King Of Fighters XII: Exclusive Arcade Review

One of the most loved fighting game franchises has been in the arcades for quite a while already, but if the rumors are correct, it has graced in Malaysia at Penang. KL however, are left out. However again, I had my exclusive chance to completely play the whole arcade game and experience what has been a wait for just too long since XI came out. Being apart of my Australian review, this is going to be a purely unbiased review (As I am a VERY HUGE fan of KOF ever since 95) that I hope would benefit the people who have also been waiting for this game in anticipation of the console version. Here goes!

As I've detailed many times in my previous posts, the system has been given a revamp. It's back to 4 buttons instead of 5, and the power gauge has shrunk back to just one. The character count has also gone very low compared to the usual roster, and there is no story mode this time, except that Iori is now seen flameless, Kensou sporting new gear, and Raiden being the new addition to the KOF Universe.

The flow of the game is now in time attack mode, similar to Tekken 5 and 6 and probably so on. And the game lasts only for 5 rounds. The way to win is still in 3 on 3 mode and its up to both players to beat the heck out of each other. To get a ranking, you need to be able to clear the round as soon as possible. And that's it. Don't worry, there's a whole lot of rankings to obtain (100 and below), just that you need to be speedy to beat your foe. Yes, no need to be flashy too.

So, is it good? In a way, yes. The Critical Counter system is a breath of fresh air and really gives some great creativity to show what you can do, its similar to Custom Combo scene in Street Fighter Alpha, Capcom Vs SNK 2 and even Snk Vs Capcom. The Deadlock system is also great, not just because its flashy, but its also a great way to strategize what happens after the Deadlock occurs. It's a little similar to the Parry system in Street Fighter 3, but there probably would be some damage occurs at a minimal. The one Max bar makes it good to simplify power usage and Max use among players.

The problem? There is no story anymore and it does no continue anything. Nor will it be the case in the console versions. This is a major problem considering the fact that every KOF ever released, had a story. This would mean, we would probably get a story at XIII instead of XII. And to be honest, many are waiting for the departure of Ash and the return of K' instead. The Guard Cancel system however is now cheap and a major problem. When the timing hits, then only you can get it done, but, it won't be like last time, as it consumes the Max gauge no more. This, is, very, cheap.

The speed of the game has also reverted to a more sluggish pace. Its not the true speedy style seen in normal KOF games, but, the speed is similar to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The combo link timing is also, messed up. You can still link combos, but veterans would need to really get learning the new speed system being dished out here. Veterans, you have been warned.

Being baeten by a Leona. Where's my character btw?

Another concern is the low character count. At 18, there's very little to choose. Fans are upset that Mai is not in, and there's way too little women in the game too. In a way, its hard to be able to choose our variety of play when there's quite little to choose. This is after all a 3 on 3 game.

Overall, this game is a passing grade for me. The problem however, is the fact that with the change that was decided on, it feels like a demo instead of a full game. SNK should understand, that this is in no way, SF or Blazblue. Its not a one on one fight. 3 on 3 is the namestay. So, for the veterans, this may be very difficult to get the timing right for this game. Newbies however would love the 2D graphics and backgrounds in display. Here's also to hoping that the console versions get a little more extra, and not just 2 new characters. Until then, SNK has XIII to prove with to make sure, that they really get things right this time.

AirAsia trip to Gold Coast, Australia: Flight Review

What a flight to remember. I should say that this is the first time I flew on an airplane, and in fact, it is my first time flying overseas to another country. So, it was an honour and a pleasure to secure myself a free ticket last year in August, to make this trip to Gold Coast, Australia and to be graced by such beauty of a foreign country. This post will be about the flight, the aircraft, and those small minor details that I can divulge in.

My flight was supposed to have flown at 9.20 pm. However, there was a little bit of delay. I was thinking that the aircraft would be next to the gate, but this being LCCT, we had to walk a distance to the aircraft itself. When it rains, it would really be troublesome.

