Nerdy Study Aid: Periodic Table of Controllers

With the recent boom of video games and kids wanting to spend money on extra peripherals, like the Wii Fit, the Madcatz SE (read: POS) fightstick and enough Rock Band instruments to fill the GWAR roster, I thought I'd school some kids with a hilarious picture.

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Sega's Virtual-On Set for Re-release on XBLA

The popular Sega arcade mech fighter series is finally set to release on current-gen consoles in the form of an Xbox Live Arcade re-lease of the arcade/Dreamcast hit, Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram. The last game in the series, Virtual-On Marz, was released on the PS2 in 2003 with very poor reviews. However, Oratorio Tangram is considered one of the best in the series and probably the reason it was chosen for release over its predecessor.

I have not had a chance to play Oratorio Tangram, but the original Virtual-On on the Sega Saturn was a pure blast to play. I am not generally a fan of mech games, but the arcade feel and overall gameplay was really fun. I have played other series like Armored Core, but it felt more technical and sim-like. In Virtual-On, you take control of a mech called a Virtuaroid, with different models featuring different special attacks, abilities, modes, weapons, and other differences. Gameplay mechanics are similar to other mech fighting games, with the ability to dash, crouch, side-step, and other techniques available.

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram will release on Xbox 360 "exclusively" this Spring, with the high-def re-release bringing online multiplayer for one-on-one matches, a single player mode, and a score attack mode with 14 stages.


Source: Kotaku

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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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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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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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