According to the translated pages of Japanese mag, Famitsu, Capcom’s “Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition” will feature new costumes, a new chapter, and an updated “Mercenaries Reunion” mode allowing you to play under the same rules of the previous version with characters you couldn’t access before.

North American and European regions will have access to the new content via DLC download, while Japanese gamers will have the option to purchase a disc as well. Below is the pricing breakdown with Microsoft Point information included as well.

• The Lost in Nightmares Episode – Includes the Lost in Nightmares episode, EX figures, and two characters for The Mercenaries Reunion. (¥500/400MSP).
• Costume Pack 1 – Includes two costumes, EX figures, and two characters for The Mercenaries Reunion. (¥200/160MSP).
• Additional Episode Title TBA – Includes the unannounced new episode, EX figures, and two The Mercenaries Reunion characters. (¥500/400MSP).
• Costume Pack 2 – Includes two costumes, EX figures, and two characters for The Mercenaries Reunion. Priced: (¥200/160MSP).

[Thanks Andriasang]

Famitsu have got their hands on some brand new screenshots showing us mainly the Active Time Battle system in Final Fantasy XIII. We get a first look at the ‘Battle Results‘ screen as well, which gives you your stats, TP bonus, and rank. The rank is out of five stars.

Right now, the battle system’s looking pretty great. As much as I’m looking forward to Final Fantasy XIII though, I can’t help but wanting to hear more about Versus XIII instead. It just seems so much more Final Fantasy VIIish. Hit the jump to see the screens.

Source: Famitsu

Capcom executive Keiji Inafune has mentioned in the newest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu that “We’re finally putting out new Dead Rising and Lost Planet games! As a main principle we’re thinking about multi-platform, and expanding upon both slightly from the Xbox 360 version.” That’s a pretty strong hint towards both games being multi-platform; not to mention that most of Capcom’s games are multi-platform now.

Dead Rising is a game I’ve been wanting to play since it was released, so I’m certainly hoping for a PS3 version. I enjoyed the Lost Planet demo, too (although the full game is either nowhere to be found or way overpriced), so this is good news all round.

Some people love the Monster Hunter series, me being one of those people.  I am always looking for info on the new Wii title Monster Hunter Tri and luckily Capcom delivers.

The new monster is called Boruboros.  He looks a bit like the rock styled dragon, but not as grey and boring.  With the style of his head, he may act a lot like a Rhino charging that big skull down on the non-attentive hunter.  He is massive, of course, and his skin looks like it will require quite the weapon to break on through.

Famitsu has a lot of pictures of the new field as well.  It seems to be an African plains-style look, with dry areas and sparse vegetation, to small ponds of water and some wonderful greenery around that.  Sadly, it reminds me a lot of the other desert field, so other than updated graphics it isn’t really all that much to get excited about.

I really wish the guys at Monster Hunter would do something funny like throw Godzilla or the Cloverfield monster in just for comical measure and to take out some anger from time to time, though they do release some rather well designed beasts of their own.

Source:  Famitsu

The Last Remnant, a game previously doomed to the bargain bin before it was even released, has received a near perfect score from prestigious Japanese gaming mag Weekly Famitsu. The game got a 10/10/9/9 and a shiny Platinum Award. One review remarked:

Players might be confused at first because you’re unable to select specific commands in battle, but once you learn how to form a Union and play around with the options of Formations and their arrangements, the game gets really fun.

What the hell? Since when is this game supposed to be near perfect? I’ll admit to judging this game without even playing it – I mean, come on, it sounded kinda interesting but overall it never looked like you know, Platinum Award material. Even Amazon thought so – they were pricing the game at a $20 discount before it even came out. Now just today, it’s back to $56.99. Guess they read Famitsu too.

Source: NeoGAF

Several new FFXIII screens surfaced on Famitsu’s website today and I’ve got them, along with a Google translation of the copy from the page, included for you after the jump.