The aircraft boarded on was the Airbus A330. My aircraft however had an extra screen in front of us that provides various types of information available. Some however are locked and requires to be paid for RM30 to be unlocked. Locked content includes a bunch of movies, tv shows, music and the passengers disposable to watch on. However, the seat of the aircraft is a problem. ITS TOO SMALL. And the seat does not recline. It does, but so little that during my 8 hours of flight, I did not sleep. Instead, i was found sleeping in a library when my girlfriend was submitting her assignment.

The food, is so so. The Nasi Lemak is of OK standard, while the Big Bruce's BBQ Chicken was so devastatingly not similar to what is presented in the menu. It was a major dissapointment. The price however, was not worth it. It is common to have high prices for food and items in an aircraft, but the quality really does not match the value.

In other words, the flight itself is subpar. there's good value for money, but if my best friend can snag a RM 1600 return flight to UK, AirAsia X should at least do more and better to make sure its customers get an almost equal value for the flight. I was pleased with the entertainment system that lets us know where we currently are in the sky, but i think they can do better the next time. This wouldn't hamper my chances of flying again with AirAsia X, but i'd prefer having JetStar, minus their bad landings. Great job for making Malaysia proud AirAsia, I hope to see a better and improved service later on.

The Proposal: Exclusive Movie Review

Wow, the posters in Russian. But I like this once instead of using the common ones found. Either way, the tagline for the English posters would say "Here Comes the Bribe...", the movie itself is mildly sweet and good enough for a romantic comedy to watch.

Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is being deported back to Canada after she couldn't clear her visa in the past. As a result, she blackmailed her Assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) into marrying her. As a result, Andrew took it to get a job as editor, only to have them go to Sitka, Alaska to get married. Along the way, mishaps happen and perhaps somethings do change, for the better, for everyone.

Like I said, the movie is mildly sweet and just nice. And its a good movie too. However, it wasn't that great, as there were some missing strings that was left loosened, and some unnecessary things to just fill the minutes up. There was a particular scene however that used the same background actress again and again and again. Like 5 times? I was sure they did editing, but having that actress come out way too many times really does make it feel like a movie and not a love story.

Sandra did her job well, and so did Ryan (I'm not a biased fan that would say he's rocking everything he's got. He did a good job, but it wasn't that excellent however). And the pace is ok, maybe a little jumpy in terms of the realisation created. But still, its a nice job.

Summer seems to not have that much of romantic comedies, or maybe my eyes were just too focused on this one. Releasing 30th July in Malaysia, you can expect this to be a nice diversion out of the family fun Ice Age 3 and the action packed Transformers to make you have a good time laughing and say aww for a just a little bit. Have fun later!

Year One: Exclusive Movie Review

Sorry Malaysians, but it seems that we might not get to see this in our country. Just like how Superbad and Adventureland is not here, so would this movie be. FORTUNATELY, its good not to have this movie here also, since its just bad...

Year One chronicles the adventures of Zed (Jack Black) and Oh (Michael Cera of Superbad fame). After Zed eats the forbidden fruit, he was outcasted from his village and made his way over the mountains. Following him is Oh. Along the way, they meet interesting characters from a murdering and sly Cain (David Cross) until meeting with the circumcission hungry Abhraham (Hank Azaria, and yes, it is Abraham) until ending up at a city that sacrifices vigrins to summon for rain.

Now, let me ask you, what does the poster imply? The earlier ages right? Well, that was what I was expecting, until they warped 500 years into the future, literally. The plot of story is just messed up. I'm pretty sure that audiences were expecting to get a movie about the adventures of Zed and Oh in the first year of earth. But what the heck? We warped to Abraham sacrificng Isaac? That's just really off. And perhaps this is the only problem there is with the whole movie.

