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The Week in Review news piece summarizes and highlights the most important gaming related news and rumors over the past week. This weekly article will keep you plugged in and in-tune. Judging by the overall lack of interesting news and rumors, it seems like the entire game industry had a four day week. Luckily, a few gaming tidbits did come to the surface. For instance, Square Enix divulged details surrounding the upcoming launch date and price point for Final Fantasy XIII in Japan. Headed to Japanese store shelves on December 17 th , the game’s standard version will retail for ¥8,000 (more than $80 USD). The launch of the blockbuster RPG will also be accompanied by a PS3 bundle, according to Kaz Hirai. No news yet on when localized versions will be sent out worldwide. Those of you who have already finished Batman: Arkham Asylum will be happy to know that free add-on content is coming to all platforms on September 17 th . Sonic fans were given a treat this week. SEGA launched a teaser site and 30 second video revealing that Sonic will return to his 2D roots. Originally assumed to be codenamed Needlemouse, due to a fansite devoted to bringing back the iconic hedgehog, this latest Sonic title will feature stunning HD graphics but remain restricted to just two dimensions. Little is known about what the gameplay will entail, but it is assumed that the devs will go completely classic with this offering. Furthermore, it is being speculated that the game will launch on all three major consoles – possibly via digital delivery for a very reasonable price point. The only real hard fact we have is that the game will be available in 2010. Perhaps the biggest bit of gossip this week has to do with Courtney Love’s Twitter rants against Activision. Apparently, the widow of Curt Cobain is incensed over the inclusion of Cobain’s likeness in Guitar Hero 5. In fact, she may initiate a suit against Activision. Love insists that she never gave permission for Activision to include the Cobain avatar, while Activision states that she most definitely did. Time will tell what comes of this saga. Heavenly Sword developer Ninja Theory has announced that they are partnering with Namco Bandai to produce its spiritual successor: Enslaved. You will take on the role of a survivor named Monkey in post-WWIV North America. After being picked up by slavers, you and a female character named Tripp have to make your way out of the ruins of New York to Tripp’s home. Despite being a loner, you’re compelled to help Tripp because a) she’s one of only a handful of females left on the continent, and b) she controls the explosive collar clamped around your neck. Despite two characters in-game, co-op play will not be an option. On the bright side, the game will be multiplatform. Next week should be a lot livelier, as speculation preceding the Tokyo Game Show (Sep. 24-27) should be abundant. Thanks so much everyone and we will see you next week! |