We just got done telling you about how Square Enix had launched a smartphone focus development studio dubbed Hippos Lab so it’s no secret that mobile platforms are very valuable entities. In fact, it seems that they are so valuable that Valve may be considering porting their Steam digital distribution service to mobile platforms such as Apple’s iOS.
News of this comes to us from a Steam forum member who suggests Valve co-founder Gabe Newell recently went on record during a company meeting as saying that they are considering expanding to the iOS and Android platforms. What they means exactly we aren’t sure but if we take a look at the Android platform we can see competing app stores such as the recently launched Android Appstore from Amazon so it’s definitely possible here but what about Apple? Unless you have a jailbroken device that is capable of installing unauthorized software there’s no way to get a competing app store on the platform so it would definitely be a stretch to get Steam onto the platform.
Either or, this has yet to be officially confirmed so we’re going to have to wait and see how it unfolds.
There are many different fighting games on the market with titles like Street Fighter IV and Tekken 6 ruling the airwaves. However, if you’re looking for something a whol elot crazier than either of these two titles and a lot more Japanese than Marvel vs. Capcom you should definitely check out BlazBlue. Made by the guys behind the Guilty Gear franchise, BlazBlue has already seen several different releases and is ready to make the jump to the portable market.
In fact, it was just made known today that BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 is coming to both the Ninendo 3DS and PSP. Unfortunately, there was no mention of a North American release instead with the press release suggesting it is currently only confirmed for Europe.
While there are legions of gamers who swear by their hardcore first person shooters including Call of Duty and Halo, there is a highly dedicated community mashing buttons, accruing carpal tunnel and kicking ass in the various fighting games. Leading th pack are franchises like Street Fighter and Tekken. While Tekken 6 is the latest installment of the Tekken series, Street Figher has amassed not one, but 3 different versions of the latest Street Fighter IV.
Released here in the US on April 27th, 2010 Super Street Fighter IV expanded on the original title adding a whole slew of new characters, extra moves and a boat load of new maps. However, past that, is Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition. This new and improved title includes Street Fighter III characters Yun and Yang in addition to Evil Ryu and Oni as secret bosses. Of course, Capcom also was nice enough to throw in some new EX moves.
Unfortunately, if you were thinking you’d be able to get your hands on the game outside of an arcade it seems that you’re going to be disappointed. Super Street Fighter IV producer Yoshinori Ono recently sat down with Japanese gaming mag Famitsu to say that there are no plans to port to game to home consoles. This is quite unfortunate for hardcore Street Fighter Fans who don’t have access to an arcade.
Perhaps this will change in the future – we’ll keep you posted.
Usually, Capcom develops games on console platforms, and later ports them to the PC months later. This is one of the attributing factors of the recent downfall of PC gaming.
In an interview with VG247, Capcom’s Christian Svensson revealed that there are a few development teams teams that are working on a few “PC-lead” projects. This means that the games’ development is focused around the PC. Of course, the games will be be ported over to consoles in time.
Svensson did not reveal any information about the projects, but it’s good to know that there are at least a few companies out there who still want to keep PC gaming alive.
Sony Computer Entertainment has announced today that they will be porting the first two games in their God of War series to the PlayStation 3, dubbed as God of War Collection. The compilation will feature reworked 720p versions of the game, offered on a Blu-Ray disc.
“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”
God of War Collection is scheduled for a holiday season release. As for the forthcoming third entry in the series, God of War III, will be making its debut March 2010.
The recent record June quarter results announced today by THQ have lead the publishers to expand their UFC franchise to other consoles. The financial success of last month was primarily driven by UFC: Undisputed, so it’s no question that it would be in the best interest to release the game for the Wii and handheld systems, which have been dominating the market lately.
No word on a date for the Wii version, or specifics on which handheld platforms will be developed for.
Along with the port, THQ also announced that the series will become an annual franchise, meaning a new game for the series will be released every year, with new gameplay features and modes. Hopefully the game will not turn into another Madden.
Early this month we let you know that Capcom was gearing up to launch an iPhone/iPod touch port of their popular Resident Evil 4 title. Well, the day has come as the game has officially been spotted on the App Store for $7.99.
Despite its somewhat high price (for an app, anyways) this game is sure to be a hit because well, it is Resident Evil 4 after all, right?
After all the teasing by LucasArts, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition has finally hit the App Store today. This means you can download the game for both the iPhone and iPod Touch.
According to the publisher, the portable version has the same improvements as the Xbox Live and PC versions of the game, including new visuals, voice acting, etc. I’m sure that there will be a few minor differences between the ports, seeing as the iPhone OS capability isn’t as powerful as its counterparts, but it’s still the game we all love.
Featured in the above video is what looks to be an iPhone port of the popular Source-based puzzler, Portal. As you can see, the controls look a bit difficult to master but the same could be said for many other iPhone titles on the market.
While the above video may be fake, the iPhone (especially with the 3GS’ updated processor) could definitely handle the graphics rendering said video features.
I for one would love to give this game a go, let’s hope Valve makes note of this and considers an iPhone port.
Speaking with VideoGamer, producer Ryota Niitsuma revealed that Capcom has no plans in bringing Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars to the Xbox 360 or PS3. However, a sequel is possible if the game performs well in the western market.
“…the game is optimized for the Wii system, especially the graphics features,” Niitsuma explained. “So if we were to port it to PS3 or Xbox 360 we would have to make the game from scratch, and in that case we might as well just make a sequel of the series on those consoles rather than porting it.”
Tatsuonoko vs. Capcom has been out in Japan since December, but will be reaching North American shores this winter for the Wii. As for Europe, no release date has been given.
Usually, Capcom develops games on console platforms, and later ports them to the PC months later. This is one of the attributing factors of the recent downfall of PC gaming.