Jack Black didn't feel that strong this time compared to his other movies. Heck, his voice acting in Kung Fu Panda was much more better than this one. But, above all the problems the movie has, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse saved this movie and kept it as interesting as it can. Still charming after their major breakthrough in Superbad, Oh is just very interesting a clueless and young kid (that surprisingly with the costume makes him look like he's 24). Isaac also works through as a guy that makes himself be that accessible to everyone in the hall.

This is good for a laugh, especially at the first parts of the movie, that it looked the movie was in year one. But after that, you could do like what the couple next to me did, leave the hall. Its just not as good as many were hoping. Good thing Transformers is around. :D

G'Day mates!

Ah, back from my Aussie travels and there's honestly A TON of things to blog about and to even compare back and forth between our country and Brisbane itself. So, i'll be doing my best to shell out what I can for everyone to read on. :D

So, this would be a temporary special before I get back to blogging on games and movies once more. I'll be shelling out 2 exclusive movie reviews for all to see. Lets go!

RaRiRuReRo on holiday again!

A little quick announcement. For KOF nuts, Mature and Elisabeth Branchorte has just been confirmed for US consoles. Sadly, there's no Story mode this time, just arcade mode. Probably no boss too. Big bummer maybe.

The other news is I will be taking a break from updating this blogsite for a while. Maybe until end of this month, and then a short one later for my Australian trip. reason? I need to finish my studies this month and I need to fully concentrate. You can still find me at LowYat.net, so no worries. :p

Have a great month everyone! :D

Sony's PS3 Wireless Headset: Gadget Review

To pull things off, this time I'm gonna add some new reviews. The first of the planned ones is the gadget section, where tricks of the trade that might just impress anyone goes here. From drillers to super high end knick knacks, it'll be under this title. This time, it's the PS3 Wireless Headset.


The headset in this picture, is actually small. So don't be fooled. I thought at first it would be big and long, but instead it looks short and sweet. In fact, the style looks really nice and that alone actually warranted me a purchase.

The performance? it works great with my phone (A Sony Ericsson W300i) and even with my Skype applications (Via VOIP bluetooth). The standby time and talk time can really take a beating, while the charge time, may seem a little long at 3 hours. I was hoping it'd be 2 hours for a full charge, but that's alright. The sound is clear, although 5 points of volume control may be hard to stomach for some. It fits nicely in my earlobes and doesn't give any stress, provided you really snuck the headset in nicely.

My only gripe with this is only the manual that came with it. Mine is the Asian version, yet the manual really offers so little that I was mind boggled on how to effectively use the headset with my phone. There's not even a troubleshooting part for users. Sony should look into that.

Besides that minor gripe, this is an excellent headset and worthy of good praise. I like how you can charge it through the dock or with the USB cable, though it could use a longer extension. but still, loving it! :p

X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Movie Review

Did you know that the reason why I watched this movie, is actually for the guy standing behind Hugh Jackman on the right? And yes, it's those 2 guys, but mainly the first one. I've always loved Ryan Reynolds and hearing him become Wade Wibson, made me jump in joy. Unfortunately, and a very big unfortunate part, he was only available and talking for perhaps less than 10 minutes. Taylor Kitsch is also interesting since he's Gambit, and the sly but sweet talking guy had his fair share of moments, but wasn't that fulfilling either. Still, this is Hugh Jackman's movie where we learn of Wolverine's origins and how he became who he is, or so we think.

The story jumps straight to Wolverine's involvement with the Government. After leaving his old team and deciding to go on a sedentary life, murders of his old team succumbs him to go after Sabretooth, said to be responsible of the killings. We then get to the creation of Weapon X, or 10 for that matter and see Wolverine unleash hell. What happens then? You'd have to find out yourself now.

The movie excels in the drama part, because the director is known for drama sequences. The action however, is bland and maybe just a little too cheesy. The shots weren't done well either, but the sound effects does justice and the actors do what they need. Even Hugh sounded more like Steve Blum (One of the guys in charge of Wolverine's voice in X-Men Games) or his other predecessors for this matter. The effects were also grandeur too.

