taking advantage of the handheld format with input methods like touch-screen and (direct) tilt controls. In a way, it's coming at the Wii U from the other direction.
A quick disclaimer: I'm not going to be able to answer the issue of whether dedicated handheld systems can continue living in the age of smartphones. I am of the opinion that there will always be room for things like the 3DS and PlayStation Vita, but that's a larger issue, one external to the evaluation of the Vita as a device.
I'm also unable to guess as to its chances against the 3DS, which has a year headstart, a price advantage of around $100, and two popular Mario games; the Vita is technologically superior and loaded with features, but, then, so was the PSP compared to the DS.
Besides, it's too late to address the necessity of the Vita: the device has already been designed and produced. My goal is to talk about the merits of the existing device, rather than discuss the merits of dedicated portable systems as a whole. And, as it turns out, this thing has plenty of merits to discuss ... and a few obvious issues.
And while you're in the mood to read PlayStation Vita impressions, you can see a different perspective on the hardware in Engadget's review.
Sony's PlayStation Vita packs an enormous 5-inch, 960x544 screen, a console-like dual analog interface, and 3G/wi-fi functionality, combined with a widespread program of digital distribution through which every Vita game will be sold on the PlayStation Store.
With advanced online features, incredible graphical performance, and that screen, the Vita provides the most console-like experience of any handheld, while also taking advantage of the handheld format with input methods like touch-screen and (direct) tilt controls. In a way, it's coming at the Wii U from the other direction.
A quick disclaimer: I'm not going to be able to answer the issue of whether dedicated handheld systems can continue living in the age of smartphones. I am of the opinion that there will always be room for things like the 3DS and PlayStation Vita, but that's a larger issue, one external to the evaluation of the Vita as a device.
I'm also unable to guess as to its chances against the 3DS, which has a year headstart, a price advantage of around $100, and two popular Mario games; the Vita is technologically superior and loaded with features, but, then, so was the PSP compared to the DS.
Besides, it's too late to address the necessity of the Vita: the device has already been designed and produced. My goal is to talk about the merits of the existing device, rather than discuss the merits of dedicated portable systems as a whole. And, as it turns out, this thing has plenty of merits to discuss ... and a few obvious issues.
But we're not interested in the chest full of MacGuffins at the end. We're in it for the hero's hazardous journey over crumbling handholds and vertiginous chasms. We like to see an ancient civilization lurch back into life with the aid of an unbelievably convoluted, one-use mechanism. And we want to spot that spark between the characters who get themselves into one mess after another, and yet another. If that's what Uncharted is to you, then you'll find very little has been lost in the transition to PlayStation Vita.
Japanese hardware sales, January 30 - February 5: Love song edition
by Jordan Mallory (10 hours ago)
We talk a lot of trash about Valentine's Day because it's hilarious and easy, but in all honesty, there's nothing wrong with two people using the greeting-card holiday as an excuse to express their love for each other. To make up for our maliciousness, we want to help facilitate that lovin' by providing some nice background music for your romantic evening.
Start off the night with the acoustic cover of Skrillex's Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Bear Cavalry embedded above. Once things get a little cozy, follow that up with this piano version of Intuition by Feist, and when the moment is right, throw on Glory Box by Portishead to shift the mood into overdrive. Leave that on repeat for as long as necessary, and then bring things back down with Bjork's All Is Full of Love. Now, get a room you two!
Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Klaus Silveira stretches our imaginations with a slingshottable, lovable cube named Qube, in the iOS title QUBE Adventures.
QUBE Adventures is a simple physics game that has QUBE, a small rubber cube with an intriguing wish for adventure, as the protagonist. The main objective of the game is to help QUBE get through the doors of the world beyond the clouds by throwing him around dozens of platforms, jumpers and more.
What inspired you to make QUBE Adventures?
I always enjoyed physics-based games and the gameplay possibilities that physics provides. As an indie game developer, I wanted to create a game that had an interesting mechanic, with addicting gameplay. I came up with QUBE, which reinvents the slingshot mechanic and mixes it with traditional platforming elements. It's meant to be a difficult game, easy to pick up yet impossible to master. I always disliked casual games and how they build their relation with the player: praising his small acts, congratulating the player for nothing, being a boring flatterer. I wanted to create a relationship just like old NES games did: put the player on his knees, make him beg.