[ Begin Google Translation ]

Two of the government sacred world of swirling speculation inclusion

Crystal will be guided by a society based on the colony, “Cocoon” and the spread of primitive nature “pulse”. Two of the world’s stage and RPG’s FFXIII. Lightning (no translate) RASHIKI blond heroine of the men, but this time the name “Snow” turned out to be. In the FF series, VII, after the hero of many of the weather has been named. Therefore, his position is in this film is important to be inferred.

The album will be an important keyword, “Farsi” and “RUSHI”. Farsi is a special existence beyond knowledge, and Cocoon is built. RUSHI chosen by the Farsi and was given the mission of the neck. The mission, from Farsi to the video, such as RUSHI “vision” will be conveyed, because it’s not clear what, (no translate) by means of a controversial interpretation.

Snow was chosen as the RUSHI one of Farsi. (no translate) bulk of rugged, and things always think positive. Without dashing back in, take care of one side of good. However, without considering the consequences that a lot of action, the Lightning is probably a little clause (no translate) SHIKU. In addition, the mission RUSHI and elsewhere in the body engraved badge. Snow in the pattern of the left arm, but the signs? He stamped on the scene got some strength.

RUSHI = given to their mission, to protect the world Snow said. Cocoon governed by the Holy Office, to protect from whom? In addition to the proposal, the Lightning does not seem to be enthusiastic.

In serious situations, where the girl’s twin tail (no translate). Feel less anxious, a laid-back personality? The vision for the mission, (no translate) sometimes anxious to see the expression ….

Lightning look sad. I have failed or are guilt-cranking. “Trust” was submitted to me and everyone who was supposed to be, she is heavy, heavy eyes.

This is a movie scene. Was accused bound twin tail clothes, a girl with a kind of coffin will be escorted scene. Holy Office has directed the military to the blond woman in front of the screen. In the footage, her bespectacled face, and fell back to the sword and a low-cut dress has been confirmed.

[ End Google Translation ]

Source: Famitsu

Just last week, we reported that the Japanese magazine, Shonen Jump, had uncovered the identity of that blonde haired boy from the Square Enix FFXIII trailer we’ve all seen about a million times now. His name — “Snow”.

Some of the older gamers out there may be thinking of this guy, and as shown in the image above, they aren’t the same — but they might as well be. Anyway, the latest Famitsu scans of the game, available after the jump, reveal Snow’s last name to be “Villiers”. Not sure how I feel about that just yet, but I guess it’s better than “Cone” or “Ball”. Hit the jump.

The same new issue of Famitsu that included footage of Bayonetta also contains another Mad World video. The MW offering doesn’t show much in the way of graphic content and was a tad bit disappointing considering there are a ton of videos floating around the web that better illustrate the games violent content.

If anything, this video is a watered down version of the game designed to be presentable to the masses. Have at it after the jump.

Source: Gamekyo

I was so excited after seeing Bayonetta at this years E3 that I did everything I could to share what I had seen with all of you — including sketching some key moments from the presentation. Well, thanks to the latest issue of Famitsu, you will all be able to see a short video clip released by Sega that highlights a small sampling of the games footage.

Unfortunately the clip doesn’t showcase any of the fighting mechanics we got to see at E3, but it does give you a glimpse into the style and overall art direction. Having seen the footage again myself, I stand behind my original statement comparing the games look to a mix between DMC and Final Fantasy.

The short video clip as well as three high res scans from the magazine are available after the jump.

Source: Gamekyo

Famitsu drops hints about how awesome Mega Man 9 will be, including plans for downloadable content (at least in Japan). Of course, they didn’t give us even a vague idea of what that content would entail. Other details were on hand, however, so check the jump!

Eight bosses lie in wait at the end of levels with such themes as volcano, ocean, sky, and space. Familiar series characters, both friend (Rush, the sidekick pooch!) and foe (Mets, the peek-a-boo helmet-wearers), will make appearances. Of course, you’ll be able to absorb boss powers, but Famitsu apparently hadn’t read GamesRadar’s exclusive hands-on, and was unable to elaborate.

