Capcom has announced the Special Collector’s Edition version of Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360 and PS3. It will release alongside the normal game on February 20, 2009, although it’s so far only been announced for Europe.
Along with the game itself, everything from the Special Collector’s Edition is snugly housed in a classic Street Fighter scene outer case!
The Street Fighter IV – Special Collector’s Edition includes:
* Limited edition figurines of all time favorite character Ryu and the all new character Crimson Viper, positioned within the familiar settings of the ‘crowded Chinese downtown’.
* A bonus disc containing a feature length HD quality anime movie, created specially for the launch of Street Fighter IV and a selection of the best game trailers to date.
* A mini strategy guide created in the style of a comic art book detailing the moves and biographies of four of the new characters to the series; Viper, Abel, El Fuerte and Rufus
* Exclusive downloadable game content
Gamers in the United States will not get both character figurines at the same time as in Europe. Rather, the Xbox 360 version will come with the Crimson Viper figurine (as well as the anime on DVD disc) and PS3 gamers will get the Ryu figurine (with the anime on Blu-ray disc).
Additionally, you can pre-order the game to snag a replica of Ryu’s headband.
Electronic Arts has announced Skate 2’s release date as January 21st, 2009. The game will be hitting for Xbox 360 and PS3 on that day and will land in Europe on January 23rd.
Skate 2 brings gamers to New San Vanelona, a city that’s been rebuilt after an unspeakable disaster five years ago. Equipped with double the bag of tricks, players are tasked to rebuild their career and revive the skate scene. Now with the ability to get off-board and move objects around, gamers can create their own epic spots and challenges which can then be uploaded, shared and experienced by others around the world.
Skate 2 features double the amount of tricks than there were in the original Skate, including footplants, crail slides, fingerflips, lip tricks, ollie norths and easier hippie flips. Skate 2 will also feature the choice of creating either a male or female character, rather than just male. You can also get off your board and run around the game’s various environments, including having the ability to jump. While on foot, players can move certain objects in the world, creating their own lines. Nearly 100 objects will be movable by the player.
Skate 2 will also offer an in-depth “Graphics Creator” which allows gamers to create customized graphics for their in-game decks and clothing.
And for those gamers who pre-order Skate 2, you’ll get a code to unlock a “Throwback Pack” that will allow you to access retro accessories, gestures and clothing.
Here’s a new story documentary for Skate 2, followed by the “Skate Reel” trailer.
In addition, there is an option to download a “Prince of Persia Pack” which will give you all four Prince of Persia games including Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones and the new Prince of Persia 4 for $65, which saves you about 15 bucks.
Steam also recently had a deal to get Half Life 1 for only 98 cents (because it came out in 1998, natch) in celebration of the game’s ten-year anniversary, although that deal has already expired.
But very smart of Steam to offer these deals. It makes the convenience of being able to simply download and play, plus a nice offer, hard to pass up.
Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon will be released for DS on November 18th, 2008. The game has officially gone gold, as announced by publisher Natsume, meaning it has been shipped to factories to be pressed in order for it’s release to stores.
Unlike the traditional farming RPG gameplay of Harvest Moon, the Rune Factory series goes into more of an action RPG direction while maintaining the farming aspects that long-time Harvest Moon fans love. The mixture tries to offer the best of both worlds to both fans and newcomers alike.
Rune Factory 2 is set several years after the first game. The evil Sechs Empire has been defeated, and the Kingdom of Norad is once again at peace. Things may not stay that way for long, however, as strange disturbances in the earth warn that a great evil is stirring. It’s up to player to uncover this new threat to the land and bring peace to the kingdom once more. Over the course of the story, players will build and develop a farm, befriend townspeople, raise monsters, take on quests, and find a wife.
In a first for the Rune Factory series, the story of Rune Factory 2 is multigenerational. Players begin the game as Kyle, a strange man who comes to Alvarna Village. Eventually, players will take on the role of Kyle’s child, opening up a whole new adventure. It’s an innovative feature that allows players to follow the story of their family and the townsfolk over two generations!
