The Lone Gamer

…AND the Roster Rowdiness continues in Streetfighter X Tekken.

The PS3 and Xbox360 versions of the crossover fighter aren’t even out yet but they may already be ‘outdated’. The reason? Earlier today several game sites reported that the Playstation Vita version of the game, which will be releasing this Fall, will see the debut of 12 MORE characters over the console versions- this includes (SF) Elena, Cody, Guy, Sakura, Blanka, Dudley, (TK) Alisa Bosconovitch, Christie Monteiro, Lars Alexandersson, Bryan Fury, Lei Wulong and Jack.

As for the consoles, no word yet on when they’ll get these additional characters- though it’s probably safe to assume they’ll eventually come as post-launch DLC.

Not much hope of seeing these new challengers anytime soon- apparently Capcom is using their release as part of Streetfighter’s 25th Anniversary celebration, a way of keeping SFxTekken fresh several months down the road and, of course, a way to sell more PS Vitas. Obviously though, players are understandably reacting in various ways… from being outraged at the prospect of having to put up with Paid DLCs to irritation that once again, their particular favorite fighter did not make the roster.
Capcom has mentioned that the initial disc of SFxTekken will be the only disc release needed by gamers- any additional content will be an upgrade content download similar to how it was done in SSFIV Arcade Edition (although that was also released on disc). No other details- I guess we’ll have to wait and see how this shapes up. So I guess I’ll be having SFxTekken as my 2nd fighter (after MK) on Vita eventually…

In any case, the basic SFxTekken is out in a couple of weeks on March 8. Still a lot of things that can happen in the next 14 or so days. Stay tuned.

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WNF Singles Exhibition shows off the upcoming fighter!

Capcom’s mega-crossover Streetfighter X Tekken is right on the horizon. It’s gone gold and lots of characters have been introduced (albeit there may still be more revealed well into and after release), so now it’s all just a matter of time now before you get your World Warrior X Iron Fist Fighter dating game. Still, if you’re hankering to see more of this game then check up on the video above. Brought to us by Level Up Live, this solo exhibition tourney includes high-profile players like Justin Wong and Mike Ross, with commentary from UltraDavid and Capcom’s own Seth Killian (who provides a lot of info and insight into the game along the way). The gameplay is mostly SF characters, with Juri and Rufus looking pretty potent individually and as a team.

My excitement for this game is building day by day. I am liking the gameplay, which is fast and frenetic but not over-the-top crazy as a Marvel vs Capcom title. Looking at the Character Select screen I am pretty sure it’s got room for quite a few more entrants, who will hopefully just be Unlockables in the game and not DLC holdouts. The game is out in Early March, but for now, bask in the vid and start formulating your teams and strats.

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The Tekken Tag 2 Unlimited Trailer Tells it All.

Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 has just been revealed. The game will now support several modes of play, in addition to the default 2 VS 2 match-ups. 1 VS 1 will be the classic single-fighter Versus Mode in non-tag fighting games. 1 VS 2 may seem to be an unfair match, as there will be two lifebars against one- but Harada says ‘Don’t worry, it’s balanced’, obviously meaning that the single player side will either have higher damage output and life bar, or both. Kinda like the same way being done in the also-upcoming Skullgirls. Finally, TTT2U will support the previously-announced Pair Play, which allows for 4-player, 2 VS 2 matches.

New Ways to Play TTT2!

Okay, now there will surely be the remarks of- why add solo play to a TAG fighter? Hey, it’s an option available that you can take or not. I think the devs were given the brief that there are gamers who may be intimidated in managing a 2-player team, so this can get these guys and girls playing TTT2. 1 VS 2 would be a nice way for these Lone Wolves to take on those gamers more well-versed in Tag Team play.

Now you can play Tag… Solo. Hmmm… er, cool!

Anyway, as per the trailer, it seems that all the additions to ‘Unlimited’ pertain to gameplay modes- there doesn’t seem to be any new content aside from that. So, nada on any new characters or other stuff… for now. Well, the Item Moves and new stuff from the last trailer still isn’t in the game so maybe we’ll see new stuff trickle in as the game is finished and released.
Pretty sure these additional game modes will make it into the eventual console release, which is good. Not totally sold on this being ‘Unlimited’ but, hey, it’s a start. This upgrade shouid make it into arcades later this year. More as we get it then!

Tekken Tag 2 gets Upgraded at AOU2012

The pic above was just recently posted alongside others by the official AOU 2012 Show Twitter. Of course, fans of Namco-Bandai’s flagship fighter will be interested to know what’s behind that little bit of a streamer with the big Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 plastered all over it (Or is it Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Unlimited?). Obviously, this is the ‘new’ version of TTT2 that’s been announced for reveal this weekend. According to the article over at Andriasang, the kanji overhead says, ‘Will you fight by yourself? Or will you cooperate?’ As for that bit on the left, I’m almost certain it reads ’1 vs 1′ since ’7 vs 7′ would be kinda… ridiculous. Or is it?

