Batman: Arkham Asylum Captures the Essence of the Mythos

There have been a lot of terrible Batman games over the years. Last year's LEGO Batman was actually one of the few ray of lights for the series, but Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive seek to change that with Batman: Arkham Asylum. Unrelated to the graphic novel of the same name, the game features some well-known figures in the Batman universe, including long-time comic book writer Paul Dini handling the story. Voice actors Kevin Conroy (Batman), Mark Hamill (Joker), and Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn) will be providing voice over for the game, whom have become the definitive voices for the characters from the '90s cartoon, Batman: The Animated Series. Arkham Asylum takes place in the insane asylum of the same name, in which Batman has to regain control of the facility after Joker escapes and wreaks havoc by releasing all of the prisoners.

Stylistically, the designs aren't based off of any specific Batman time period and the game will utilize Unreal Engine 3. The gameplay is one of the most exciting things about the game. Rocksteady sought out to make this game truly stand on its own by providing fun gameplay regardless of the property it's based upon. You will utilize all of Batman's skills such as detective work for puzzles, stealth, melee combat with an RPG-like progression system, and using various gadgets to facilitate any of your needs. I'm definitely excited about this game, as no other Batman title has managed to truly capture the feel and spirit of Batman or Gotham City. Having figures like Paul Dini and Kevin Conroy will insure the presentation's quality while hopefully Rocksteady can deliver in the gameplay department.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is set to release on June 9, 2009 on the PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows. Check out MTV's exclusive new trailer after the break.

MTV Shows

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Atlus Online Announces MMORPG Neo Steam

Atlus is well-known for great Japanese RPG games like the Shin Megami Tensei series, but their new focus on uniting their community has led to the creation of a new online division and web portal. The first title announced under this division is the free-to-play MMORPG, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. While another MMORPG, Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine, has previously been released in conjunction with Aeria Games & Entertainment and currently in open beta, Neo Steam is the first title to be primarily handled by Atlus and looks to possibly be a true competitor in the genre.

Neo Steam is one of the few free MMOs to try and provide a high-quality alternative to World of Warcraft. It is set to feature full 3D graphics, a steampunk-inspired theme and story, extensive customization, a pet system, and robust PVP combat between rivaling nations, the technological Rogwel and the magical Elerd. I have tried other free MMOs, but this one sounds most promising. Most games tend to play it safe with typical fantasy trappings, but steampunk has rarely been touched. If Neo Steam can pull off a game with a similar polish and gameplay feature set as WoW, then it could be enough to lure others to at least try it. With many subscription-based competitors such as Warhammer Online and Age of Conan failing to dethrone Blizzard's juggernaut, free-to-play MMOs may become the new trend in North America.

No official release date has been announced, but you can currently pre-register for beta access at the link below.

Source: Atlus Online

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Video Game Renaissance Is Now

According to thatgamecompany co-founder Jenova Chen, he believes we are currently in a renaissance of video games. Citing the growing budget costs for retail games and the success of digital distribution methods on both console and PC, Chen says this is the perfect time for new developers to step into the field. I would have to agree with him. As it becomes increasingly harder to develop and innovate in boxed retail games without risking the company's bottom line and sales, the potential for development on digital services such as Steam, Xbox Live, WiiWare, and the PlayStation Network is limitless.

thatgamecompany developed the PSN titles, flOw and Flower, with both acclaimed for providing a unique gaming experience and giving good evidence for the 'video games as art' argument. I can personally vouch for Flower, as the game is a relaxing yet fun experience as you control the wind to bloom flowers in a variety of environments. Check out the full quote below and look for a review on Flower in the near future.

“I feel it’s a time where a lot of people who study games start to graduate and come into this field. It’s a really good time for all these people to really push the boundaries of what games can be. With digital distribution — PSN, Xbox Live, WiiWare, Steam — all those [avenues]…Before, everything sold through retail. You can’t even make a game that’s below a million dollar budget. I think right now — in the future, when people look back, I think it’s the renaissance of video games.”

Jenova Chen - cofounder of thatgamecompany

Source: MTV Multiplayer

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Homebrew Dopeness

Here's some vids and more of some cool things brewing on the homefront for games and such. A lot of these are old, but if you haven't seen them, well, you're in for a treat.

Johnny Lee giving a presentation on his 3D Wii tracking:

Mod your PSP to use a SNES controller:

Mostly, these are here to give you ideas. I'm not making an attempt to blow your mind, I'm only trying to show you some cool stuff. Old or new, I like to call it timeless, unless you're just tired of it, already...

You can check out more past the break.

Enjoy,

Der Ninja.

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Toribash on Mac, Windows, Linux and the Wii (soon to come):

MUGEN; Ryu vs. Popeye:

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You Are Not a Warrior; You're a Beginner!

The Street Fighter series has been known for some classic victory quotes, and perhaps Sagat's quote above is most appropriate. Since Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Street Fighter IV released and went back to more of the core game mechanics, there has been a resurgence of both new and old players returning to the series. While both games have been streamlined, there is still a lot to learn or re-learn.

MTV Multiplayer has some great tips and advice to get people started throwing fireballs and dragon punches in no time. Although Street Fighter IV introduces many new game mechanics such as focus attacks and new power meters, these tips are universal for many games in the series.

Besides knowing character move sets, it is important to think strategically and know when and where to do each one. Reading your opponent is an important part of the game, which will help you learn when to block, throw, or close the gap. As a Ken fighter since the SFII days, these tips helped me brush up on my know-how.

Source: MTV Multiplayer

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