Gamers who pre-order Rune Factory 2 will be able to get their hands on an exclusive squirrel plushie while supplies last at GameStop and Amazon.com retailers.
“It is exciting to be just a few weeks away from delivering this highly anticipated title to gamers,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. “Rune Factory 2 offers easy-to-use menus, an all-new compelling storyline, and deep, involving gameplay. Fans and newcomers alike will be delighted with this all-new adventure.”
Each game is now available for pre-order online at both Amazon and GameStop as well as at other retailers like EB Games and Game Crazy. The goodies included for pre-ordering each game are an artbook and a soundtrack CD.
Read below for more details on each game and “Atlus Spoils” pre-order deals that come with it.
Persona 4
System: PlayStation 2
Pre-Order Price: $36.99 via Amazon
Release Date: December 9th, 2008
Persona 4 (full name: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4) is the latest game in Atlus long-running and dark Persona RPG series, the sixth game chronologically. The game takes place in a fictional countryside in Japan instead of the typical city environments that players are used to from past games. The game features a weather forecast system where events happen on “misty days” instead of using a “phase of the Moon” system.
Story: Shortly after an urban youth begins a year-long stay in the countryside town of Inaba, the rural town’s peace is shattered by a horrific murder that leaves no clues or suspects. As the lone incident develops into a series of bizarre crimes, he discovers that only he and his friends have the power to solve the baffling case, bring those responsible to justice, and restore harmony to his new home.
Key Features of Persona 4
* Balance your double life – Beyond intense battles, Persona fusion, and new weapon creation exists a normal high school life of friends, classes, and part-time jobs. The way you manage and integrate your activities within each day will determine how you progress through the game.
* Unprecedented team control – With a greater emphasis on developing bonds in the fight to solve the mysterious murders, strong friendships are key to your success. Directly control teammates in battle, earn greater party support for combat, and master individual Social Links to unlock your party’s true potential.
* Find the true ending – 60+ hours of gameplay thrusts you into a deep mystery where midnight television leads to serial killings. You must investigate murders, rescue those who can be rescued, and unmask the culprit behind it all—or risk being forever shrouded in the fog of doubt.
Eternal Poison
System: PlayStation 2
Pre-Order Price: $36.99 via Amazon
Release Date: November 11th, 2008
Story: Our world descended into chaos the day the demonic realm of Besek appeared. Creatures known as the Majin emerged, wreaking havoc and destroying our way of life. They captured the Princess of Valdia and imprisoned her in their lair. Now, brave adventurers throughout the land have set out to explore the Majin homeland. Some wish to rescue the princess; some seek fame and glory; some merely want revenge. However, there are those who look to harness the Majin’s dark powers, for it is rumored that deep within Besek lies the Eternal Poison, a legendary treasure able to make your deepest desires come true. Travel the paths of some of these adventurers, and as their tales unfold, you will discover the true meanings of romance, heroism, madness, despair, and betrayal.
* Walk the winding paths of five different parties as they journey deeper into hostile lands. With branching paths and optional encounters, you must chart each course carefully, for your choices will have a direct impact on the outcome of each tale.
* All demons can be exploited - even bosses - so every battle offers the intriguing choice of binding or killing your foes. Bound demons can be summoned to fight at your side or be sacrificed for money or new spells.
* Step into a twisted fairytale world of demons, black magic, and a quest for the ultimate treasure. The kidnapping of the Princess and the temptation of finding the Eternal Poison have drawn your heroes into a world full of dangerous traps, fiendish monsters, and unexpected villains. Discover a world that is as rich in beauty as it is in corruption.
Luminous Arc 2
System: Nintendo DS
Pre-Order Price: $39.99 via Amazon
Release Date: November 18th, 2008
Story: For most of the past four millennia, peace has reigned over the Kingdom of Carnava. “The Grand Kingdom” has flourished due to its close cooperation with the Witches of the Rev Magic Association and the ever-present usage of magic.