Once again, “Rockman 9: The Ambitious Revival!!” (Is that really part of the title? They said it more than once, and in quotes…) will be available in Japan this September! 1000 Wii points. Famitsu promises a look at the opening scene “in a few days…”

Source: Famitsu

The Dissidia: Final Fantasy site features some new info today, points out Famitsu. So far, a story section and a limited number of character introductions with cool portraits have gone up. Watch out for the really compelling loop of background music.

Famitsu also reports that anyone (who can navigate the Japanese website) can register to be a Square Enix Member free of charge and gain early access to a new trailer. Hit the jump for a rough story translation and the list of posted characters.

The demise of illusions is impossible.

From the ultimate illusion handed down by eternity, this is but one of the “different opinions.”

The everlasting conflict of eternity continues, Cosmos, the God of Harmony and Chaos, the God of Chaos.

The equality these two opposites symbolize is absolutely everything.

However, the Destroyers’ reckless act is destroying equilibrium; the world is wrapped in chaos.

The world’s only remaining hope is [the group of] ten warriors led by Cosmos.

This is the story of the potential world they will create.

There are no forms limited by illusion.

Final Fantasy – Garland and the Warrior of Light

Final Fantasy II – Emperor and Frioniel

Final Fantasy VIII – Ultimecia and Squall Leonhart

Final Fantasy IX – Ruja and Zidane Tribal

Source: famitsu.com

A recent issue of Famitsu reports that the wait looks set to continue for quite awhile.

At E3 2006 Square Enix surprised fans and gamers by announcing Final Fantasy XIII hot on the heels of Final Fantasy XII’s release. What’s more, it wasn’t just Final Fantasy XIII that was on the way, but also Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII.

While various trailers have surfaced and Agito was revealed as a mobile title, we’ve heard little more about the projects. Now, Famitsu has revealed that the majority of the Final Fantasy Versus XIII team has been pulled off the title and reassigned to Final Fantasy XIII itself. Agito XIII is also said to still be in early production and story development.

Such a move does not bode well for the possibility of seeing the game any time soon, let alone its spin-offs.

In the case of Final Fantasy it’s a given that more games are on the way. That’s not always the case, but is there really any benefit (for game developers anyway) to such early announcements? Square certainly should have known it was unnecessary with Final Fantasy. At least wait until there’s something to show.

While the end of 2009 is the earliest Final Fantasy XIII proper is expected to make an appearance, that’s still a long way off. Live in the now, enjoy what’s out there and for the sanity of everyone just forget about Square Enix’s megaseries for the time being.

You’ll be happier for it.

Source: Game|Life

This week’s Famitsu scans see another warrior sign up for fisticuffs – a Lucha Libre wrestler in a spandex mask.

He goes by the mysterious sounding El Fuerte, which is actually Spanish for ‘The Fort’, although he doesn’t look quite as much of a brick shithouse as Zangief. Lucha Libre is also (apparently) a very aerial form of wrestling, so I’d wager he’ll be a damn sight nippier too.

And that’s all Capcom are saying, so you’ll have be content with this sneaky-peek for now.

Source: Akayuki

Cave announced a new shoot-’em-up arcade title—DoDonPachi Dai Fukkatsu—at this year’s AOU show in Japan just a few weeks ago. At the time, the announcement rekindled my desire to see these great niche titles find new life and popularity on the current generation of consoles. News out of Japan seems to indicate that hope for such things may not be lost.

Famitsu and Souta House (a retailer blog), via Insert Credit, are reporting that ports of two Cave shooters—Ketsui and DoDonPachi Dai Ou Jou Black Label—are coming to the Xbox 360. Release is set for this year, but there is no mention of any further details other than that the ports are being handled by 5pb. Souta House is a retailer blog, which would seem to imply that these will be retail releases.

Perhaps the chances of these making North America are slim at retail, but the opportunity seems ripe for them to follow in Ikaruga’s footsteps and appear as downloadable titles. The logistics of such a thing may be far more complicated than it seems, but with Cave titles appearing on Xbox 360 and Treasure still in development on a brand new shooter for the console—shmups may have found a home, for now.