But that stuff doesn't really save this movie from being able to satiate action fans. Perhaps an R rating would help in the violence and action department. So, here's to all of us, who want to see more of Gambit and Deadpool in their own movies. I really wish Marvel bucks up and decide that Deadpool would be the best thing ever made, considering how quirky of a character he is. So, for a simple taste of Jackman's good old acting and some simple action and laughs, this one should be just right. But obviously not full price admission.

PS: In case you do go watch it, do wait until the credits have rolled. Sequel? You betcha? But where? Well, simple hint, Japan. Owh yeah...

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, CONFIRMED AGAIN! : Game News

The not-so-secret rerelease of MvC2, is now confirmed and headed to the PS3 and 360. I think I'm still bummed by how it's priced at USD 15, but I'm still a littl bit psyched by how this old goodness of gaming that has probably aged almost a decade is still being fought competitively in tournaments and so on that it was just begging for a rerelease on home consoles. It'll come to you this summer while the PS3 guys will get their goodness in a demo Thursday this week.

So, Capcom, start talking to Activision and Marvel again. We need the 3rd one, now.

PS: Summer 2009... Wow, Capcom is going up against Blazblue and KOF XII. Interesting. I wonder who'll win this summer? :D

Ever wondered how my sales figure are? :p

To poke fun at the NPD figures that was just released (And maybe actually contributing to some of it.:P), I decided to let you guys know my sales figure as of today. (21st April 2009)

Kyo's Mini Game Mart Sales Figures! (As at 21st April 2009)
1. MadWorld (Sega, Wii) - 6 Copies
2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Rockstar Games, DS) - 4 copies
3. Guitar Hero: Metallica (Activision, PS3) - 2 Copies
4. Street Fighter 4 (Capcom, 360) - 2 copies
5. Guitar Hero: Metallica (Activision, Wii) - 1 Copy
6. Resident Evil 5 (Capcom, PS3) - 1 Copy
7. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (Nintendo, DS) - 1 Copy

At the current moment, Sega's MadWorld is now ranked as the highest number of games sold for Kyo's Mini Game Mart, outcasting previous long running champion of Fallout 3 (Bethesda, PS3). There were no consoles sold in this month. :P

Hope you had fun reading that. :P

King Of Fighters XII: Arcade Overview

The 12th installation of the famous King of Fighters series has now been released worldwide. As SNK Playmore of Japan has released the English translation of the website, I think it's best I also help out by letting gamers know changes and new stuffs included to the system, while still retaining what is famous in the KOF Series.

The old:
- Buttons are now back to 4. Meaning, Light Punch, Light Kick, Hard Punch, Hard Kick.
- Dash and back step is still in place.
- Blow Back attack is back to C+D (Hard Punch and Hard Kick). But a new addition is available to it.
- Emergency Evasion (And backward) is still A+B (Light Punch and Light Kick).

The new and changed:
- Blow Back attack can now be charged for more damage. Charging can also be done while in mid air. Blow Back could also be be chained into a combo.
- Guard Attacks now does not take out any stocks to perform. Can be performed any time when guarding and pressing C+D. A little bit cheating if you ask me.
- Fall Breaker used to be A+B when touching the ground. Now any button is pressable.
- Throws are done with A+C. For a back throw, hold back and press simultaneously.
- The Max gauge is now back to one stock, and it charges really fast. Too bad no charging can be done manually.

Critical Counter
- When the Critical Counter bar is full, execute a counter attack using C or D. The animation begins with a focus zoom on the characters and then the player can continue by pressing a combination of buttons that he feels deserving.
- Filling the bar would take either time, getting hit, or by beating your opponent up. Sounds like an Ultra gauge. Hurm...
- At anytime, the Critical Counter moves can be any button pressed until a green glow is flashing on your character. that will signal the end of the Critical Counter barrage.
- Don't waste the opportunity, dish out a Super Special Move (We don't call it Desperation Moves anymore.) or continue the combo as you wish, just make it count!
- Critical Counter can also be paired with the Max gauge to bring out a more damaging Max move. At anytime during the Critical Counter hits, it is possible.