Unfortunately, the era of peace has come to an end. Fatima, the Shadow Frost Witch, broke from the Magic Association and has taken over Granend, the Forbidden Land, with the use of magic. This infighting, dubbed the “Witch Conflict,” has pushed Carnava to the brink of chaos. When the young squire Roland gains magnificent powers due to a chance encounter, Sophia, the Queen of Carnava, calls upon him to bring about an end to the discord.
* 30 chapters, 30+ hours of gameplay — The newest installment of the Luminous Arc story features new and returning characters, gorgeous visuals, multiple endings, and even more challenging strategy gameplay.
* Brand new content and enhancements — Sporting a more refined interface, rebalanced strategy features, responsive touch controls, and many more improvements, Luminous Arc 2 provides a gaming experience that builds upon the success of the original in every way.
* “Engagement” system — Connect with your Witch allies by Engaging with them to boost Roland’s stats and give him access to powerful combat skills.
* Take the battle online — Pit your strategic mettle over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection against strategy fans all across North America.
Too Human will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 in North America on August 19th and in Europe on August 29th, 2008. Pre-ordering Too Human at participating retailers will get you five exclusive sets of armor — one for each character class in the game. The armor will also have two open slots for customization using the games rune system.
See how the armor sets look in-game:
PS: Keep in mind no specific retailers are announced yet.
Pre-order R-Type Command at Amazon.com, GameStop, GameCrazy or EB Canada and you’ll receive an official model R-Type R-9A Arrowhead packaged with your order (providing you do not cancel your order.)
Publisher Atlus and the just mentioned stores say that the offer is good while supplies last, so if you’re a fan you might want to hurry. R-Type Command can only be pre-ordered for the bonus model until it’s release date on PSP in America and Canada on May 6th, 2008.
Included will be war propaganda postcards (featuring art from the game), a DVD with behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the game, concept art and gameplay videos, a 1931-1953 timeline poster (fictionalizing the alternate WWII events that lead to the game’s opening moments) and exclusive access codes to enhance the gameplay experience.
You can reserve your copy at participating retailers including GameStop, GameCrazy, Blockbuster (Game Rush) and other key outlets.
Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set in 1953 in the midst of an alternate reality where Nazi forces win World War II and opens as the Third Reich launches a decimating attack on New York. Nazi battleships quickly take the harbor, monstrous Zeppelins fill the skies, jet aircraft execute bombing runs and, as armed paratroopers descend on to the streets, the city is taken block by block. With New York falling to pieces, and Washington D.C. in enemy sights, it’s time to fight afresh in a new battleground.
Developed by Spark Unlimited, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty will deliver an explosive F.P.S. experience in a world where famous locations and landmarks appear startlingly different under Nazi occupation. Turning Point: Fall of Liberty also presents a very personal battle for players. As Dan Carson – a reluctant New York City construction worker turned freedom fighter – gamers must survive the initial invasion before regrouping with other resistance members to take the fight back to the Nazis. Always outmanned and outgunned, players must use guerrilla tactics as they attempt to stop the world’s most notorious war machine.
With Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath release date confirmed for March 24th, 2008, on PC and Xbox 360. The in-store pre-orders will start on December 26th, 2007. The PC expansion pack is priced at $30, while the Xbox 360 (stand-alone) version costs $40.
The official Electronic Arts website reveals the pre-order package is similar to what the special Kane Edition of Command & Conquer 3 included. Here are the first details on exactly what you will get for signing your allegiance to The Brotherhood of Nod by pre-ordering Kane’s Wrath.
The extras include:
* Exclusive Multiplayer Maps
* Exclusive Cinematic Trailer on DVD
* Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Documentary on DVD
* Exclusive Strategy Video on 5 New Maps on DVD
* Exclusive Blooper Reel on DVD
* Command & Conquer TV line-up on DVD
* Kane’s Wrath Collectors Box Artwork (see below)
Kane’s Wrath Collectors Box front and back (click pictures for full size art)
Capcom has announced the Special Collector’s Edition version of Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360 and PS3. It will release alongside the normal game on February 20, 2009, although it’s so far only been announced for Europe.
Gamers who pre-order Rune Factory 2 will be able to get their hands on an exclusive squirrel plushie while supplies last at GameStop and Amazon.com retailers.