Source: insertcredit.com

Famitsu has just unveiled yet another one of the new characters in the upcoming Street Fighter IV. His name — Abel. His game — amnesia?

Like previous contenders, Abel is fighting for unknown reasons. How creative and not at all clichéd! His fighting style is like a more mobile Zangeif — lots of grapples and throws, but with some nice martial arts kicks (supposedly more “balanced and aligned” than Zangeif’s slow ass).

Hopefully we’ll see some more new characters soon, possibly at GDC. I’m quite interested to check out all of the new female fighters they said they were concentrating on.

Source: Famitsu

Check it out:

Famitsu seems to know what’s what when it comes to good gaming. The other six games that earned themselves perfect ratings are – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Soulcaliber, Vagrant Story, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Nintendogs, and Final Fantasy XII. All great games, very deserving of – wait, what?

Nintendogs? What the hell? Are you kidding me? I mean, yeah, I enjoyed Nintendogs and I still dream about Doctor Scratches, but a perfect score?

Well, at least the rest of the list is solid, so I guess I’ll let it slide. As if I wasn’t already too hyped over Brawl. And now we have to wait until March.

Criminy.

Seriously, Nintendogs?

Via N4G, Vooks

“Heroes?! In MY Labyrinth?!”

Have you ever gotten lost in a dungeon? Frustrated, confused, swamped by enemies with not a single health potion left in your inventory? Well, have you ever wanted to be the jerkface that designs those soul-killing labyrinths you loathe so much? If so, then you clearly need to play “Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaiki da,” or “Brazen In Spite of Heroes.”

In this puzzle-RPG hybrid from Japanese developer Acquire, you play the role of a quite-possibly-evil dungeon master trying to build the ultimate hero-killing maze. Laid out in Dug Dug-styled strata, you carve out all the tunnels yourself, culling slimes from moss-covered rock. These most-basic-of-basic RPG baddies will then proceed to ooze around and fertilize other tiles or feed on them and multiply. When rocks start to turn white from this process, you can break them to release nasty bugs or even more effective lizardmen. Figuring out how to structure your dungeon and cultivate more powerful creatures is the key to success. It’s a delicate ecosystem so think of it as a kind of “monster ant farm.”

Soon enough, the surface’s mightiest champions will descend into your lair in an attempt to abduct you and drag you topside for some buff rewards from the locals. Yeah, now you know how all those bosses you’ve killed over the years feel. Anyway, once they enter, you’re asked to place yourself somewhere in the dungeon, and though the grace period has ended, you can continue to create new tunnels and unleash new monsters as the adventurers hack their way through your minions. Each hero type has different attributes and weaknesses, as well as the ability to level up, increasing their strength and restoring their health. Striking a good balance between having monsters powerful enough to pose a challenge and not littering your dungeon with experience point fodder takes some getting used to.

Though it may sound somewhat complex, it actually plays out quickly. This is an arcade game through and through, which means it’s hard to tell exactly how deep it gets from the three-level demo. But, hey, it’s got great aesthetic appeal (original Dragon Quest era sprites and pipey music) and hallowed review house Famitsu gave it an impressive score (36/40). Try it for yourself in Japanese (it has a low language barrier) and hope that someone plans to publish the full game in the West at some point. Below you can find the promotional trailer and instructions on how to obtain the demo yourself.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

As getting demos, especially foreign ones, on to your PSP can be a trial of patience, you can try following these instructions:

1. Download this file to your PC. That’s the EBOOT file you’ll need to run the game.
2. Stick your PSP-formatted Memory Stick Duo into your computer if you have an appropriate reader OR use a mini-USB->USB cable to connect your PSP (with Duo inserted) to your computer.
3. Either way, the Memory Stick should show up on your list of drives. Open it and go to the /PSP/GAME directory.
4. Create a new folder with the title “NPJG90009″
5. Place the EBOOT file in that folder.
6. On your PSP, go to “Game” on your XMB and scroll down to “Memory Stick.” You should now see an icon for the game.
7. Click it and play!

By the way, you’ll need Firmware 3.72 to run it!