Deadlock (Sousai) System
- This is something similar to a Parry system introduced in Street Fighter 3. The difference is that you use moves to cancel out. Meaning, if a both of you press D for example, the deadlock motion will occur, giving only a small chip of damage.
- When a deadlock occurs, if both opponents does nothing, they will do a back step to give some room.
- A variety of commands can be inputted when a deadlock occurs. Any move from jumping to Super Special Move is possible.

That's the overview of the system implemented in KOF XII. The console versions are rumored to have K' and Mai Shiranui in them. Also, another rumor (with actual screenies) showcased Blue Mary to be an addition. Most weird to my own belief is how Shermie is back, considering the fact, that she should be after the events in KOF 97. We would know more in the coming months before July comes ringing. Til then, stay tuned!

Don't buy from this guy!

If the title caught your attention, it means that you are looking for the guy who you're not supposed to buy from. But actually, this article is about how I realised that gamers are also looking for arbitrage opportunities when it comes to games too.

If you don't understand what arbitrage is, read on. Before I went back to KL and did my business back home, I noticed that there was a guy in the forum I frequent who is telling the world that they should not buy from this particular person (lets call him Aminor). The reason here was because Aminor buys from different people, and then sells back the games at a higher price, perhaps by RM10 or RM20. In other words, the guy was pissed off because of how he feels that Aminor is actually cheating the people of their money.

Aminor is not doing so.

Arbitraging, if you noticed, is the act of looking for a mispricing on a product. It would mean that if you believe this certain item is wrongly priced, you can profit from it by buying it, and then perhaps selling it back at something that is of equal value. So, did Aminor did anything wrong? Of course not. He saw the opportunity and reacted. Apparently, people who believe that such act is wrong, is only saying so because they are jealous that Aminor can sell at a higher price and get what should have been the original seller's profit.

Arbitraging happens all the time. its a shame that certain people find themselves mislead by how the world really works and blame others for their inequity of being aware to what value a game can provide. So to sum it up, to the people who "think" they've been cheated, wake up and learn rather than making people think others are evil. You have much to learn.

A new Drunken Master: Movie Ideas

Just last year, we've been given a blessing in Martial Arts movies. Ip Man was released, and to raving reviews. Actually, as per title, I've been at this idea for a very long time. And I think it makes good sense that this idea comes back to us.

the last time I watched something recent on the Drunken Fist, is on The Forbidden Kingdom. And that was quite long already. Worst, that movie wasn't anywhere good except for Jet Li and Jackie Chan's fight scene. That's the only redeeming quality of the whole movie. So, why not bring in a new Drunken Fist martial movie while we're looking at it?

There are 2 ways I believe its possible, and there should be no interference from Hollywood. None whatsoever. To begin with, you can bring back something from the old days, and it is still possible. Audiences haven't gotten rusty from the old movie type genres, and Ip Man is a good example. So yeah, old props, old wine cups, Chinese clothings, all would still work.

Another way, is a new age version. In fact, there are many types of martial arts movies that can still be exploited and used for a new age setting. Perhaps a master stuck in a bar with no life attached to him and someone just eager to learn had just stumbled onto him. OK, bad way of screenplay over there, but there are many ways i believe this is possible. Movies such as Legendary Assassin can show that even at an old setting (I believe during the early 2000s) it is still possible to bring something new to this century.

So yes, there are various types and ways that new martial art movies can still be implemented, and there is a heaping supply of martial artists ready at disposable. So, movie industry, surprise us. Honestly. Bring something new while i daydream about the next Metal Musical featuring Jack Black again. Yes, I want a new one with Tenacious D in it. Thank you.

A matter of mispricing, or damn good deal?