Just what new features are going to be implemented in TTT2 that warrants the word ‘Unlimited’? To be honest, if there’s a word I can give to describe the game up to now, that word would be ‘limited’. I guess we’ll see if this indeed is changed in about a day or so, when AOU opens up over the weekend. More as we get it then!

Is that an Iron Fist in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

Got my copy of Tekken 3D Prime Edition for the 3DS yesterday. Yeah, I’ve had my gripes with it, but as I’ve said- I have so few games on my N-portable so why the hell not. So, how is this latest beat ‘em up on the Big N’s portable so far?

Looks-wise, gameplay-wise… it’s TEKKEN! Surprise, surprise! As expected this is a pretty good incarnation of Tekken 6 (well, BR to be exact), complete with the 41-strong roster, all of whom are available for use right out of the case. That’s a lot of fighters, at least a bit more than the other 3DS brawlers available. For the most part, the game looks pretty slick- comparable to the PSP version actually, although this game’s visuals really shine when you play it with the 3D turned on.

The 3D effect for the game is actually quite solid- perhaps even better than that in other 3DS fighters. The characters really seem to pop up and ‘be there’ on your screen, and they animate, as advertised’ quite smoothly in a buttery 60FPS.

One wrinkle though has popped up with this- to actually see and appreciate the 3D effect, you have to have the 3DS centered in front of you, angled in a certain way so your eyes register the visuals correctly. UNFORTUNATELY, at least for me, it’s hard to play the game the way I usually do while holding the 3DS in the ‘usual’ way. To put it another way- I can’t properly input the multiple button combinations required for certain moves with just my thumb; I need to use two fingers. In this, it’s hard and kinda iffy to be standing up while playing Tekken 3D- I have to sit down, or have the portable propped up on a table or stable surface. The only other alternative is to just turn the 3D off.
That said, the 3DS controls should be fine for Tekken (there are four face buttons default) but the directional pad and buttons’ relative small size may take some getting used to. Not sure if the stick is usable for Tekken- I haven’t tried.

UPDATE: A really nice thing about the control options is that you CAN map either individual buttons, button combinations (LP, LP + RP, LP+RP+LK+RK, etc) or even specific moves (you choose from the characters’ move lists) to the L, R and Touchscreen buttons (of which there are four). The only limit here is that the touchscreen isn’t multi-touch though. You set these parameters individually for every fighter, which is pretty neat.

Control issues aside, the game plays pretty well. I’ve only tried Quick Battle so far, and I have to say the A.I. is kinda challenging on Hard and higher difficulty levels with later opponents, which is good. Haven’t unlocked anything yet (alternate colors for costumes and the 700 collectible cards are in there somewhere), nor have I tried online play yet.

All said, this seems to be a pretty solid, albeit as expected little-frills fighter. If you’ve only got a 3DS and love fighters, then this may be something to look at. Heck, if you’re a Tekken fan and own a 3DS you probably own this already; can’t hurt to have a portable Tekken to keep your skills sharp on the go. I’ll post a more proper, complete review once I’ve clocked more hours. Stay tuned then!

Last week the Prologues and Intros of most of Streetfighter X Tekken’s available and official character teams were shown off in one long collection of crazy storylines and alliances. Well, about a week after here we have a few more. Two more teams- that of Jin Kazama with Ling Xiaoyu, and M. Bison with Juri Han. Tekken’s monstrous Ogre and SF’s murderous Master of Fist, Akuma, get their own individual intros, with nary a partner at their side. Given that the cinematic trailer for the two show them at odds, it seems unlikely they’ll be teaming up… does this mean each will be an individual sub-boss fighters will face on the way to Pandora? Then WHO or WHAT will be the true Final Boss? TRUE AKUMA?! Or will it be… Dan? Nah.

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper
Have to say, I’m pretty curious as to how these storylines will play out. If history repeats itself, Bison had better watch out lest he find Juri’s foot in his face at the end of it all. I definitely am finding myself excited for this upcoming fighter. March can’t come soon enough.

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The English Version of SFxT’s ‘Story’ Trailer, narrated by the ever-clueless Dan!

WHOA! For whatever reason, today suddenly found the Internet alive with several new vids for next month’s big beat ‘em up, Streetfighter X Tekken! The Crossover Combat’s gonna get even wilder as new fighters are revealed and the oddball storyline unfurled. The first trailer (above) is a Story Trailer, narrated by the supposedly ‘deceased’ Dan Hibiki and laying out the chaotic conflict caused by the coming of Pandora and the clash of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Shadaloo and the fighters around them. Mostly just told with character art and voiceover.