GTA 4 mod iCEnhancer 2.0 out now, like a car wash for your graphics
by Jessica Conditt (13 hours ago)
The famous iCEnhancer mod for Grand Theft Auto 4 has reached its biggest full number yet with the release of 2.0. The above video shows off its beautifying features -- the bugs are from Rockstar's video editor and won't appear in the mod, creator Ice La Glace says -- and a "natural" version of 2.0 is set to drop any day now.
Download iCEnhancer 2.0 from Ice's website by clicking the farthest-right icon (the one that looks like a "download" arrow, surprisingly) and enjoy the shininess of GTA 4 all over again.
Haters jeered this week as seven-year-old World of Warcraft dropped another 1% of its playerbase, but Blizzard had the last laugh, as the game is still the largest subscription game in the West and the company is still making money hand over fist, something that will likely only continue once Battle.net Balance is thriving and Diablo III has launched this spring.
Haha, just kidding -- we all know Diablo III is never coming out.
Enjoy the rest of the week's top MMO stories past the break!
We called a local Gamestop to confirm the listing, and an employee informed us that Gravity Rush has a "ship date" of May 30 in their system, which lines up just about right. It's entirely possible that the end of May is within Sony's definition of the Vita's release window, but we won't know what's the dealio really-o until Sony elaborates on the game's "TBD" release date.
Haunted Temple has been busy adding "a couple very cool features" and "a new platform," it says in response to a fan's inquiry on Facebook, and we can expect an official announcement with more information in the coming weeks.
The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom is today's Steam Daily Deal
by Jessica Conditt (17 hours ago)
Pyroxene originally set out to create three characters, but apparently the fun of chibi-fying some of gaming's most beloved characters is a little hard to let go of. Hit the source link for a high-resolution shot of the scene, as well as close ups of the individual models, their wire frames and the impressively compact textures used.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing sequel striking stores this sholiday season
by Jessica Conditt (22 hours ago)
New Warp gameplay trailer totally explodes some dudes
by Jordan Mallory (23 hours ago)
Warp will be the first title released during the 2012 XBLA House Party that starts this Wednesday, and from the looks of this latest gameplay trailer, it seems as though your 800 Microsoft Points will net you a lot of adorableness, as well as an unquenchable thirst for exploded human bodies. ... continue reading.
If you're single, go ahead buy the pretzels, Hugs and M&M's, but don't bother with any of the other steps. After all, who are you trying to impress? Shove modest handfuls of all three ingredients into your face until the pain in your heart is masked by a sugary layer of processed regret. Alternatively, you can check out our favorite webcomics from this week and vote for your favorites after the break.
Another Rescue (Brawl in the Family)
Le Chat Avec Le Chapeau (Penny Arcade)
Voice (Nerf Now!!)
School of Hard Rocks (Life in Aggro)
Was Something Else Happening Today? (GameOver Nation)
I don't expect you to wait for me -- (Magical Game Time)
Codes for Calories (The Gamer Cat)
Glimpse Street Fighter X Tekken's premise in these character prologue trailers
by Jordan Mallory (1 day ago)
The best part of any cross-over fighting game like Street Fighter X Tekken is the contrived, often-hilarious excuse of a plot used to unite two franchises under the same roof. Judging from these 6 prologue videos, however, SFxT may have the least ridiculous concept ever seen in a cross-over ... continue reading.
The two new tracks run through the snowy mountain roads of the Alps and some urban streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, and the new cars include the BMW M3 Rally, the Ford Escort Mk II and the Mini Cooper S Gymkhana, in addition to a slew of others. You can see a few shots of the game below, and read the entire press release after the break.
As we found out late last year, Capsule's heavily stylized visual aesthetic and atmospheric, claustrophobic sound design are best enjoyed while wearing headphones in a darkened room, as are Gun Godz's Wolfenstein 3D-inspired graphics and Doseone-infused hip-hop soundtrack.
Joystiq App
Available for iPhone/iPod + Android
Quotable
“Okay, on to the next project! The next thing we need to do is get this Black Sabbath reunion back on track, people.”
—Tim Schafer, after launching one of the most successful Kickstarter projects ever.
The most popular posts
in the last 7 days
- Vita 'UMD Passport' won't be offered in US 224 comments
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review: A tempting fate 164 comments
- Blizzard taking Valve to court over 'DOTA' trademark 118 comments
- David Jaffe leaves Eat Sleep Play, layoffs hit developer [Update] 107 comments
- Don't call it a remake: Final Fantasy X is a 'remaster,' to be clear 95 comments
The Joystiq Podcast
The Joystiq Show - 024: Kingdoms of Double Fine
Latest episode: Friday, February 10th, 2012