Recently, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was just released. And that was 2 weeks ago. With that launch, reviews have been touting this game as no less than what GTA 4 has presented. And it has worked wonders too in sales (my side also). But weirdly, something has been bugging me a lot, and that is actually the price. So, at retail, my price is RM120. Elsewhere, it is sold at RM140 or RM145. So here's the question, is there a mispricing, or Rockstar just decided that this was a damn good deal?

Perhaps, we should analyze a few factors. For starters, the copies I'm selling, are made only for sale in ASIA. It can be seen at the back of the cover. So if we compare being sold in Asia, and being sold in the states, I think that we are getting an opportunity of a lifetime with the cheapness. Besides, its a GTA game at a ridiculous price of RM120, even if it is for the DS. At the states, it is true that the game is being sold at USD 40 (140 sumthing2 in Ringgit). So, we got upper hand here.

Another thing to gawk at is competing rival Square Enix are also selling their games at similar USD. But when it comes here, the price would be RM160, 20 bucks premium. So, what the hell happened here?

I am actually hoping that there is a similar trend going on later for DS gamers. Heck, even Wii gamers too. My recent copy of Guitar Hero Metallica for the Wii is at a killer RM166. Honestly, that is much cheaper than the copies you're getting from Play-Asia. If this is very similar to how cheap it is between a PS3 R1 and R3 region of a game, then I am praying my very best that this does come true, and in the end hopes to fuel more sales from gamers passionate in buying original titles. Honestly, this is a deal you can't miss.

12 Rounds: Movie Review

Wow, this was surprising. I never expected anything out of it, but this was a fun ride. I guess the promotion works when they say its from the director of Die Hard 2 and the producer of Speed. This got me shocked as it is a great movie to watch. Sadly, there's no value for a 2nd watch. That's the gripping part.

After Fisher (John Cena) caught Miles Jackson, one of the most wanted felonies in the world, life became hell for him after Miles caught up with him 1 year later. After kidnapping his girlfriend and bombing up their house, Fisher is forced to play a game called "12 Rounds" where he has to endure every single challenge if he wants to see Molly alive.

The plot pacing is intense. It does get you on your feet. The characters are also very likable and strong. Miles presents something similar to the Joker from the Dark Knight, but without the makeup. The supporting cast were also strong and the soundtrack moved things nicely. But there were scenes that were totally laugh out loud funny, and some that you would've expect from an old 90's flick. And like I said, once you've finished the movie, you've known everything and probably would just enjoy it for a one time deal. It is fun from start to finish, but once everything is shown, you'd probably wait for the next action movie to swing by. Good job Cena and crew!

The International: Movie Review

Wow. If only. If only Hollywood wouldn't come and mess things up, I'm pretty this is a great truth to be told. But sadly, I'm also pretty sure people would be bored out. this movie really relates a whole lot to me and what I stand for, and if you totally understand the whole context, you're left with something so grandeur that you'd try your best to get away from it.

The International Bank of Business and Credit is in charge of so many shady deals that its the biggest bank in the whole world to help with arms and munitions. Enter Louis Salinger, a man hell bent on taking the IBBC down. Along the way, twists continue to intertwine and make things a hell lot more worst.

The shots are subpar but the soundtrack is catchy. The plot however would bore people and the censorship can really just shove a foot up their arses. The action is ok though. But like I said, what really mesmerized me is how a reality is presented here. Yes, banks are evil. They don't deal with just arms and munitions. They do a whole lot more. The rest, is up to you to find out.

This movie is great if it got straight to the point on what this reality is about. Otherwise, it really is a miss.

Guitar Hero: Metallica: Xbox 360 Impressions

When it was first revealed as a teaser once you've finished Guitar Hero World Tour, fans were screaming. When the official trailer kicked in, it felt amazing looking at the band perform. And then the 360 demo is available, and gamers got the first little bits of pleasure they've been waiting for so long. This, is Guitar Hero: Metallica!