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Jin and Ogre get their own trailer.

Next up are a couple of gameplay trailers introducing the most recent reveals. The Tekken side spot above shows off Tekken’s Prince of Emo, Jin Kazama (alongside kinda-sorta-not-but-you-know-she-is girlfriend, Ling Xiaoyu), and his longtime nemesis, Ogre. Of course, this is the green-skinned, Incan ‘God of Fighting’ first-stage version, not the snake-armed True Ogre from TTT2. Apparently the Toshin was awakened by Pandora… Will he transform into his Omega stage when defeated? Probably not.

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Villainy abounds in this Capcom Character Trailer.

The Streetfighter side gameplay trailer has two mega-villains featured: Shadaloo’s Imperious M. Bison (alongside kinda-sorta-nah-not-really ally, S.I.N. Assassin Juri Han) and the newly-revealed Grandmaster of the Dark Hadou, Akuma himself (I’ve always preferred Gouki though). His new Ultra looks freakin’ awesome.
And last but not least, the newest CG Cinematic Trailer (Episode 6 at last count) rounds off the day’s SFxTekken spots.

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Akuma and Ogre face off.

Have to say, this latest episode is the shortest cinematic spot, and is kinda disappointing- just mostly lots of yelling and more fluids flying around, and less of the character action or humor we’ve seen in the previous episodes. Hoping there’s at least one more cool cinematic trailer left before release- or that the game features animated cutscenes as awesome endings.

But that’s NOT all! Today also brought with it the release date for Streetfighter X Tekken’s PC Version! It’s May 11, peeps!!! Before I wouldn’t care about this, but since I own a PC and am currently enjoying the awesomeness of SSFIVAE with custom mods- I can’t wait to see what the masters of modding can do with SFxTekken. Find the original article plus some new SFxT screens over at Capcom Unity.
So, are you all hyped? I’m excited for this game indeed- wanna see whoever’s left to be revealed, wanna get to playing this as soon as I get my hands on it. It’s just three weeks away. Just a matter of time now. More as we get it then!

The ‘Comic-style’ Hit Effects are coming back in TTT2.

Tekken.net just posted an update, which includes some more bits for Tekken Tag Tournament 2, and as well news for the upcoming ‘new’ version of the game, set to be revealed this weekend, February 18, at Japan’s AOU 2012 Arcade Show. The update for the now-Vanilla game includes more incentives of Fight Money and apparently the return of the cartoony hit effects from Bloodline Rebellion, for those who score a three match win streak. Pair Play was also mentioned, and may be one of the new features.
For the most part though, no details yet about this upcoming TTT2 ‘BR’, aside from the post going about that Tekken Tag 2 will ‘evolve dramatically with new elements’.

I don’t wanna get my hopes up too much, but here’s to something that will freshen up things and get us all excited for TTT2 again. Till the weekend, gents and ladies.

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CLEAR!

Reverge Labs marks today with the debut of one lethal lady who doesn’t just break hearts- she extracts, dissects and transplants them. It’s Valentine, of course, Skullgirls’ lethal Ninja Nurse. This medical-themed menace comes with a full array of equipment for hospitable homicide- everything from scalpels to I.V.’s, tranquilizers, bodybagged-and-toetagged corpses and her own personal, portable O.R. The only thing I didn’t see was a defibrillator, but there’s probably one there somewhere. This slinky new challenger looks to rival even the leggy Parasoul in looks and skills- she’s certain to be a favorite.

Skullgirls still doesn’t have any solid release date for it’s PSN/Xboxlive release, but there may be one very soon given that Valentine’s probably the last fighter in the default lineup to be announced for now. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.

Hayate and Hitomi in their alternate outfits… tank top… nice.

With all the fighting game news and releases coming out, a little game like Dead or Alive 5 (heheh) may get lost. But no fear- Tecmo-Koei’s looking quite serious about restarting their flagship fighter, and Team Ninja’s official Twitter has been a bit busy lately showing off new stuff as their team is in the UK currently for some gaming event. One of the previous pics posted caused a bit of a stir as it showed a rather unflattering look at Hitomi. However, that appears to have been just because of a wonky camera angle, as here in the pic above we can see that the Karate Mistress is looking just fine. So far we know that the characters will have P2 outfits, but does this mean that DOA will once again use multiple alternate costumes instead of updating to actual Character Customization? A bit behind, but heck- if they put in a lot of good outfits, I’ll be happy.

Anyway, as previously stated, gamers wanting to get an early taste of DOA5 can find a demo in the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 3, with a different combination of girl-guy fighters featured in the PS3 and Xbox versions. Not sure if it will be worth it unless you like NG3 as well, but whatever. So far this brawler is still set for a Q4 2012 release… stay tuned for more news then.