With that said, it's still Guitar Hero, but with 28 songs from Metallica, and 20 more from guest acts, this one feels meatier than the Aerosmith version. The HUD is tweaked a little bit, and looks nicer IMO. The font is also given a trashy feeling to it, perhaps a tribute to Metallica of some sort. Nothing changed from the World Tour formula, meaning the full band can still be played together with the full kit.

King diamond!!!!

What Activision wants to seperate with this experience is how they want to include Metallifacts. basically, its tidbits from Metallica previous outings like gigs, photos that would pop up during the song being played, although you won't be playing the note charts since you'd be too busy looking at the facts. Don't forget videos and probably music clips would be included and waiting to be unlocked.

Give it everything you've got!

Guest acts should keep you satisfied such as System of a Down (TOXICITY!!!), Alice in Chains, Diamond Head and so on. But what might be of concern to me is that the when playing the guitar, some notes that are missed can still be hit and goes on with a perfect note to it. Apparently, that is not addressed here. Either way, this game will be released on 29th March 2009. And I'm receiving mine next week. So hopefully this will make you all love the fact that with Metallica, Nothing Else Matters. :D

Want the Malay version out of this article, head over here!

Opting for Play-Asia instead? Head on over now!

Guitar Hero Metallica at Play-Asia!

KOF XII Release Date and JOY!: KOF XII News

I woke up to a huge surprise. My wishing of walking around my usual forum and reading posts got me into a very likely and almost certain surprise. Heading to Shoryuken.com, that site gave me a shock when Gamestop has actually given a release date for KOF XII on PS3 and 360. And it's 7th fricking, July, fricking, 2009. :P I am pumped, and it's a day one purchase even if there's no PS3 at my house yet, but I'll need to fork out cash. :P

Even more details came into 360 screens from some korean website. The screens show up close how smooth and almost just not pixelated. heck, I can't even see any jaggies on those character models, and those screens are also going to be final shots of the arcade release. Game Informer was also giving more tidbits and extras for the console version. I guess after picking up what Capcom did with it's SF4 release on the PS3 and 360, new characters will be available exclusive to the consoles. And both English and Japanese audio tracks will be available. So, it's no more strictly Japanese, but please don't release a J Pop tune that is English. I screamed in agony when I heard that from SF4. This will also be a first for KOF in 2D series to have English voiceover. The previous one was visible in KOF Maximum Impact 2 or 2006 for the PS2 and Xbox.

But the coolest to me so far is that Game Informer is also reporting that besides having the casual online matches, spectators can also hop in to watch a match (making tournament videos more accessible around the world) or even record it and post it online for others to see. Neat! Also cool is the addition of Online Team Battle. This would mean that 6 different players may control the fate of each time either winning or losing a match! What might be a problem is how the players from around the world would get to play. Hoping that latency and lag does not affect players and the match or a potential disconnect might just be a big problem. Online battles would also enable voice chat and a lobby for matchmaking purposes. Here's to hoping they do it better than SF4 and HD Remix.

So there, a mega update for me that is just great and juicy. I am just hyped learning new systems such as the Deadlock (where a punch meets a punch), Critical Counter (Counter your foe and string a new combo!) and Guard Attack (that same old attack that prevents cheap wins. :D). So, 7TH JULY 2009. Book that KOF XII FANS! :D

James Brown gets Rock Banded!: Game News

Get up!

So, the Godfather of Soul is getting Rock Banded! Yay! That's great really. His music is awesome no doubt, but, Rock Band, you'd ask why eyh?

Well, they had Snoop Dogg in it long ago, so, why wouldn't this be in this game? He's getting his own 3 song pack for 6 bucks and if you love his Soul style, you'd get it, and be that sex machine! :P

A Street Fighter History

IGN made an article about the history of Street Fighter about a month ago from now. I can't believe I missed it. So, to make sure no one else does, here goes that 8 page history that detailed from the beginning of the games roots, to its sequels, and to the latest Street Fighter 4. If you love fighting games, don't give this a miss.

I'm tempted to write about KOF's history, but that'll wait. :)